Bubble King Skimmer Club

[slief]

Hello, does anyone know if the BK mini 160 can fit in the skimmer section on the Trigger Systems Emerald 26? Thanks.

According to the specs here, the trigger systems Emerald 26 has a skimmer section that is: 8.25″ x 10″


The Mini 160 has a footprint of: 9.44" x 9.05".. Based on that, I don't think it would fit. That's a pretty small skimmer space.

Here is the spec sheet for the Mini 160.
http://royalexclusiv.net/images/content/mbk/eng/mbk_160_eng.pdf

 

[Mjm376bh]

Good day everyone and thanks for all the wonderful information here! I'm new to the hobby and also a very new owner of a BK Double Cone 130 - what an amazing product!

Question I have: every time I shut down the skimmer to empty the cup, I have to do a couple of restarts. On the first restart, the pump doesn't have full power. A second restart gets it back to full power and then it works with no problems until the next time I have to shut down the skimmer. Any thoughts?

The skimmer is plugged into the Apex power bar.

Thank you!

 

[slief]

Good day everyone and thanks for all the wonderful information here! I'm new to the hobby and also a very new owner of a BK Double Cone 130 - what an amazing product!

Question I have: every time I shut down the skimmer to empty the cup, I have to do a couple of restarts. On the first restart, the pump doesn't have full power. A second restart gets it back to full power and then it works with no problems until the next time I have to shut down the skimmer. Any thoughts?

The skimmer is plugged into the Apex power bar.

Thank you!

Glad you found the Bubble King forum here at RC as I don't monitor this thread as closely as I should since it's in a sub forum.

Per your question in the Bubble King forum, one of two things would be your issue. You either need to take the pump apart and completely clean it by soaking the block and impeller in vinegar. Calcium could be building up inside the block which would cause friction where the impeller shaft goes into the bearing inside the block. The 2nd possibility would be that there is water in the venturi line which would make it seem that the pump isn't running at full speed. An easy way to test and clean that issue without restarting the pump would be to place a finger over the air intake on the silencer when you first start the pump up. Then release it after a few seconds. That will clear any water from the line. if you skimmer is in more than 7" of water, this is the likely cause. Also, if you do nothing and let the pump run for a few minutes, the water will clear itself. It can be compounded by salt creep in the venturi inlet on the pumps nozzle. As such, it's wise to remove the nozzle from the block and inspect the venturi intake nipple and clear out any salt that is crusted up in there. I use a tooth pick to do that.

 

[VJV]

Hi, I have a 760 liter (200 gallon) system with a moderate fish load (currently 11, planning to end around 16). The system includes a 100 liter refugium. I was wondering if the BK double cone 200 would be enough (they do advertise it for up to 1000 liters) and if the RD3 speedy upgrade is really worth it (is it that much more quite?)

Many thanks


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[slief]

Hi, I have a 760 liter (200 gallon) system with a moderate fish load (currently 11, planning to end around 16). The system includes a 100 liter refugium. I was wondering if the BK double cone 200 would be enough (they do advertise it for up to 1000 liters) and if the RD3 speedy upgrade is really worth it (is it that much more quite?)

Many thanks


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The Double Cone 200 would be perfect fine for you size display. The RD3 makes fine tuning much easier and is dead silent. It's also more efficient since the optimal setting for that skimmer will be between 28 and 32 watts.

 

[VJV]

The Double Cone 200 would be perfect fine for you size display. The RD3 makes fine tuning much easier and is dead silent. It's also more efficient since the optimal setting for that skimmer will be between 28 and 32 watts.

Thanks! I guess my question would be if you believe the 180 would be enough. By the way, I also found the Royal Exclusive Forum and posted on that one as well, with a bit more detail regarding fish load.





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[slief]

Thanks! I guess my question would be if you believe the 180 would be enough. By the way, I also found the Royal Exclusive Forum and posted on that one as well, with a bit more detail regarding fish load.





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As I said in the other thread, I would suggest the 200. The 180 is marginally too small. While it will work, you would be pushing the limits of it if you plan on increasing your load or feeding. The 200 would allow you room to grow your load.

 

[VJV]

Understood. Thanks!


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[tenurepro]

Hi All - I managed to pick up a BK mini 160, gen 2 from a fellow reefer who was taking apart his tank. It skims really well - much better than the bubble magus curve a5 that it replaced. My only issue is - it is the loudest thing in my tank right now. The BM was nearly silent. Not sure if the operational sound from the bubble king is normal, or if there is something wrong with the impeller. The sound is an obvious 'hum'. not the sound of metal on metal. i replaced the pump body and bearing, but the impeller looked good so i didn't' replace it. After placing it on a silicone pad to dampen noise, i am reading 67 db right up to the skimmer between skimmer head and skimmer body; is that normal?

