Bubble Master 250

[Oliver P.]

Hello,

http://www.atiaquaristik.com/content/images/8d0879f4ca146067d05528ab5ee282d4.jpg

This is our latest BM 250. Now it is a plug and play skimmer for experts and beginners as well.

The advantages of the new integrated gate valve:

1. it is possible to adjust the waterlevel extremly accurat.
2. You can lower (and raise) the waterlevel much more than it
was before
3. No more splashes or noise because the wateroutlet is
completly below the waterline
4. The whole adjustment is realised with one handwheel.

http://www.atiaquaristik.com/content/images/7c7f34811e236050191ae94ed11546ea.jpg

Thanks,
Oliver Pritzel

[stratos21ss]

Oliver,

Will this feature be incorporated into the new BM150 redesign?

Thanks,
_Matt

[ricka]

Darn it! I want one! Too bad I just got my BM250!

--Rick

[UCanDoIt]

Oliver P - just my 2 cents about the new neckless insert on the collection cup... it is very nice that no O-ring is needed anymore as that is one less item to change out periodically. also, nicest feature of this new neckless collection cup is it only takes 1/2" clearance to remove the collection cup instead of formerly 2"... BUT because the new BM250 neckless is a tight fit, the collection cup is more difficult to remove for weekly collection cup cleaning... especially for a lady like myself and when it is full, so heavy. I saw my aquarium tech pull the collection cup off one of the version 3 neckless BM250 and it was too snug... when he jerked it loose, guess what happened to the skimmate? yeck, what a mess! it was very tight his cabinet and sump space so was tricky in trying to remove the collection cup when it is full.:D

on version 4 BM250, that gate valve is ingenious, what a great idea!!! :thumbsup:

[ricka]

I agree about the cup. I'm afraid that I'm going to break the skimmer everytime I remove the cup. It would be nice if there was a little space in there so that it fit on and off more smoothly.

--Rick

[Oliver P.]

Darn it! I want one! Too bad I just got my BM250!

Please dont forget that the performance of each bubble Master 250 is still the same. This modifications is just to make it easier for Beginners.

Will this feature be incorporated into the new BM150 redesign?

Yes, it will. But there are some more new things in the BM 160 redisgn. For example the diameter of the BM 150 is now 160 mm instead of 150 mm. We will show some new pictures of the BM 160 if we have finished all test.

Thanks,
Oliver

[UCanDoIt]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9298433#post9298433 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Oliver P. Will this feature be incorporated into the new BM150 redesign?Yes, it will. But there are some more new things in the BM 160 redisgn. For example the diameter of the BM 150 is now 160 mm instead of 150 mm. We will show some new pictures of the BM 160 if we have finished all test.

Thanks,
Oliver Wow! that means a bigger diameter meshpad on the threadwheel, which will utilize more power behind the Sicci pump. Must be increase capacity that the BM160 can protect. Will there be a problem using such a strong skimmer on a smaller tank like 40g?

[skimmy]

innovative and asthetically pleasing, not to mention without a big bulky valve on the skimmer...A++

yes, good question, will all models have this great new mod?

also, will the air hoses be seperatly mounted to the skimmer body? or will a silencer still be mounted somewhere. i thought it was quiet even without a silencer.

again, good work, and it never ceases to amaze me how quickly ATI reacts to user imput. i just wish other aquaria manufacturers would follow suit.

do you happen to have pics of the new 150/200 as well??

thanks for keeping us all in the loop, it's a nice change as well!!

[Oliver P.]

Thanks everybody. We just want to make it better and better and your feedback is very important for ATI.

the collection cup is more difficult to remove for weekly collection cup cleaning...

Well, it will be automatically better after a while, but i will control this again.

Thanks again.

Oliver

[skimmy]

a little silicone lubricant would probably do the trick on the collection cup:)

[sjm817]

I have a Gen3 BM250 and the cup doesn't seem too tight to me. It comes off easily. Its only been running a few days, so there isn't much in it yet. I would imagine it gets heavy when it is full.

[Creetin]

Waiting on the external ;)
Greg put me on the list as soon as they are out i am snapping one up.

[Oliver P.]

Must be increase capacity that the BM160 can protect. Will there be a problem using such a strong skimmer on a smaller tank like 40g?

