Bubble Magus got the rights to use bodies ATB Skimmers?

Is this so? That's what's being advertised.

Bubble Magus BM-180A Protein Skimmer Brand New | eBay

 

Might just be a ploy to sell more skimmers, I haven't heard of this before...

 

It probably is just a ploy, but none the less they are similar.

 

Companies can source parts from anyplace.... but this does not sound right. This E-bay retailer is the only one linking BM to ATB. Even if BM bought ATB cones... it makes no sense for a premire company like ATB to link thmeselves to a budget Chinneese producer. