Bubble King Skimmer Club

[slief]

I originally had the T-outlet facing the opposite direction, but water was spraying from the air house inlet. U recommended to turn it towards the pump so that the air hose could bend, and water would stop spraying out. That fixed my problem.

Also I have had 2 acrylic stands made for this skimmer, and this water level works very well. I don't think I could raise the water level anymore, the wedge pipe is 90-95% closed already.

I'm running the pump at 35-36w

If your wedge pipe is 90-95% closed, I would say you need to lower your skimmer or raise the water level. When I set up a skimmer, I always try to get the water level set so that the pipe is fully open and then make adjustments from there. What is your current water level? I think optimal will be between 8.5" and 9".

 

[SchnitzelReef]

If your wedge pipe is 90-95% closed, I would say you need to lower your skimmer or raise the water level. When I set up a skimmer, I always try to get the water level set so that the pipe is fully open and then make adjustments from there. What is your current water level? I think optimal will be between 8.5" and 9".

Water level is 9". I spoke with Jeremy and Klaus numerous times about the wedge pipe having to be closed so much. They both assured me that regardless if the wedge pipe is 100% open or 90% closed, it will not affect the skimmers ability to filter out gunk. I had a local friend tell me the same thing ur saying, so it had me concerned. Skimmer is working great




I'm just wondering if it might work better with the pump inlet being farther away from the skimmer output pipe.

 

[slief]

Water level is 9". I spoke with Jeremy and Klaus numerous times about the wedge pipe having to be closed so much. They both assured me that regardless if the wedge pipe is 100% open or 90% closed, it will not affect the skimmers ability to filter out gunk. I had a local friend tell me the same thing ur saying, so it had me concerned. Skimmer is working great
View attachment 284670

View attachment 284671

I'm just wondering if it might work better with the pump inlet being farther away from the skimmer output pipe.

It is correct that the pipe being closed or open doesn't effect the performance. I just like having more room for adjustment and always try to adjust my skimmers so that the level is set with the pipe open so if I want to make it wetter, there is plenty of room to do it with the standpipe. Your skimmate certainly looks good to me! As for the output, just try to position the pump upstream (closer to where the water enters the sump) from the output by rotating the skimmer and turn the elbow away from the pump as Klaus mentioned. Depending on your sump, doing this may cause some micro bubbles though. In my case, that's not an issue as I have a separate refugium that all the sumps water has to pass through before it makes it to the return pump.

In the end, as long as it is skimming well which it appears to be, I don't think you have anything to be concerned about. That skimmer turns over enough water vilume that even if the pump is taking in some of the fresh skimmed water, your still skimming the tanks water enough for visibly great results based on your skimmate.

 

[SchnitzelReef]

It is correct that the pipe being closed or open doesn't effect the performance. I just like having more room for adjustment and always try to adjust my skimmers so that the level is set with the pipe open so if I want to make it wetter, there is plenty of room to do it with the standpipe. Your skimmate certainly looks good to me! As for the output, just try to position the pump upstream (closer to where the water enters the sump) from the output by rotating the skimmer and turn the elbow away from the pump as Klaus mentioned. Depending on your sump, doing this may cause some micro bubbles though. In my case, that's not an issue as I have a separate refugium that all the sumps water has to pass through before it makes it to the return pump.

In the end, as long as it is skimming well which it appears to be, I don't think you have anything to be concerned about. That skimmer turns over enough water vilume that even if the pump is taking in some of the fresh skimmed water, your still skimming the tanks water enough for visibly great results based on your skimmate.

Ya I turned the skimmer around this morning to see if that helps. The way it's positioned now the output is far enough away.

 

[reefid]

I have my 2nd hand mini almost a year, and keep getting microbubbles. Any idea how to fix this, water level around 7-7.5" . I am using this for my holding tank.

 

[Premiumaq]

I can't comment on how to fix it mechanically, or how to adjust your settings to clarify the return water - what I can say is that many folks use a piece of sponge or filter pad hung on the wall of the sump where the skimmer return is pointed, and this catches and traps out some of the bubbles that break down into micro-bubbles.

 

[slief]

I have my 2nd hand mini almost a year, and keep getting microbubbles. Any idea how to fix this, water level around 7-7.5" . I am using this for my holding tank.

First think I would try is to raise the sump level 1/4-1/2" so that the skimmer is setting a bit deeper. You will need to readjust your skimmer again. Also, you didn't mention which model BK mini skimmer you are running so more info would help along with a better picture showing the skimmers location in your sump being sure to show the return section of the sump too.

 

[jthao]

I have a question for klaus:
is there a good way to fix my impeller for a red dragon 4.5? the shaft broke in half, but the magnet and the front portion still looks great. would be a waste to switch out the whole impeller not to mention expensive. I guess this question is also great info in case my BK SM200 impeller did the same thing... i looked at it and it's the same kind impeller except with a needlewheel in the front instead of the white wheel looking thing.
thanks!!

 

[reefid]

I can't comment on how to fix it mechanically, or how to adjust your settings to clarify the return water - what I can say is that many folks use a piece of sponge or filter pad hung on the wall of the sump where the skimmer return is pointed, and this catches and traps out some of the bubbles that break down into micro-bubbles.

