Mini BK 180 questions...

[Maximus]

I was wondering how many generations there are of the Mini 180 and what the main differences were of each generation? Thanks in advance.

 

[slief]

There have only been a couple generations of Mini 180. The most recent generation which is the VS12 has the inclusion of the AKB (Anti lime Bypass) which is the red tube that runs between the volute and the side of the motor block. It provides cool water circulation fed from the volute to the magnet cavity in order to reduce calcium buildup in the block by providing cool water circulation in the magnet cavity.

 

[Maximus]

Scott, I have wanted a BK skimmer for many years and I am determined to get one! I am debating between the Mini 180 and Double Cone 180 (similar in price). Which one would you choose? I have plenty of room in my sump for both so space is not an issue. Thanks.

 

[slief]

Scott, I have wanted a BK skimmer for many years and I am determined to get one! I am debating between the Mini 180 and Double Cone 180 (similar in price). Which one would you choose? I have plenty of room in my sump for both so space is not an issue. Thanks.

I'd go with the Double Cone 180. Having the pump outside the body make skimmer maintenance much easier since you don't need to remove the skimmer from the sump and take it apart to do routine pump maintenance. Also, the Double Cone 180 has the RD3 pump which makes fine tuning a breeze and is one of the best skimmer pumps money can buy. The Mini's are great skimmers too and have a terrific pump but given the choice, I'd go with the Double Cone 180 any day. It's an amazing skimmer!

 

[Maximus]

Thanks Scott. Does the Double Cone 180 have similar dimensions as the Vertex Omega 150?

 

[slief]

Thanks Scott. Does the Double Cone 180 have similar dimensions as the Vertex Omega 150?

The dimensions are:
Dimension skimmer without pump:
8.66ʺ wide / 11.02ʺ length / ~ 20.87ʺ height
Dimension skimmer with pump:
11.42ʺ wide / 14.17ʺ length / ~ 20.87ʺ height

Specs including the manual and data sheet can be found here:
http://royalexclusiv.com/Skimmer/Sk...ble-King-Double-Cone-180-RD3-Speedy::412.html

 

[Maximus]

Ok, I'm going with the DC 180. I plan on ordering it from Premium Aquatics as they have always treated me right. Any idea when their next shipment of DC 180's will arrive? Also, is the pump still Askoll based? Thanks Scott.

 

[slief]

Ok, I'm going with the DC 180. I plan on ordering it from Premium Aquatics as they have always treated me right. Any idea when their next shipment of DC 180's will arrive? Also, is the pump still Askoll based? Thanks Scott.

The RD3 is not Askoll based. The original Red Dragon pumps used the Askoll but not the new variable speed controllable pumps. As for when they are getting more, I am not sure. I know we are currently out of stock on them. Our last shipment went out as soon as they hit the door. Give Premium a call and see if they have some coming in and if not, you can check with Aquarium Specialty as well. They order direct from Germany on a regular basis so they can always include on in one of their next shipments from Germany. While you won't get it immediately, it may be quicker than waiting for Premium assuming Premium doesn't have one in transit from our Ft. Myers warehouse.

 

[Maximus]

Is the pump on the mini 180 Askoll based?

 

[slief]

Is the pump on the mini 180 Askoll based?

Yes. Only the on Mini with the RD3 is the Mini 200.

 

[Maximus]

Hi Scott, after much thought, I am going to order a mini 180. I have really grown to love Askoll based pumps as I had one on an older ATB skimmer years ago and loved it. I really want another Askoll pump so I have decided on the Mini 180. Thanks again for all your help.

 

[slief]

Hi Scott, after much thought, I am going to order a mini 180. I have really grown to love Askoll based pumps as I had one on an older ATB skimmer years ago and loved it. I really want another Askoll pump so I have decided on the Mini 180. Thanks again for all your help.

The Mini 180 is a great skimmer too! Nothing wrong with the Askoll blocks. I ran them too for many years. I just love the control of the RD3 but the standard Red Dragons will last decades with proper maintenance so you really can't go wrong with either pump.

 

[Maximus]

It's official, I am now a card carrying member of the Bubble King skimmer club! Just ordered a mini 180 from Premium Aquatics. Can't wait to receive it!!

 

[neiltus]

I think you will love it. And soon you will ask about the neck cleaners!