We will recommend this skimmer for tanks 40 - 200 g depending on the bioload.


will all models have this great new mod?

At the moment we have this new mod only on the BM 250 and it was a good opportunity to do it in the same way on the new BM 160 redesign. But we need 4-6 weeks, before the new BM 160 will be available.
The T-fitting on the BM 200 is lower and it is not really necessary to do it here in the same way.

and it never ceases to amaze me how quickly ATI reacts to user imput.

Thanks. We always try to make it better. This ATI-products are made for users and that is the reason why we always appreciate the feedback of all users. Only in this way we can learn from each other.

Waiting on the external

We are working on it. But good things need there time. Our goal is to come out with an external version in 2 Month.

regards,
Oliver

[wayne_sreef]

Oliver,

When the gen #4 BM250 will be out on the market?

[stratos21ss]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9298433#post9298433 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Oliver P.

Yes, it will. But there are some more new things in the BM 160 redisgn. For example the diameter of the BM 150 is now 160 mm instead of 150 mm. We will show some new pictures of the BM 160 if we have finished all test.

Thanks,
Oliver

Thanks Oliver for the reply. I have been on Greg's bm150 waiting list since Nov...so take your time...I'd rather have it fully tested/perfected right out of the box.

Thanks,
_Matt

[Creetin]

Thanks oliver! I will be patiently waiting for that!!!

[King-Kong]

Wow.

That is incredible.. I have been waiting for these kinks to be worked out, but I am now wholly confident on purchasing this skimmer.

I'll be paying reefgeek a visit in a few weeks (hopefully $).

[UCanDoIt]

gen 4 won't be out for awhile as i'm sure they are still testing and working out the kinks. right now, only gen 3 available, maybe some gen 1 and gen 2 still.

[UCanDoIt]

Oliver P,

Several questions:
1. On the gate valve revision for the BM250 and BM160... there are quite a few RC members asking if the BM200 will have this same gate valve? In your last post, you mentioned that the BM200 really doesn't need it. So, can we assume no gate valve for the BM200?

2. On the gate valve revision for the BM250, will the BM250 still have an exhaust pipe so the T fitting and silencer can sit on top of the exhaust pipe? Or what we see is it... and the silencer will be attached somewhere else?

[andy j]

i have a bm 250 and its a great skimmer,

but i need to get another bigger skimmer, is there any news on when the bubblemaster 300 will be out ,any pictures and what spec's it has ,

Thanks Andy.

[hahnmeister]

Bubble Master 800 recirc/external... whens that coming out, or am I going to have to make it myself?

[Baalz]

Well I was hyping myself up for a BM200 but kinda let down that you are excluding it from the Gate valve concept. I see most everyone's operating them with the water splashing down from the Tee on the BM200. That is something I do not want.

[UCanDoIt]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9317042#post9317042 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Baalz
Well I was hyping myself up for a BM200 but kinda let down that you are excluding it from the Gate valve concept. I see most everyone's operating them with the water splashing down from the Tee on the BM200. That is something I do not want. Easy fix, just use a 1.25" 90 degree elbow... fits snuggly right into the T-fitting.

[hahnmeister]

Frankly, I cant stand the gate valve thing... I prefer the standpipe. More troublefree, set & forget, etc. because its a weir/dam set to a specific water level. It relies on water height only.

A gate valve relies on the head-pressure and flow of the skimmer to determine where the water level will be. That means that as your needlewheel starts to clog, and the lph of water and/or air varies, the water level will change as well. If means that the gradual clogging that happens to the intake venturi can change the water level in the skimmer. The valve itself can change due to buildups over time and then it too will change its own output. Heck, if the water level in your sump varies... therefore effecting the throughput of the pumps that feed the skimmer as well... the water level will change. Gate valves are too dependant on other variables.

The standpipe keeps the water level within the skimmer to a constant no matter what the flow through the skimmer (+/- a 1/2" maybe, but no big deal). I consider gate valves a PITA.

... With one exception. I do like gate valves that are integrated with standpipes. On taller skimmers where the pressure can keep the flow relatively constant, a small gate valve at the base of the standpipe can be a great adjustment tool. On shorter skimmers, the pressure doesnt build up as much, so the twist of the valve has that much more of a dramatic impact on the water level.

[UCanDoIt]

deleted

[UCanDoIt]

Posted on wrong thread... deleted.

[sjm817]

Now that I've emptied the cup for the first time, I see what people mean. The fit is a little snug. Still not bad at all to remove.

BYW, here is how it is doing in the first week of operation.

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a370/Cheerleader555240/DSC_1213.gif

[bsk997]

Very nice sjm817.
Anybody have any idea when reefgeek is supposed to get more oaf the a200 in stock? I know the website says 2-6wks but thats very vague and I need to get a new skimmer asap before the wife changes her mind. lol
I cant get the 250 due to price and size. :)

[Fishbulb2]

I love small incorporated gatevalve. I could not tolerate adjusting the riser tube on my last skimmer and just thought it was about the worst idea I had ever seen for a skimmer. It required me to get both arms wet in the sump as I had to use one hand to hold the dang skimmer down and the other to jerk up on the riser tube. Then of course the tube would move +/- 6 inches at a time. DEFINITELY keep the gatevalve!
FB

[UCanDoIt]

bsk997 - Although the exclusive importer for the ATi Bubblemaster skimmer is ReefGeek and this is their sponsor forum, I know that all ReefGeek's authorized dealers carry them as well, including my local dealer:
http://home.wwdb.org/kmaintl

Originally posted by ReefGeek-Greg
We have many authorized dealers, but at this time only 3 have placed stocking orders for the new Bubble Master Skimmers. They should have skimmers in stock next week.

Barrier Reef Aquariums - 425-277-7670
Renton, WA
http://www.barrierreefaquariums.com/

Blue Ribbon Koi Products, Inc - 703-753-7566
Catharpin, VA
http://www.blueribbonkoi.com/

The Aquarium Gallery - 603-579-AQUA (2782)
Hudson, NH
http://www.theaquariumgallery.com/

Greg

[sjm817]

BRK had a BM200 sitting on the shelf when I was there on Saturday.

[nsr250nyc]

tagging along

[BreadmanMike]

when is this newer version coming

[Creetin]

Any news on the external? I have a hole burning in my pockett. :)
Even if i bought a new skimmer i doubt i could let the 250 go. LOL
Not rushing you guys, Just checking, I am sure it will be worth the wait.

[Oliver P.]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9490106#post9490106 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Creetin
Any news on the external? I have a hole burning in my pockett. :)
Even if i bought a new skimmer i doubt i could let the 250 go. LOL
Not rushing you guys, Just checking, I am sure it will be worth the wait.

Yes, we have finished all test on the external version and we can start with the production in the next weeks. We will start with the recirculation BM 250 and later with the BM 200.

I guess that the first external BM`s are available in 3-5 weeks.

Thanks,
Oliver

[Creetin]

Well i am on the list Oliver, Cant wait!

[E-A-G-L-E-S]

Any news on release of new BM160?

[Oliver P.]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9501271#post9501271 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by E-A-G-L-E-S
Any news on release of new BM160?

The Production of the new BM 160 is finished next week. So the new BM 160 will be available in the US in 2-3 weeks.

Thanks,
Oliver

[E-A-G-L-E-S]

Thank You Oliver!
Also, will the price be similar to the old 150's?

[hahnmeister]

will the 160 have a bubbble plate now?

[da6d2003]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9498240#post9498240 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Oliver P.
Yes, we have finished all test on the external version and we can start with the production in the next weeks. We will start with the recirculation BM 250 and later with the BM 200.

I guess that the first external BM`s are available in 3-5 weeks.

Thanks,
Oliver

Now I'm on the fence. If the externals will be in the states in a month I don't know what to do. :confused:

[DeltecRules]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9501583#post9501583 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Oliver P.
The Production of the new BM 160 is finished next week. So the new BM 160 will be available in the US in 2-3 weeks.

Thanks,
Oliver

Oliver, how much air will these be pulling?

[Oliver P.]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9507854#post9507854 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by DeltecRules
Oliver, how much air will these be pulling?

The Airflow of our new BM 160 is 800 - 900 lph.
Regarding Prices:
There is only a small difference of 30 $.
We tested this BM 160 with a bubble plate but there was no difference. So the construction is very similar to the old BM 150.
The main differences are :
1. A bigger diameter of the skimmer body. (160 instead of 150)
2. included gatevalve (like the new BM250)
3. a higher water- and airflow (1300 lph water and 800 lph air)

Thanks
Oliver

[E-A-G-L-E-S]

So the more turbulence without the diffuser plate didn't negatively affect skimming production in your testing?
Would have thought otherwise, but i guess the enlarged body helps.
Trying to decide which model to get still.

[DeltecRules]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9513832#post9513832 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Oliver P.
The Airflow of our new BM 160 is 800 - 900 lph.
Regarding Prices:
There is only a small difference of 30 $.
We tested this BM 160 with a bubble plate but there was no difference. So the construction is very similar to the old BM 150.
The main differences are :
1. A bigger diameter of the skimmer body. (160 instead of 150)
2. included gatevalve (like the new BM250)
3. a higher water- and airflow (1300 lph water and 800 lph air)

Thanks
Oliver

Oliver thanks for the information, whats the biggest tank you would put this unit on with a heavy bioload.

Scott

[Oliver P.]

Oliver thanks for the information, whats the biggest tank you would put this unit on with a heavy bioload.

The biggest tank I would put our BM 160 on with a heavy bioload is 150 g. We have happy customers with a 50g heavy bioload tank (old BM 150) and happy customes with a 250 g tank. Here. (http://www.atiaquaristik.com/index.php?id=131,0,0,1,0,0) for example is a customer with a 250 g tank medium bioload.

But I will show some pictures of our new BM 160 here next week.

Thanks
Oliver

[skimmy]

will you guys ever be importing your salt and additives to the u.s. through reef geek? judging from the results of those reef tanks on your website they look very interesting...

[Felixc]

Oliver,
Before I put some money down for the internal 250, can you tell me what price range for the external 250 will be, just approximate.

Thx.

[danskim]

Yeehaw.

[def]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9498240#post9498240 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Oliver P.
Yes, we have finished all test on the external version and we can start with the production in the next weeks. We will start with the recirculation BM 250 and later with the BM 200.

I guess that the first external BM`s are available in 3-5 weeks.

Thanks,
Oliver

Hi, Oliver.
I am waiting for BM250 to start my tank. I am not going to buy another manufacturer's skimmer (for example: at this time I can buy the H&S 300-3x1260 by the half of its price). I live in Moscow and going to buy it from one of ATI's partner from Finland (Aleksandr Pyndyk). Could You tell me when the BM250 (it doesn't matter internal or external - but, external or BM300 are preferred) will be orderable for me. Aleksandr said me that in a month. Please let me know... everything is ready beside of skimmer!

[mrcrab]

Oliver,

I have a gen 3 BM250. Is it safe to run ozone through it? If so what would be the best way, a T into one of the air intakes?

Thanks

[danskim]

Do you think it's worth it to wait for the Gen4 BM250s? Or am I safe with just getting the Gen3.
The skimmer performance shouldn't be any different, correct?

[Oliver P.]

will you guys ever be importing your salt and additives to the u.s. through reef geek? judging from the results of those reef tanks on your website they look very interesting...

Yes, we defently will. We gave Greg some samples already.

@def
The BM 250 intern is orderable all the time, but sometimes we need 2 weeks (because of backorders) before we can ship them out.

If so what would be the best way, a T into one of the air intakes?

Yes, thats the best way.

The skimmer performance shouldn't be any different, correct?

You are right. The performance (air intake ...) is still the same.

Thanks
Oliver

[Konadog]

Hey guys, I am doing some research for a new skimmer and would like some enlightenment.

What is the max water level that the BM250 can sit in? I see that it says "In-sump installation only in up to 8" of water" so does that mean if my water level is 12" I need to raise the BM250 4 or more inches so that it only sits in 8" or less of water?

It also says: "Power Consumption: less than 40 Watts/0.6 Amps per pump." Is this the max watts, as I think it changes some depending on air "vs" water intake.

Just making sure I understand this correctly.

Does anyone have any pictures of the bubble chamber when running? I've seen nog pictures, but no chamber pics.

[sjm817]

I have mine in ~ 10" and it works great that way.

