Choosing between Bubble King and Bubble Magus mini skimmer

[trilinearmipmap]

I was looking at either a Mini Bubble King 180 or 200 or else the equivalent Bubble Magus skimmer for my 120.

The only difference I can see is the pump, Red Dragon on the Bubble King vs. Aquabee on the Bubble Magus.

Any thoughts on this?

[FitoPharmer]

i would go with the bubble king, i have heard awesome things about them. i don't really like the look of the Bubble Magus. they don't show a picture of exactly how the collection cup attaches and detaches, and i find that's one part of skimmers i care about the most.

[Der_Iron_Chef]

The Aquabee pumps are high quality, IME. Deltec uses them on some of their skimmers, and I've been very impressed.

[sphelps]

I wouldn't waist the money on a Bubble Magus, just a cheap knock-off that won't be around for long. Look at the Bubble Master for example, a very good skimmer at the time with great reviews, then pumps start to fail after a year and replacement parts are next to impossible to get as the product line has been dropped by distributors. Now most people wouldn't even consider the BM but the bubble kings stay strong, they aren't going anywhere and the craftsmanship and quality is second to none.

[Chin_Lee]

Originally Posted by sphelps

I wouldn't waist the money on a Bubble Magus, just a cheap knock-off that won't be around for long. Look at the Bubble Master for example, a very good skimmer at the time with great reviews, then pumps start to fail after a year and replacement parts are next to impossible to get as the product line has been dropped by distributors. Now most people wouldn't even consider the BM but the bubble kings stay strong, they aren't going anywhere and the craftsmanship and quality is second to none.

Sphelps
Can you elaborate how you formed the basis of your analysis? Have you had the opportunity to inspect a Magus product in person?

I've seen and inspected the 160 Bubble Magus in person and I strongly disagree with you on this.
Firstly the pump is one of higher quality made in Germany and one of the more reliable pumps in the market. Its dead quiet and its also being used by Deltec whose skimmers' pumps have not failed after a year. I stood in front of this skimmer and I could not tell when it was turned on and turned off.

Secondly, the acrylic joints on these skimmers are very well done. Solid seams in groved joints without any bubbles.

Thirdly, the thickness of the 6" body acrylic is thicker than the acrylic on the 8" Euroreef RS250.

I was highly skeptical in the Magus's quality and construction until I had the opportunity to inspect one - obviously it changed my opinion drastically.

NOW if money is of no concern, I would definitely get the Bubble King. Why buy a Toyota when I can buy a Lexus? But if I cannot afford a Lexus, I would not hesitate to get a Toyota...... I mean Bubble Magus.

[seanoman]

I have never used or seen a Bubble Magus, but I currently have a Bubble King 300 and absolutely love it. They also are dead quiet and pull out so much skimmate, it's unreal. I would never go back to any other skimmer again after purchasing this Bubble King.

As stated above, the price point is higher on these, which made me second guess before I purchased it, but after forking out all that money I am very satisfied with every last penny I put in to it.

[sphelps]

Originally Posted by Chin_Lee

NOW if money is of no concern, I would definitely get the Bubble King. Why buy a Toyota when I can buy a Lexus? But if I cannot afford a Lexus, I would not hesitate to get a Toyota...... I mean Bubble Magus.

I haven't actually had the chance to inspect the skimmer myself but have you seen a BK, the collection cup lid weighs close to 5 lbs by itself, I really can't see it being of the same quality, either way that was not really my point. I was simply stating that things aren't always what they seem and price always reflects quality. The Bubble Masters had similar reviews and yes the Magus could very well be better but since they are still new to the market you really don't know how the product will perform over time and how the company will stand behind the product if at all. Reputation has to be earned and the Magus as it stands has very little while the King is still King. In the end it's what everyone wants anyways.

Oh and the Toyota and Lexus comparison, way off, unless Royal Exclusive makes the Magus as a cheaper alternative. It's closer to Honda and Hyundai, in which case, like most people, I'll take the Honda.

[Skimmerking]

Originally Posted by sphelps

I wouldn't waist the money on a Bubble Magus, just a cheap knock-off that won't be around for long. Look at the Bubble Master for example, a very good skimmer at the time with great reviews, then pumps start to fail after a year and replacement parts are next to impossible to get as the product line has been dropped by distributors. Now most people wouldn't even consider the BM but the bubble kings stay strong, they aren't going anywhere and the craftsmanship and quality is second to none.

Actually Steve I love my Bubble Master and yes its a great skimmer, I actually found a place near by to purchase the Sicce Pumps 130 each for the pump and you also get the needle wheel and the Mesh Wheel installed for 130 dollars

[Psyire]

Update your your bubble king, geeluk?