Ok It's BUBBLE KING REVIEW

[lastlight]

These need to run in-sump. I don't understand why anyone would build a sump compartment for a skimmer in such a way that the level would fluctuate. We're talking about a single baffle here...

[Pan]

Originally Posted by lastlight

These need to run in-sump. I don't understand why anyone would build a sump compartment for a skimmer in such a way that the level would fluctuate. We're talking about a single baffle here...

[Skimmerking]

OK ITS GOING TO BE A REEF FLO 200 OR a BK MINI 200

[sphelps]

Hey Mike not sure it this is helpful but with your size tank I would spring for a SM 200 or 250 if you're going with a BK, I really don't think the mini will match the performance of your BM250. If you don't spring for it this time I can see you selling the mini a few months down the road and buying a SM anyway, might as well do it now

[StirCrazy]

you could also look at the vertex skimmer, getting good reviews and real afordable.

I can't see the logic on spending $1229 on something when you can get the same results for $355, or if you have the room to put a 30" tall skimmer ytou can get the biggest vertex at 400. which is rated to 250 gal tank

Steve

[sphelps]

Originally Posted by StirCrazy

you could also look at the vertex skimmer, getting good reviews and real afordable.

I can't see the logic on spending $1229 on something when you can get the same results for $355, or if you have the room to put a 30" tall skimmer ytou can get the biggest vertex at 400. which is rated to 250 gal tank

Steve

The vertex is Proline's answer to their issue with euro reef, it's the exact same skimmer except they added a diffuser chamber which was a good addition. However the collection cup attaches by a gland seal o-ring which makes removing the collection cup a real PITA and a recipe for skimmate spill. If you're looking for a good skimmer in a $400 budget it's a good choice but I wouldn't go any further.

I used a Euro Reef 180 in my tank for a few weeks while I waited for my BK, it was like I didn't even have a skimmer and barely pulled anything, when I hooked up the BK it was like I never even had a skimmer before, cleaned the tank up real fast. I know Mike's tried a few skimmers on his tank and it seems he's ready for something a little more reliable, constant and effective.

You guy's can trash talk BKs all you want but you get what you pay for. I would bet with all the money Mike's invested in skimmers he could have bought two BKs by now

[Skimmerking]

OH yes if you only knew how much that I have spent time for a change... Steve are you home now i dont have your Work number.

Originally Posted by sphelps

The vertex is Proline's answer to their issue with euro reef, it's the exact same skimmer except they added a diffuser chamber which was a good addition. However the collection cup attaches by a gland seal o-ring which makes removing the collection cup a real PITA and a recipe for skimmate spill. If you're looking for a good skimmer in a $400 budget it's a good choice but I wouldn't go any further.

I used a Euro Reef 180 in my tank for a few weeks while I waited for my BK, it was like I didn't even have a skimmer and barely pulled anything, when I hooked up the BK it was like I never even had a skimmer before, cleaned the tank up real fast. I know Mike's tried a few skimmers on his tank and it seems he's ready for something a little more reliable, constant and effective.

You guy's can trash talk BKs all you want but you get what you pay for. I would bet with all the money Mike's invested in skimmers he could have bought two BKs by now

[Doug]

Originally Posted by sphelps

I would bet with all the money Mike's invested in skimmers he could have bought two BKs by now

I dont think he,s alone there.

[Pan]

Originally Posted by sphelps

The vertex is Proline's answer to their issue with euro reef, it's the exact same skimmer except they added a diffuser chamber which was a good addition. However the collection cup attaches by a gland seal o-ring which makes removing the collection cup a real PITA and a recipe for skimmate spill. If you're looking for a good skimmer in a $400 budget it's a good choice but I wouldn't go any further.

I used a Euro Reef 180 in my tank for a few weeks while I waited for my BK, it was like I didn't even have a skimmer and barely pulled anything, when I hooked up the BK it was like I never even had a skimmer before, cleaned the tank up real fast. I know Mike's tried a few skimmers on his tank and it seems he's ready for something a little more reliable, constant and effective.

You guy's can trash talk BKs all you want but you get what you pay for. I would bet with all the money Mike's invested in skimmers he could have bought two BKs by now

Trash Talk? When i read of so many people saying that their skimmer is built really well but performs comparable to cheaper skimmers, i'm sorry but image means nothing to me, i think everyone said they perform well, just not as well as the price would seem to dictate. If he has the money to burn, and doesn't want cheaper alternatives, then by all means go for it. We've all bought equipment that should have lived up to the hype and didn't and equipment that was supposed crap and performed excellently, I for one have seen the same euro-reef skimmers pull completely diff. amounts of gunk...why i don't know...i think all this equipment is somewhat like that I think the ATI Bubblemaster was a good skimmer as well, the company behind it however

[StirCrazy]

Originally Posted by sphelps

The vertex is Proline's answer to their issue with euro reef, it's the exact same skimmer except they added a diffuser chamber which was a good addition. However the collection cup attaches by a gland seal o-ring which makes removing the collection cup a real PITA and a recipe for skimmate spill. If you're looking for a good skimmer in a $400 budget it's a good choice but I wouldn't go any further.

I have a vertex and I think the "o" ring is the best thing sence sliced bread. real easy to remove and reinstall, less chance of spillage that twist off tops.

there is a lot more to the Vertex than just a bubble chamber and the "O" ring cup system, take a good look at one, better pump, different entrance high for the pump discharge and a few other little tweaks. I know the bubble king is a good skimmer, but I don't think it is enough of a differance to justify 850.00 more. needle wheel pumps are great, after having becket and venturi, both of which would make just as good of bubble as any needlewheel skimmer out there, I will never go back. the best thing about needle wheel in my opinion is the lack of maintance of the bubble producer.

I have got as far as to rething the custom skimmer I am building for my big tank I am setting up when I retire next year, to change it from dual venturi to duel or (maybe 3) good needle wheel pumps as I figure this skimmer will handle 600 gal easy.

If you want to see a knock off of the euroreef look at Pacific coast skimmers, the Vertex only uses the body in common, everything else is different.

Steve