Bubbleking Owners, is it worth it?

[reefkeeper2]

I have narrowed my search for a skimmer down to 3 models for my 425gal reef. The Euroreef RC500, The Deltec AP702 and the Bubbleking 250. I have read a million posts here, but I would like a little more input from bubbleking owners. I think I need my head examined for considering spending 2 grand for a skimmer, but I just might buy it if I hear some good reasons why I should. This is my dream tank and I plan on keeping it a long long time.

 

[Bebo77]

Do you think a person who spent $3000 on a skimmer is going tol tell you it sucks?

I have the 702 and i have to say for half the price of a BK i dont think dollar for dollar there is a better skimmer than Deltec...

 

[Paulairduck]

bubble king bubble

bubble king bubble

Not to burst your ,bubble king bubble, but I have seen the best looking four hundred gallon tank run off two asm g-3's, it had tons of livestock Multiple Tangs, sps, it was off the hook and I saw only two G3's skimming this amount of water. I would also like to give the owner a lot of credit also, just to let you know that you can do it many different ways!!!

 

[Ginzo]

Look at the following thread:

http://www.zeovit.com/forums/showthread.php?t=229

If your not convinced that the BubbleKing rules after that, I don't know what will !

But like most people here, I would say that unless you have the money, you should consider H&S or Deltec skimmers that are half the price and perform greatly ! I've been seing the H&S A200-2x1260 getting rave reviews !

Currently I don't have a skimmer so don't take my word for it

 

[reefkeeper2]

If I spent that much money on a skimmer and it did not live up to my expectations, or if I was sorry I bought it, I would say so here. Thats what this place is for. I have seen such posts many times, and that info has saved me from making costly errors in the past.
I too have had success with less costly skimmers, but I found my tank decline after 4 or 5 years after looking great in the beginning. I expect that this is because of the slow but steady buildup of organic waste I can't reach to remove. Just a guess on my part.

 

[Fliger]

RK - BK is a great skimmer. There are a few people around here that have used BK's, Deltecs, H&S and most (if not all) would put BK at the top. They are incredible performers and absolutely dead silent, low power, highest quality materials, etc. If I had another large tank, I'd go back to a BK if I needed a dead silent skimmer under my tank.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7021829#post7021829 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Bebo77
I have the 702 and i have to say for half the price of a BK i dont think dollar for dollar there is a better skimmer than Deltec...

Actually that price comparison isn't really the case, the 702 is almost $1,800 and the comparable BK would be the 250 external is $2,350 so not quite half the price. I can tell you that the 702 isn't as good of a skimmer as the BK300 Ext, probably at the level of the 250. So about 30% more. Don't get me wrong, the 702 is an excellent skimmer.

 

[Johnsteph10]

I would also concur as above and add that H&S skimmers are great - cheaper than Deltec equivalents, great customer service. Brian at FinsReef has free shipping promo right now, too!

 

[UCanDoIt]

i'm seriously looking at replacing my H&S A150 with a BK200 Internal. anyone BK owners have experience with the internal models. i have a space limitation problem inside my tank stand is why i'm looking at the BK200.

 

[reefkeeper2]

Why do you want to replace your H&S?

 

[Fliger]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7028877#post7028877 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by UCanDoIt
i'm seriously looking at replacing my H&S A150 with a BK200 Internal. anyone BK owners have experience with the internal models. i have a space limitation problem inside my tank stand is why i'm looking at the BK200.

Ucandoit, I dunno why - but I always figured the BK's start to get really worth at the 250 model. The 200 is only about 1,000LPH of air, and it doesn't really seem worth $1,900 for that small a skimmer. IMO it's probably good up to about 150G if you heavy skim, and you can get a single Eheim skimmer to do almost just as good of a job. But when you get into the 250, I think you're able to skim a larger tank, or way overskim for not too much more. I do not think they sell many 200 models, I have seen very few pictures.

Finsreef measured my new skimmer over 1,000LPH which seems high but maybe because its a shorter model?

Also wait til after Interzoo - everyone is hoping that the newer line of smaller BK's should be introduced there. Hopefully less expensive, and based on the LPH numbers I've seen on European websites I wouldn't be surprised if they phased out the 200. (PURELY my guess)

I just saw your PM but haven't had a chance to read it yet. Just another picture for a teaser. :lol: Hopefully early next week!

