Choosing between Bubble King and Bubble Magus mini skimmer

Der_Iron_Chef · #1 10-14-2008, 05:47 PM

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

sphelps · #2 10-14-2008, 06:50 PM

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 · #3 10-14-2008, 08:30 PM

Quote:

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 · #4 10-14-2008, 08:53 PM

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.

Sebae again · #5 10-14-2008, 09:11 PM

I like Chin's response. Openminded ,thorough and backed up by what he has seen.

Delphinus · #6 10-14-2008, 09:48 PM

Where does one even buy a Bubble Magus, I only see them on ebay and only see 220V versions of the pump? (although I'm only checking ebay.ca not ebay.com)

Chowder · #7 10-14-2008, 10:02 PM

www.bubble-magus.com

Sorry link doesn't work anymore

sphelps · #8 10-15-2008, 04:27 AM

Quote:

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.

trilinearmipmap · #9 10-15-2008, 04:41 AM

OK I have read lots of threads about this and I am inclined to get the Bubble King Mini 180. It costs about three times as much however the advantages seem to be better pump as well as local support (both dealer and distributor are local) and less headache/tweaking factor.

However from everything I have read if I were on a tighter budget I would definitely get the Bubble Magus.

sphelps · #10 10-15-2008, 04:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sphelps

It's closer to Honda and Hyundai, in which case, like most people, I'll take the Honda.

I take that back, it's not even close. The aqua-bee pump is comparable to ehiem at best not even close to the red dragon which has a custom housing and stand, titanium shaft, and lifetime bearing warranty. Just look at the airflow specs and power consumption. The Magus is probably comparable to a Euro Reef or Deltec not Bubble King.