UK vs US pump and voltage

[oseymour]

Hey

A friend of mine wants to send me his Mini Bubble King 160 VS12 skimmer that he currently uses in the UK.

To use the slimmer here in America, what do I need? Is it as simple as getting the proper power supply for the pump?

What do I need to get this thing working in the US.


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[slief]

Hey

A friend of mine wants to send me his Mini Bubble King 160 VS12 skimmer that he currently uses in the UK.

To use the slimmer here in America, what do I need? Is it as simple as getting the proper power supply for the pump?

What do I need to get this thing working in the US.


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The 160 has the AC block. You would need a 110v to 220v converted to step the voltage up as I don't think that block will run on 110v on our HZ rate due to the it's windings. That said, you might be better off just buying a new block. If it's the newer model with the AKB, then this would be the correct block with US voltage.
https://royalexclusiv.com/Spare-Par....html?MODsid=a304d710fdd002b3cd508ccbe2096dda

 

[oseymour]

The 160 has the AC block. You would need a 110v to 220v converted to step the voltage up as I don't think that block will run on 110v on our HZ rate due to the it's windings. That said, you might be better off just buying a new block. If it's the newer model with the AKB, then this would be the correct block with US voltage.
https://royalexclusiv.com/Spare-Par....html?MODsid=a304d710fdd002b3cd508ccbe2096dda

Hey Slief,

Is there a DC pump for this skimmer? If yes, can you provide the link to it?

 

[slief]

Hey Slief,

Is there a DC pump for this skimmer? If yes, can you provide the link to it?

No DC pumps for the smaller Mini's. Just the Mini 200 is offered with the RD3.

 

[oseymour]

Hey slief,

What do you think the long term reliability of the pump if I use a 110v to 220v converter?

 

[slief]

Hey slief,

What do you think the long term reliability of the pump if I use a 110v to 220v converter?

Hmmm.. Not sure to be honest. I can’t see why it wouldn’t work but I am not sure because I don’t know of anybody doing that. I still think you’re better off getting a US version that we can support here in the US or buying a US motorblock for it. You wouldn't need to replace the complete pump. Just the motor.

 

[oseymour]

UK vs US pump and voltage

Hmmm.. Not sure to be honest. I can't see why it wouldn't work but I am not sure because I don't know of anybody doing that. I still think you're better off getting a US version that we can support here in the US or buying a US motorblock for it. You wouldn't need to replace the complete pump. Just the motor.

Hey [MENTION=225253]slief[/MENTION],



Before I order the motor block I just want to make sure I'm getting the correct one. Attached is a photo of the motor block.



Is it the same one you linked above - https://royalexclusiv.com/Spare-Par...-Mini-Bubble-King-160-VS12-with-AKB::596.html

 

[slief]

Hey [MENTION=225253]slief[/MENTION],



Before I order the motor block I just want to make sure I'm getting the correct one. Attached is a photo of the motor block.



Is it the same one you linked above - https://royalexclusiv.com/Spare-Par...-Mini-Bubble-King-160-VS12-with-AKB::596.html

If you Mini 160 skimmer had the AKB (red tube that connects between the pressure side of the pump and the rear side of the pump than that is the correct replacement block.

 

[oseymour]

If you Mini 160 skimmer had the AKB (red tube that connects between the pressure side of the pump and the rear side of the pump than that is the correct replacement block.

Yes it does. Thanks - ordering now.

 

[oseymour]

The website keeps throwing errors when I try to order [MENTION=225253]slief[/MENTION] - I sent you a PM

 

[slief]

The website keeps throwing errors when I try to order [MENTION=225253]slief[/MENTION] - I sent you a PM

I replied to your email. The website is currently having issues with orders placed using mobile devices. We can discuss this further through PM.

 

[oseymour]

Got the part today. Thanks [MENTION=225253]slief[/MENTION]

What's the optimal water level for a bubble king mini 160?

I don't mind it skimming a little wet since I don't run socks.


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[slief]

Got the part today. Thanks [MENTION=225253]slief[/MENTION]

What's the optimal water level for a bubble king mini 160?

I don't mind it skimming a little wet since I don't run socks.


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It really depends on the load in the tank and the amount of dissolved organics but I would start at around 8.5" of sumo depth. The line where bubbles turn to foam should be about 1" below where the cup sits. You could run it a bit more wet by raising it higher if you'd like but about an inch below the cup was about perfect when I ran one.

 

[oseymour]

Hey [MENTION=225253]slief[/MENTION]

I tried to change the motor block today and I came across an issue.

It seems like the the new motor block is not situated on the base plate the same way the old one is. This is preventing me from placing the front cover of the pump on. See the photos below.

The back photos shows the difference better.

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[oseymour]

Got it. It was my fault.


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[slief]

I wonder if your skimmer was actually a VS09 that was modified with a newer pump on the old VS07/VS09 base?? I’m going to have to inquire with Germany on this because the motor you have is the VS12 motor on the correct base for the VS12 skimmer and that looks like a VS09 base on your original pump. Please put the original pump together with the volute and AKB attached and post a picture of it assembled.

 

[oseymour]

UK vs US pump and voltage

I wonder if your skimmer was actually a VS09 that was modified with a newer pump on the old VS07/VS09 base?? I'm going to have to inquire with Germany on this because the motor you have is the VS12 motor on the correct base for the VS12 skimmer and that looks like a VS09 base on your original pump. Please put the original pump together with the volute and AKB attached and post a picture of it assembled.

The pumps are the same except for the baseplate.


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[slief]

Thanks for the additional photos. I sent an email off to Germany to have them check out the pictures and should have an update on Monday as to what is going on here from your Eu model to the US VS12 Mini 160.

 

[oseymour]

Any updates on this? My system is running without a Skimmer at the moment.


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[slief]

Any updates on this? My system is running without a Skimmer at the moment.


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I just sent you a PM.