Thank you I will try that

First think I would try is to raise the sump level 1/4-1/2" so that the skimmer is setting a bit deeper. You will need to readjust your skimmer again. Also, you didn't mention which model BK mini skimmer you are running so more info would help along with a better picture showing the skimmers location in your sump being sure to show the return section of the sump too.

It is not in the sump, forgot to mention it is mini 180

 

[amphibian]

ROYAL EXCLUSIV skimmers - pumps

ROYAL EXCLUSIV skimmers - pumps

I had contracted the Royal exclusiv bug about 3 years ago with the purchase of a 300 deluxe.
well haven't things gotten out of control . :crazy1:

Just so well refined and quality from the moment you open the box.

I have 3 tanks and all running BK skimmers , and rd3 pumps i have tried all the well known brands and stopped once i purchased my first BK.

Mixed reef 8 x 2.6 x 2 Revamp in progress
http://www.masa.asn.au/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=145&t=245064
Rebirth of a goodie900 x 900 x 450 http://www.masa.asn.au/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=148&t=253999
4 x 3 x 2 frag tank With a difference http://www.masa.asn.au/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=148&t=257402

 

[gwenadu]

Hello,
what is the best bbk skimmer for my new 90G tank(approx. 350L with sump - full sps) -
i'm still hesitating between :
BBK 160Mini
BBK 180Mini
Double cone 150
Double cone 180

Footprints of all of those skimmers are OK for my sump.
Thank you in advance

 

[jthao]

[QQUOTE=gwenadu;23007144]Helo,
what is the best bbk skimmer for my new 90G tank(approx. 350L with sump - full sps) -
i'm still hesitating between :
BBK 160Mini
BBK 180Mini
Double cone 150
Double cone 180

Footprints of all of those skimmers are OK for my sump.
Thank you in advance
[/QUOTE]

160 too small imo
180mini perfect size
Cones: seen the 150 in person and its really tiny, but it could work for you if not a big bioload, buddy of mines is using a cone 150 on his lightly stocked 125 and doing pretty good, but for heavy biolaod I would go 180 cone.
For you I think either the mini 180 or both the cones would be good
I was gonna supermarin200 on a 90g elos but decided against it, pretty sure it would of kicked some butt. But decided to use it on a 126g elos instead. I did try the sm200 on a 70g frag tank and it pulled out tea-ish to coffee-ish color skimmate with no fish!! Crazy! Probably gonna use an alpha 170 on the 90g elos, its comparable to the double kone 180 in size. So the kone 180 wouldnt be crazy oversize for your tank, just big enough to have tons of fish
But I think the 150 kone would do just fine with your size tank too if u decide to save a little cash and go that route.

 

[mike810]

Hey premium aquatics, I have sent Michelle several dozen emails since feb 2014 about my bk dc 250 skimmer pump putting out stray voltage. I bought the skimmer in late nov 2013 and didn't get to set it up until feb 2014. I have been reassured many times via email by premium aquatics that a replacement was on its way from Germany. " it will be here in 2 weeks, another month, one more week" is what the reply emails have looked like. It's now august 17th and I still don't have a replacement pump. Can you help me Klaus?

 

[SchnitzelReef]

Hey premium aquatics, I have sent Michelle several dozen emails since feb 2014 about my bk dc 250 skimmer pump putting out stray voltage. I bought the skimmer in late nov 2013 and didn't get to set it up until feb 2014. I have been reassured many times via email by premium aquatics that a replacement was on its way from Germany. " it will be here in 2 weeks, another month, one more week" is what the reply emails have looked like. It's now august 17th and I still don't have a replacement pump. Can you help me Klaus?

Wow that's a bummer. How bad was the stray voltage?

 

[Premiumaq]

Mike 810 -
I just checked into it, and verified with the boss. Here's what he had to say:

"That's unfortunately the information we've gotten; they originally told us would be ready in 3 weeks, then at the end of those 3 weeks they told us they were starting the order in 2 weeks... every time it's been a different story. Last update was it would be ready in about a week, and that was almost week ago. We hate to play this "inform the customer of the latest delay" game, but all we can do is give our customers the information that is given to us."
So, I truly feel your frustration, and I'm sorry that all of this has been happening to you... but fortunately, we do have Klaus participating personally in this forum so perhaps we can address the issue directly rather than through more emails.

Klaus - do you have an order update for this customer? Username Mike810.
Mike810 - you may need to PM Klaus some of your personal information regarding the order to allow him to find it.

 

[pencil3]

What is your pump doing? I've been having an issue with my DC pump as well.

Hey premium aquatics, I have sent Michelle several dozen emails since feb 2014 about my bk dc 250 skimmer pump putting out stray voltage. I bought the skimmer in late nov 2013 and didn't get to set it up until feb 2014. I have been reassured many times via email by premium aquatics that a replacement was on its way from Germany. " it will be here in 2 weeks, another month, one more week" is what the reply emails have looked like. It's now august 17th and I still don't have a replacement pump. Can you help me Klaus?

 

[thirst]

Hey pencil are you m Harris?

 

[pencil3]

Yup.

Hey pencil are you m Harris?

 

[SchnitzelReef]

What is your pump doing? I've been having an issue with my DC pump as well.

What issue have u been having? Mine has been running great, now I'm worried. Lol

 

[Klaus Jansen]

mike810 and Pencil,

please send via PN what happend with your pumps. I want anwer directly, if it is possible...

best regards ... Klaus