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a370/Cheerleader555240/DSC_1239.jpg

[Konadog]

sjm817, thanks for the picture!

Is yours sitting on something to raise it up, and how much noise do the pumps/air sucking make?

[sjm817]

Its sitting on a slice off of a 5G bucket. You can see it. The skimmer is pretty quiet. i have the filter floss removed from the silencer in that pic. Leave it in to keep it quiet.

[johns]

can anyone show me a closer picture of the air intake tubing?

do you know the inner/outer diameter of the air intake tubes?

[Creetin]

I have not measured it, But i would guess close to 3/8ths ID on each tubing.

[StevieK]

Exactly how does the gate valve work on the newest design ? If you close it, i assume the water rises and open it ....

[Brewen]

When you close it turning the knob counter clockwise. It allows the pumps to build up more water in the body pushing the bubbles further up the neck of the skimmer. Opening the G-valve less water in the body lower the bubble level.

[jthnhale]

I have some close ups of my bm250 I just got, they are located here,
http://www.manhattanreefs.com/forum/general-discussion/8625-skimmer-thread-140.html

I'll try to post them on rc soon

I've got the skimmer breaking in, in a 20 gallon rubbermaid.
My first impression is wow that's some dense foam!
and then wow I can barley hear it running :)

[Creetin]

They are great skimmers, Just wait till you guys see the new models. ;)
I'll leave that for Oliver/Greg to show off when they think it's time.

[johns]

They are great skimmers, Just wait till you guys see the new models. ;)

Tease!

Are you referring to changes in all existing models? Just BM250? Something else?

[skimmy]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9763944#post9763944 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Creetin
They are great skimmers, Just wait till you guys see the new models. ;)
I'll leave that for Oliver/Greg to show off when they think it's time.

yeah come on now, dont hold out on us...who's it going to kill?

[jthnhale]

new models? I thought I just got the new model, arg, I can't keep up :(

[Creetin]

New models, Not existing. I am not of liberty to say. ;)

[Felixc]

Just got my 250 yesterday and is now breaking in. My initial impression was WOW! Very compact and well built. I took the pump apart and observed the meshwheel. I don't know much about pump designs but there seems to be bigger a gap between the magnet and motor. This could explain why it rattles and makes alot of noise on startup. My biggest concern though, is the mesh material used. I beliebe that it will overtime trap floating particals resulting in less bubbles and less effecient. The other concern is it falling apart and needing a replacement every so often. What do you think about the meshwheel longivity?

It's been running now for 12 hours, I am very impressed so far. Bubbles are very fine and there's lots. Comparing to a euroreef RS250, which I had for 3 weeks, the BM250 is superior in a few ways. More compact, more effecient, quieter, and skimmers break in period is much less. My euroreef took almost 3 days to break in, the 250 is skimming after 12 hours, and I use the same method of cleaning it out with vinegar.

The one bad thing I must say, so far, is the attachment method of the pumps to the skimmer body. It's a siicone-type tube about an 1" long that fits on the inside of both the pump outlet and skimmer inlet. It's just too flimsy and has the tendency to not hold the pump in place. I think something better could have been used here, perhaps something more rigid to secure the pumps better. I had a hard time connecting the two and keeping them connected.

All in all, it was great purchase for now, time will tell it's durability and effeciency. Happy reefing!

[Creetin]

Well the silicone is there to stop the resonating from the pumps.
The mesh at almost 6 mos for me is just like the day i bought it.
(Not worn or dirty) Its still pulling the same scfh as when it broke in. The mesh is a easy replacement, the ekenmat can be found everywhere since ATI started using it. ;) Its all the rage in modding pumps now a days.
The rattling will go away after it breaks in, If not and it only does it at start up i wouldnt worry about it. If you want it gone then trim the mesh a titch like a 1/16 of an inch till it stops.
Glad you like the skimmer. I don't think i will find a product that will beat it in performance and price.

[danskim]

My BM250 is still producing way too many bubbles now even in 5" of water. ReefGeek was kind enough to send me the original enkamat to try to get the bubbles back down.

The skimmate is pretty wet, but it's extremely smelly and somewhat dark.

[Creetin]

Yeah adding more mesh is asking for more work. You would need to add a submersed gatevalve mod to it to controll it easier.
Mavgi does it by removing the standpipe all together.