If you have a bk mini 160, i would HIGHLY appreciate it if you can take a decibel meter (or an app - decibel 10th is what i use) and take a measurement for me (right up to where the cup sits on the skimmer body).

Thanks in advance!

 

[Galizio]

Hi All - I managed to pick up a BK mini 160, gen 2 from a fellow reefer who was taking apart his tank. It skims really well - much better than the bubble magus curve a5 that it replaced. My only issue is - it is the loudest thing in my tank right now. The BM was nearly silent. Not sure if the operational sound from the bubble king is normal, or if there is something wrong with the impeller. The sound is an obvious 'hum'. not the sound of metal on metal. i replaced the pump body and bearing, but the impeller looked good so i didn't' replace it. After placing it on a silicone pad to dampen noise, i am reading 67 db right up to the skimmer between skimmer head and skimmer body; is that normal?

If you have a bk mini 160, i would HIGHLY appreciate it if you can take a decibel meter (or an app - decibel 10th is what i use) and take a measurement for me (right up to where the cup sits on the skimmer body).

Thanks in advance!

I just got an used bk180 off a fellow reefer, use to have a RE alpha cone 200, have to say the bk is way louder than the alpha, the motor block got replace with a brand new Laguna . Never owned a bk before and honestly I hear people always say that they are quiet... anyways sounds loud to me, the same app you use showed me 59-60 db.


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[tenurepro]

Thanks! close enough... maybe other things in my sump vibrating and adding a few more db's

 

[Galizio]

I'm going to try silicone trivet


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[slief]

I just got an used bk180 off a fellow reefer, use to have a RE alpha cone 200, have to say the bk is way louder than the alpha, the motor block got replace with a brand new Laguna . Never owned a bk before and honestly I hear people always say that they are quiet... anyways sounds loud to me, the same app you use showed me 59-60 db.


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You indicated the block was replaced with a Laguna. was this on the MBK 180? It's possible that when it was glued down to the base, it wasn't glued down flush with the bottom which could be causing the nozzle to have too much contact with the skimmer body. When we ship replacement blocks, they are bonded to a new base. The only way to swap the block in your case would have been to pry the original block off the original base before gluing the Laguna block to it. Also, nut sure what Laguna block was used in your 180 but the MBK 180's ship with a RD1000. If they used a Laguna 1500 or 1350. the impeller would be spinning at a higher rate of speed than it was designed to. This could cause vibration as could the bearing if it's not seated properly or if the end of the impeller is worn.

I would suggest taking the skimmer complete apart and disassembling the pump. Remove the impeller and the bearing and inspect everything. Check the end of the impeller shaft for build up and or abnormal wear. Make sure it's nice and smooth. The only thing that kills the pumps is improper maintenance which can lead to the damage to the impeller shaft where it goes into the bearing at the base of the magnet cavity.
Take a look at the thread below regarding maintenance on these pumps. Post 2 shows the bearing and how to remove and install it.
www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2573406

One other thing. If this skimmer was just setup, it will quiet down once it breaks in but I would still go through everything just to be certain it's all clean inside the pump and assembled properly. .

 

[Galizio]

You indicated the block was replaced with a Laguna. was this on the MBK 180? It's possible that when it was glued down to the base, it wasn't glued down flush with the bottom which could be causing the nozzle to have too much contact with the skimmer body. When we ship replacement blocks, they are bonded to a new base. The only way to swap the block in your case would have been to pry the original block off the original base before gluing the Laguna block to it. Also, nut sure what Laguna block was used in your 180 but the MBK 180's ship with a RD1000. If they used a Laguna 1500 or 1350. the impeller would be spinning at a higher rate of speed than it was designed to. This could cause vibration as could the bearing if it's not seated properly or if the end of the impeller is worn.



I would suggest taking the skimmer complete apart and disassembling the pump. Remove the impeller and the bearing and inspect everything. Check the end of the impeller shaft for build up and or abnormal wear. Make sure it's nice and smooth. The only thing that kills the pumps is improper maintenance which can lead to the damage to the impeller shaft where it goes into the bearing at the base of the magnet cavity.

Take a look at the thread below regarding maintenance on these pumps. Post 2 shows the bearing and how to remove and install it.

www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2573406



One other thing. If this skimmer was just setup, it will quiet down once it breaks in but I would still go through everything just to be certain it's all clean inside the pump and assembled properly. .

