Bubble King Skimmer Website

[tomu]

Has anyone found a good site for looking up information on these skimmers?

 

[cubuffs]

zeovit.com, and captiveoceans.com are two sites that have BK information. Just note that they are expensive!

 

[ktani]

I am a dealer for them, what is it you are interested in? The website for them on the US side is

http://captiveoceans.com/products-RE.html

That gives some basic information.

Kip

 

[tomu]

Kip,

I am going to be setting up my 210 Reef System in a few months and I'm starting to get things together. My custom stand and canopy just got finished. I'm interested in Deltec and I was told today that if I have the money for a deltec then I should look at Bubbleking. Thanks for the info.

 

[ktani]

There are several very nice skimmers on the high end on the market. Deltec, H&S, Bubble King, Schuran and I would also put RK2 in it, although some might disagree. On the second level, ASM, Euro-Reef, Aquamedic, Grotech and others are still very good, just not as costly.

IMO, skimming and good skimming is crucial to long-term success in a reef tank. You can build your own as well, the strength to any skimmer I believe lies in the pump or pumps as it were.

I have been working on my 600 gallon for almost two years in planning, thinking and such. The 165 was designed as a mock up of the new tank and you are wise in your thinking. You are welcome to come by the office and see what we are planning to do on this system. I feel fortunate that several of our local reefers from Del, Marcus, Jarod, Joe, Nate and others have offered their counsel and advice. Other friends from across the nation have also added valuable comments and suggestions. You are definately wise in planning carefully.

What are you doing for lights and pumps? I still am in the camp that flow is an overlooked piece in our tanks.

Kip

 

[tomu]

I am going to have 3X400 Watt Halides with 4 110W 72 inch VHO URI Actinic. The only thing that I am not quite sure about is about the bulbs. I like 10K XMs and I like the look of Radiums.

 

[tomu]

As far as pumps go, I want to do a closed loop system. I havent quite gotten to putting that much thought in the flow yet.

 

[ktani]

What are the dimensions of your tank? My tank is 96 x 48 x 30 and I am using 4x Diamond Lumenarcs III on mine. I might add two 4' tubes for day/night effect, but that would be about it.

You might consider running at least a pair of closed loops, this way if you have a pump failure you still have flow.

Just a few thoughts.

Kip

 

[tomu]

My tank is a standard 210. 72 X 24 X 30. Good point about the pair of closed loops. I never thought about that. What do you think about the lighting?

 

[ktani]

It really depends on what you are doing for lighting. I think a pair of Lumenarcs would do fine with your system. Have you ever followed some of Sanjay Joshi's work on reflectors and lights? It is very worthwhile reading if you have not, but with your tank, it really is more an issue of spread.

If you want to use a combo, you might need to decrease the spacing between lights as it can create a zebra look of white, blue and white look if you decide to use both 10k and 20k.

Kip
Kip

 

[Brandon Lovato]

I think this is the light study on the lumenarcs as well as the others i have two over my tank and 2 110 vho and that is all the light i need the lumenarcs are great the spread out the light great you sell the lumenarcs as well ktani.(great reflectors the best by far)
brandon

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/mar2003/feature.htm

 

[tomu]

Diamond Lumenarcs III....are those the ones from Sunlight Supply Kip? How large are they?

 

[cubuffs]

they come from pacific garden supply among other places. They are 20" across, and that is all that I know. Each reflector has a 3 foot span.

 

[ktani]

CUbuffs is correct as they are pretty large but cover a very wide spread. They are 19" across in dimension and can cover as much as 4' across. Hence my hopes of using only 4 bulbs for my new tank.

I will try and do some testing this week, since I will not be travelling until the weekend.

Kip

 

[tomu]

Kip, you said that I could get away with only using two reflectors. Why wouldnt I use three of them over a six foot space? Do you have time this week for a visit? if you dont mind.

 

[ktani]

The spread pattern on the Lumenarc III's would allow you to get away with only two, depending how high you keep them off the water. However, there is nothing wrong with increasing the amount of light.

Sure, give me a call at the office 970-206-1177 x101 and swing by.

Kip