Skimmer Bubble Plate

[lordofthereef]

So bubble plates (along with cones) seem to be the new must have in a skimmer. They seem like a pretty simple thing to just go and add into an ASM or euroreef style skimmer. Has anyone done this? What are the benefits of a bubble plate?

 

[lordofthereef]

Nothing yet huh?

 

[sgwill122]

I have a euroreef and thought about the same thing, would be nice to hear what advantage it may provide.

 

[DeathWish302]

I did it to my DIY euro-style skimmer and reverted back to the previous config. The turbulence definitely was lowered, but at the cost of larger bubbles as they collided in the lower chamber. I didn't design for it, so I was not so surprised. Your experience could be better with a different skimmers. If you try it, make sure you can switch back with minor mods.

JME....

 

[uncleof6]

Bubble plates are used quite effectively for very wide, and short skimmer bodies. Bubble King has used them to great advantage on skimmers with these traits. For the most part it is a trendy "me too" thing, and of little value. Information from a skimmer manufacturer. I have the article somewhere, but can't find it.. otherwise I would quote and reference.

Regards,

Jim

 

[lordofthereef]

Thanks. I really kind of thought that about them anyway. What exactly is it supposed to do (assuming it is done right like in the bubblekings)?

 

[uncleof6]

Thanks. I really kind of thought that about them anyway. What exactly is it supposed to do (assuming it is done right like in the bubblekings)?

Reduce turbulence due to high volume of air enabling the use of a relatively shorter skimmer.... the info is that this is applied to large skimmers that would not normally be used in the hobby side of the business, and that the use of a bubble plate in a "hobby sized" skimmer would more likely hurt the performance.

I have a tendency to side with info that grinds at advertising hype, and skimmers are at the top of the game for hype. Regardless of the hype, some are just plain junk.

Royal Exclusiv made good use of bubble plates in their very large skimmers. Were they the first to use them? I don't know. However, the same old skimmer from brand x new and improved with a bubble plate provides spectacular performance? I don't thinks so. Takes years of testing to come up with a change that really does something. Not a new and improved version every couple of months to keep up with the jones. One highly respected skimmer company incorporated bubble plates, and their ratings went down.

Jim

 

[lordofthereef]

Thanks much Jim. Very informative!

 

[DeathWish302]

I know there is alot of hype, but I will have to say one skimmer I know uses bubble plate technology with excellent results. The I-Tech skimmers that John from Fish & Other Ichthy Stuff is a great product I believe. I've only seen this skimmer in action, and it did not have the bubble size problem as I did with the bubble plate. I was quite amazed that the price is half of Royal-Exclusiv. I do agree hype and advertisement is king in EVERY biz. Does it take years of testing & prototyping, it SURE DOES! I spent the last 2 years modifying my DIY skimmer to the current setup and changed it to a bubble plate on a whim, Bad idea......moral of the story don't buy into claims if it is too good to be true b/c it probably is.

......but ALWAYS experiment, as some of the most bizarre ideas do outperform the norm.

Uncleof6 - Do you get any sleep? Two post 6 yours apart: 11pm and 5am?

 

[uncleof6]

Uncleof6 - Do you get any sleep? Two post 6 yours apart: 11pm and 5am?

Naw I just type really slow