[danskim]

Do you happen to have a link to his post showing his setup?

[Creetin]

He has them in the bm thread, It's all there you just have to dig it out, Sorry i don't remember which page off hand. Maybe if you pm him he will send you some pics.
He idn't mod the skimmer just removed the top section off the standpipe.
Dunno if that is still what he does, I have not heard from him in awhile.

[skimmy]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9780130#post9780130 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Felixc

The one bad thing I must say, so far, is the attachment method of the pumps to the skimmer body. It's a siicone-type tube about an 1" long that fits on the inside of both the pump outlet and skimmer inlet. It's just too flimsy and has the tendency to not hold the pump in place. I think something better could have been used here, perhaps something more rigid to secure the pumps better. I had a hard time connecting the two and keeping them connected.


this has always been my singular beef with this skimmer design as well. after thinking about it for months and maintaining several in operation on different tanks, i think the best thing would be to:

1. increase the length of the acrylic tube that comes out of the skimmer body the pumps attach to by one inch.

2. attach the silicone hose on the OUTSIDE of the pump output and hose connection on skimmer body.

3. put plastic clamps on both ends of silicone hose for quick removal. (if needed)

by doing this they would retain the ability to not pass vibration from pump to skimmer body, yet the connection would be much stronger, and pumps would not come off so easy. and it wouldnt be much of big design change, just slightly longer tube for pump connection on skimmer body.

i love these skimmers and i feel any minor issues they have are total worth dealing with compared to the quality of skimmer you get, and the "power for the money" you receive.

i cant wait to see how the external version has the pumps attached!!
and can you imagine if these guys ever made a hang on skimmer?
it would smoke everything on the market...:)

[jthnhale]

I've had the 250 in my sump for a couple of weeks and it's been doing great, except for one incident that has me worrying. I fed the tank some frozen food and within a few minutes the skimmer was full and about to blow the lid off the collection cup.
Has anyone else had this experience? I have since opened the gate valve and lowered the water level a bit. the amount of skimmate produced has decreased, but the skimmer has not exploded again.

[Felixc]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9831676#post9831676 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by koraltek
this has always been my singular beef with this skimmer design as well. after thinking about it for months and maintaining several in operation on different tanks, i think the best thing would be to:

1. increase the length of the acrylic tube that comes out of the skimmer body the pumps attach to by one inch.

2. attach the silicone hose on the OUTSIDE of the pump output and hose connection on skimmer body.

3. put plastic clamps on both ends of silicone hose for quick removal. (if needed)

by doing this they would retain the ability to not pass vibration from pump to skimmer body, yet the connection would be much stronger, and pumps would not come off so easy. and it wouldnt be much of big design change, just slightly longer tube for pump connection on skimmer body.

i love these skimmers and i feel any minor issues they have are total worth dealing with compared to the quality of skimmer you get, and the "power for the money" you receive.

i cant wait to see how the external version has the pumps attached!!
and can you imagine if these guys ever made a hang on skimmer?
it would smoke everything on the market...:)

That's a very good suggesting. I think because the pump connection on the skimmer body is so short, it make's it hard to do any mod to improve the connection. I was thinking of the same idea of attaching the tube onto the OUTSIDE of the openings. Just got to fine the right material.

[Felixc]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9927739#post9927739 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jthnhale
I've had the 250 in my sump for a couple of weeks and it's been doing great, except for one incident that has me worrying. I fed the tank some frozen food and within a few minutes the skimmer was full and about to blow the lid off the collection cup.
Has anyone else had this experience? I have since opened the gate valve and lowered the water level a bit. the amount of skimmate produced has decreased, but the skimmer has not exploded again.

I am seeing the same problem with mine. This skimmer is very sensitive to chemical/water level changes. Mine is sitting in 8 inches of water and any influcs of about an inch will make it not work properly. I've had it for over a month now and it's has overflown about 3 times. Each time was because I turned off the return pump and the sump water level rose, and not realizing it til later. So be alert if your sump level changes regularly. This has never been an issue with any other skimmers I've owned in the past, including Euroreef/H&S. I don't know if this could ever be prevent with such a compact/short skimmer.

