ATI Bubble Master VS Bubble King

[mikebon111]

I'm currently building a new system and want to pick the best skimmer for the money. I learned through trial and error with my 55 gallon not to cheap out on the skimmer. I went through three different skimmers before I finally ended up with a euro-reef that was the best skimmer I have ever had. I could have saved a ton of money had I just bought it the first time around and I basically had the same learning experience with lighting, electronics, etc. Now with a little more experience and money I'm setting up a 120. I've been looking at the Deltec Turbo 1060 and the bubble King DeLuxe 200 then I stumbled by the ATI Bubble Master 200 & 250 on premium aquatics. The ATI has the highest air intake of 1100 and 2000 l/h respectively and is shorter than both the Detlec and the Bubble King which considering that its going under the tank is a plus AND its cheaper than both. Looking at the pictures it seems like it is constructed pretty much like the Bubble King. What's the deal with the ATI's are they good skimmers? Any recommendations?

[GSMguy]

bubble king and ATI are hard to even compare

the ATI has tons of turbulence and only skims wet yelllow tea tons of air and poorly designed reaction chamber

the bubble king skims any way you like and skims tea to dark nast thick skimmate

the bubble king is king

[steve the plumb]

They have the new bubble king mini witch I think is good for 180 gal and the price is reasonable.

[GSMguy]

bubble king mini is sweet

[sjm817]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10529437#post10529437 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by GSMguy


the ATI has tons of turbulence and only skims wet yelllow tea
I guess I need to get mine fixed. It isn't working that way.

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a370/Cheerleader555240/DSC_1390.jpg

[skimmy]

for a 120g a bm200/250 would be awesome! i have a bm200 on my customer's 120 and it rocks!!! super clean!!
if you were to buy a bk that pulled 1,000lph it would cost $1,100. of coarse the build quality is much better than the ATI, but the ATI is half the cost if that.
but the ATI bm200/250 is not a weak or poorly made skimmer by any means, it's just not c&c milled by hand, and the acrylic they use is thinner & less expensive.
if you can afford the bk then do it! but dont feel like you have to settle on the ATI, they are AWESOME performers and your tank will be very clean:)
pic is of a bm250 on a 500g+ system
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e15/fragfu/IMG_2530__Medium_.jpg

[GSMguy]

those are nice skimmate pics

ive seen a few of those wet tea pics though maybee its bioload dependant

[mikebon111]

Thanks for all your input.

[heuerfan]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10529437#post10529437 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by GSMguy
the ATI has tons of turbulence and only skims wet yelllow tea tons of air and poorly designed reaction chamber


No experience with bubble king, but my BM200 can skim wet or dry with a simple adjustment of the gatevalve.

[glassbox-design]

i'd suggest talking to people on the zeovit forums that actually run BK's...there is a limited number here because everyone thinks they can DIY one ;)

[RichConley]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10541822#post10541822 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Flint&Eric
i'd suggest talking to people on the zeovit forums that actually run BK's...there is a limited number here because everyone thinks they can DIY one ;)

You can, you just need to know what about the design is important, and most people don't.


The BM is a nice skimmer. The BK is a better skimmer. There are some serious design flaws in the BM, but it still performs really well, and better than almost anything in its price range, but it can't keep up with the BK (nor should it really, its 1/3 the price)

[kysard1]

What about the red dragon pump running too fast at 60hz, has that been fixed with the new BK's ?

[DeltecRules]

The mini's look sweet. I am going to either get the mini 180 or the mini 200 for my upgraded 75 gallon with a 30 gallon sump. Klaus updated with some new pics of the sizes of the mini and the mini 200 in action. The foam looks like shaving cream.

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1168748&perpage=25&pagenumber=5

[GSMguy]

that BK mini 160 or 180 look perfect for your tank.

[Aqua Keepers]

Not trying to Hijack, but can one of you BM guy's help me?

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1178275

[kodyboy]

those are expensive skimmers for a 120, even packed full of sardines:)
How about a DAS ex-3, lots of skimming for around $670?

[markandkristen]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10546696#post10546696 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kodyboy
those are expensive skimmers for a 120, even packed full of sardines:)
How about a DAS ex-3, lots of skimming for around $670?

ditto for the money they are totally awesome. somebody sent me a email with like 20 pics of this skimmer even in action and its totally awesome

[DeltecRules]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10546872#post10546872 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by markandkristen
ditto for the money they are totally awesome. somebody sent me a email with like 20 pics of this skimmer even in action and its totally awesome

Please show us some of these pics!!

[kodyboy]

I would like to see the pics as well:)

[kdblove_99]

I could get pics next sunday and post them. My father in law has a DAS EX3.

It is a very nice skimmer!

[mikebon111]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10546872#post10546872 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by markandkristen
those are expensive skimmers for a 120, even packed full of sardines
How about a DAS ex-3, lots of skimming for around $670?

Are you running one?

[Serioussnaps]

HOw about a link to the DAS ex 3 website as well. Is that ORCA? I am currently stacking cash for an upgrade to a 180 and my little old ASM G3 aint gonna cut it for the fishload that is going in that badboy so it is time for me to hop on board this discussion.

[GSMguy]

DAS are nice skimmers

[RichConley]

Except they run those crappy Aquabees.

[klam114]

DRules - Save yourself some money and take a look at the new BM160. Owners are starting to report in with excellent results. Power draw of 24 watts with air draw over 1,000lph. Foaming looks excellent with lots of detritus collected.

GSM - BM200 can definitely skim well once adjusted.
http://klam8.photosite.com/~photos/tn/9841730_348.ts1176397973753.jpghttp://klam8.photosite.com/~photos/tn/10480372_348.ts1178853951899.jpg