 

[Fliger]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7022649#post7022649 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Johnsteph10
I would also concur as above and add that H&S skimmers are great - cheaper than Deltec equivalents, great customer service. Brian at FinsReef has free shipping promo right now, too!

Well after tryin em all, I did end up going back to H&S so I guess I agree. I wouldn't use "cheaper" - I'd say "less expensive" especially considering I prefer the H&S (and BK) materials. Less expensive also pertains only to Americans, the prices are the same or H&S is more expensive across the pond.

 

[reeflink]

How about the ASM G6...check that out if it can fit into your setup. It is a great performer at a very, very reasonable price.

 

[old salty]

It's worth it if you are willing to pay it.

I still don't understand this philosophy with people who pay a lot aren't going to tell you if it sucks. I paid a lot for a Deltec skimmer, and if that thing didn't run like everyone says they should, I'd be singing like a canary. I'd even put it in my signature to ensure maximum dispersment of my message.

Until recently, I was heavily into modified cars. A guy on the board spent over $6,000 on an engine only to find out the pistons were way undersized and gave out shortly thereafter. The guy who once sold his engines for $6,000 can't give them away anymore!!

Back to getting on track, if you are really into your reef and feel a BK will do the best job, then go for it.

 

[UCanDoIt]

I actually sold my A150 already and trying to decide on the next skimmer as I will be skimmerless for a few days. I wanted to go with something with better performance. Deltec AP701's footprint too big, H&S A200 is too tall, H&S 200 will work, but not sure how the 200 compares to the A200 in terms of performance. Thanks Fliger, for the tip on the BK200 and new smaller models. It helped me change my mind on the BK for now as the footprint for the BK250's footprint is too big as well. I already have a Deltec APF600 on my smaller tank and have to empty the collection cup every 3 days as I like to overskim as well as skim very wet. Looks like I will seriously consider the A200 short model for my replacement. I have to see how long it takes to get one and how much.

 

[Marinworld]

If your paying 3 grand for a skimmer, I've got a bridge in Brooklyn I'd like to sell you.

Go ahead all you geniuses waste your money.

Marinworld

 

[UCanDoIt]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7033433#post7033433 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Marinworld
If your paying 3 grand for a skimmer, I've got a bridge in Brooklyn I'd like to sell you.

Go ahead all you geniuses waste your money.

Marinworld

The bridge in Brooklyn would be a poor investment.

 

[Fliger]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7033433#post7033433 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Marinworld
If your paying 3 grand for a skimmer, I've got a bridge in Brooklyn I'd like to sell you.

Go ahead all you geniuses waste your money.

Marinworld

Maybe many BK owners are geniuses enough to have already made quite a bit of money elsewhere to where a couple grand isn't much money? I probably own a lot of things from skimmers to clothes to cars that you'd probably disapprove of as well, as if I care.

BTW, it is "you're" - not "your", genius.

 

[Fliger]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7033530#post7033530 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by UCanDoIt
The bridge in Brooklyn would be a poor investment.

Thats what Pataki told Bloomberg. :lol:

 

[TrojanScott]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7033531#post7033531 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Fliger
Maybe many BK owners are geniuses enough to have already made quite a bit of money elsewhere to where a couple grand isn't much money? I probably own a lot of things from skimmers to clothes to cars that you'd probably disapprove of as well, as if I care.

BTW, it is "you're" - not "your", genius.

Damn it, beat me to it.

 

[moonpod]

These threads are ridiculous. People who have never used a high end skimmer bash those that use 'em. Others try to figure out the dollar for dollar "value difference" between one unit and another.

In the end "monetary value" judgements are completely subjective. There is no objective way to measure these things b/c they are multifactorial. How "valuable" is silence? How "valuable" is compactness? How "valuable" is low heat transfer? You can't measure things like that in dollars. It's futile to even try (though lord knows people on these forums try).

Does the Bubbleking perform? Darn tootin. It's a great unit. Is it for everyone? Obviously not. Is it a necessity? of course not. Are there other ways to get great skimming? of course. Is there ANY other unit that I know of that packs the same skimming performance, silence, low heat transfer, electrical effeciency and solid build in the same footprint? No. 'Nuf said.