[da6d2003]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9927916#post9927916 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Felixc
I am seeing the same problem with mine. This skimmer is very sensitive to chemical/water level changes. Mine is sitting in 8 inches of water and any influcs of about an inch will make it not work properly. I've had it for over a month now and it's has overflown about 3 times. Each time was because I turned off the return pump and the sump water level rose, and not realizing it til later. So be alert if your sump level changes regularly. This has never been an issue with any other skimmers I've owned in the past, including Euroreef/H&S. I don't know if this could ever be prevent with such a compact/short skimmer.

I've had the same issue with water height affecting the skimmer performance. Was easily fixed by installing the autotopoff which I've been meaning to do for a very long time.

This thing is a pretty touchy animal though. I've been having to remove the collection cup during feeding to keep the thing from going nuts. Any suggestions? The only thing I can think of is to setup a timer delay linked to the feeding timer.

[da6d2003]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9831676#post9831676 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by koraltek

2. attach the silicone hose on the OUTSIDE of the pump output and hose connection on skimmer body.



I've found that just attaching the hose to the outside of the pump only has helped a bunch.

[Creetin]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9933144#post9933144 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by da6d2003
I've had the same issue with water height affecting the skimmer performance. Was easily fixed by installing the autotopoff which I've been meaning to do for a very long time.

This thing is a pretty touchy animal though. I've been having to remove the collection cup during feeding to keep the thing from going nuts. Any suggestions? The only thing I can think of is to setup a timer delay linked to the feeding timer.

Hey dave, Whay are you feeding the tank?
How much water is it in?

[skimmy]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9933159#post9933159 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by da6d2003
I've found that just attaching the hose to the outside of the pump only has helped a bunch.

excellent!! half the problem solved...
why didnt i think of that??

[da6d2003]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9935545#post9935545 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Creetin
Hey dave, Whay are you feeding the tank?
How much water is it in?

I'm going by memory buy I'd say its in about 10" of water. I can adjust the autotopoff if need be. Where should it be?

[mrcrab]

I've got mine at 8" but if I remember 6" - 10" was okay.

[mrcrab]

I've got mine at 8" but if I remember 6" - 10" was okay.

[Creetin]

Try it about 6-7 inches of water. That was what i found to work best for mine.

[da6d2003]

I just measured and it's at 8"

When I tried it lower it was "growling" at me. I have no idea what that was about.

[Creetin]

If it stays steady, and not overflows then i would not worry about it. Thats weird never hear growling from mine and my ATO shut off one day while i epoxied some frags down and dumped 20 cups of the epoxy residue. (Crazy skimmer water) It was down to about 2-3 inches of water and didnt make a peep.

[minras]

Hi,

guys help me to choose a ATI skimmer model BM200 or BM250, my aquarium is 130gal + 40gal sump, heavy loaded.
Because my fear is overskimming with BM250 on my system.

Thanks

[hahnmeister]

You can always put it on a timer so it only runs part of the time. Thats what Im doing... only have 160g in the system, but using a skimmer rated for a bit over 300g, since I want to keep the skimmer off from 9am-10pm every day (during these times, the skimmer doesnt seem to pull as much as night anyways). But for you, you could simply not have the skimmer on every day, and get the larger one.

[Reef Sponger]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9959727#post9959727 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by minras
Hi,

guys help me to choose a ATI skimmer model BM200 or BM250, my aquarium is 130gal + 40gal sump, heavy loaded.
Because my fear is overskimming with BM250 on my system.

Thanks I have read in several posts that BM200 can handle up to 200g heavy and up to 250g normal. BM250 can handle up to 400g heavy and 500g normal. I don't think you need to spend the extra money on the BM250 as it won't do anything extra for you that the BM200 will already take care of. More money and more electricity. Also if your tank isn't dirty enough, the skimmer may not work as well.

[klam114]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9959813#post9959813 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Reef Sponger
I have read in several posts that BM200 can handle up to 200g heavy and up to 250g normal. BM250 can handle up to 400g heavy and 500g normal. I don't think you need to spend the extra money on the BM250 as it won't do anything extra for you that the BM200 will already take care of. More money and more electricity. Also if your tank isn't dirty enough, the skimmer may not work as well. This is what I've heard except the BM250 can handle up to 700g normal.