BK 160 cup?
 

Recently purchased a vs12 and foam collection cup has gray pvc like volute, all pics I have seen are white, random color change or new trend?

Gray bottom

The newer ones are using white PVC. Other than that, they are the same.

What timeframe was grey used? Bought this used

It’s been a few years or so.. It’s really only an aesthetic change. The body hasn’t changed nor has the motor. It’s a great skimmer. Heck, I bought a used one not too long ago (we were out of stock on them) for a smaller system I had at my house and ended up selling it because I decided not to keep the system up.

I was really impressed with that little skimmer. While I handle the support for RE, it’s not like I get to “test drive” every model. I knew the motor well from past experiences and support efforts. Those pumps when properly maintained will last indefinitely. The Red Dragon pump that is in that skimmer is one of the most coveted skimmer pumps you can get. I knew the build quality of the skimmer from having handled them at shows and stuff. What really impressed me was the performance of that little skimmer. It honestly changed my views on skimmers with pumps integrated into the body. I had an SCA skimmer here with the integrated pump as a brand new AquaMaxx CO-1. The SCA was included with that tank. The AquaMaxx was my replacement for it. I just couldn’t leave well enough alone. I wanted a Mini 160 but we didn’t have them in stock and then happened upon one that was in great shape and at the right price so I jumped on it.

The Mini 160 was in a completely different league. It not only weighed twice as much which spoke volumes about the build quality but the performance and consistency was 2nd to none. I think you are going to love that skimmer.