Thank you skied for your reply, yes the Laguna is in the MBk 180. The motor block I'm pretty sure is a 1350, I can check when home...
if it is what do you suggest to do, I can probably get a bigger impeller.
The motor block was replaced by the previous owner, that probably didn't know much about it, so if I can figure it out with the help of you expert be great. As I said never had a bk mini before, so I'm not familiar with the unit...
Thank you


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[slief]

Thank you skied for your reply, yes the Laguna is in the MBk 180. The motor block I'm pretty sure is a 1350, I can check when home...
if it is what do you suggest to do, I can probably get a bigger impeller.
The motor block was replaced by the previous owner, that probably didn't know much about it, so if I can figure it out with the help of you expert be great. As I said never had a bk mini before, so I'm not familiar with the unit...
Thank you


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You can't change the impeller because it's matched to the volute/pump cover and the skimmer. The skimmer will work with the more powerful block but it isn't necessarily ideal as these skimmers are designed with certain flow rates in mind. In the future we do sell the correct block with base for these skimmers. In the mean time, I would suggest going through the pump and skimmer as mentioned above. These are great skimmer and are set it and forget. They are made of very thick material and as you have probably noticed are very heavy. They are also very quiet once the skimmer gets some breakin time. This assuming it's assembled properly. :thumbsup:

Here is a link to the manual for that skimmer too.

 

[tenurepro]

You indicated the block was replaced with a Laguna. was this on the MBK 180? It's possible that when it was glued down to the base, it wasn't glued down flush with the bottom which could be causing the nozzle to have too much contact with the skimmer body. When we ship replacement blocks, they are bonded to a new base. The only way to swap the block in your case would have been to pry the original block off the original base before gluing the Laguna block to it. Also, nut sure what Laguna block was used in your 180 but the MBK 180's ship with a RD1000. If they used a Laguna 1500 or 1350. the impeller would be spinning at a higher rate of speed than it was designed to. This could cause vibration as could the bearing if it's not seated properly or if the end of the impeller is worn.



I would suggest taking the skimmer complete apart and disassembling the pump. Remove the impeller and the bearing and inspect everything. Check the end of the impeller shaft for build up and or abnormal wear. Make sure it's nice and smooth. The only thing that kills the pumps is improper maintenance which can lead to the damage to the impeller shaft where it goes into the bearing at the base of the magnet cavity.

Take a look at the thread below regarding maintenance on these pumps. Post 2 shows the bearing and how to remove and install it.

www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2573406



One other thing. If this skimmer was just setup, it will quiet down once it breaks in but I would still go through everything just to be certain it's all clean inside the pump and assembled properly. .

Hi Slief - are there benchmark decibel levels for the MBK 160 and 180? Do you think 60 to 70 db is normal?


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[slief]

Hi Slief - are there benchmark decibel levels for the MBK 160 and 180? Do you think 60 to 70 db is normal?


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No bench mark dB's. Having a MBK160 on one of my tanks and knowing others with them, I can tell you they are normally pretty much silent once they break in.

I forgot the link to the manual in my last post.
Here it is.
http://royalexclusiv.net/images/content/mbk/eng/mbk_operating_maintenance_eng.pdf

 

[slief]

Hi Slief - are there benchmark decibel levels for the MBK 160 and 180? Do you think 60 to 70 db is normal?


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One other thing. Does the pump head have a little black John Guest fitting on the side of it that would accommodate some tubing? I ask because the more recent Mini Bubble King 180's had what is known as an AKB which sends water from the pump head to the back side of the block. If the pump head has that fitting, you would really need the correct block. The block you would find in a Laguna would not include the reciprocal fitting on the back of the block to connect the AKB tube.

If you look at this picture below, you can see the AKB tubing and where it comes out of the side of the pump head.

 

[tenurepro]

No bench mark dB's. Having a MBK160 on one of my tanks and knowing others with them, I can tell you they are normally pretty much silent once they break in.

I forgot the link to the manual in my last post.
Here it is.
http://royalexclusiv.net/images/content/mbk/eng/mbk_operating_maintenance_eng.pdf

Thanks! Because noise perception is relative, I would highly appreciate a db measurement from your MBK160... mine is far from silent. Been running for 3 weeks now and I am scratching my head about why it is 67 db loud.


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[slief]

Thanks! Because noise perception is relative, I would highly appreciate a db measurement from your MBK160... mine is far from silent. Been running for 3 weeks now and I am scratching my head about why it is 67 db loud.


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I don't have a dB meter and it would also require shutting of pumps which would cause the skimmer to overflow.

That said, I would strongly suggest you take the pump fully apart and make sure it's clean inside and out. Inspect the bearing and reassemble it properly. Also, knowing that the original owner pried the block off the base and installed a different block, it could be misaligned. Still, take the steps I have suggested above. These skimmers are normally very quiet but given the circumstances of your skimmer, it could be one of a few things causing the noise you are hearing and trial and error will be your best bet. Also make sure the rubber feet are on the bottom of the skimmer. If they aren't, that could cause noise. Make sure the bubble plate is centered in the body and not off to one side so that it could be touching the inside of the body. You can see the bubble plate in the picture I posted a couple posts above showing the pump. It is held in place by the pumps output and can be shifted left or right inside the body. It needs to be centered so it's not contacting the sides of the skimmer.