Choosing between Bubble King and Bubble Magus mini skimmer

sphelps · #1 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 · #2 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 · #3 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.

Aquattro · #4 10-15-2008, 04:53 AM

Quite honestly, I've seen a BK mini in action, and I'd rather spend my money on beer. I bought a used Euroreef CS8-3 for $300ish and love it. It skims great, and IMO, better than the BK mini.
Of course, the BK might be a better tax write off for a business and/or for really short stands, but I'll use my extra money for frags.

Pescador · #5 10-15-2008, 02:20 PM

Tony,
These guys I bought my wavebox from in Singapore sell the Bubble Magus. Super fast shipping and there was no duty or taxes.
http://www.fish-street.com/cart/bubble_magus_1

trilinearmipmap · #6 10-15-2008, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pescador

Tony,
These guys I bought my wavebox from in Singapore sell the Bubble Magus. Super fast shipping and there was no duty or taxes.
http://www.fish-street.com/cart/bubble_magus_1

As I understand, if you want the North American voltage pumps you need to buy from NuOcean, ordering from Singapore gets you a 220V pump.

Pescador · #7 10-15-2008, 03:18 PM

I've sent them an email to double check, but you can buy it with no pump.

Delphinus · #8 10-15-2008, 04:19 PM

Wouldn't this issue have come up with the wavebox you ordered, Brian? Or were they able to set you up with 110V pumps?

ReefJunkie · #9 10-15-2008, 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trilinearmipmap

As I understand, if you want the North American voltage pumps you need to buy from NuOcean, ordering from Singapore gets you a 220V pump.

Fish-street also has 110v pumps available for an extra 7 or 8 bucks, and with some versions the pumps are optional. I have ordered the bm100 and it should be here in a few days.....my searches for reviews on these skimmers (from people that actually have them) have been pretty positive so far. Of course no long term reviews yet. I will post my experience with this unit once I get the new tank going.

Chin_Lee · #10 10-16-2008, 04:39 AM

Alright i've had the chance to take apart and inspect a BK mini 180 and I will say that this this is built like a rock. Very well built and also very quiet - I had to take a look to see if bubbles were actually being made. I have it skimming in vinegar right now to clean it and it can definitely make lots of bubbles!!! Very much in a league of its own in terms of construction and price; really should not be put into a comparison category with the Magus. If I had a budget of $1000-$2000 for a skimmer, I would choose a BK. If my budget was $200-300, i would probably choose a Magus.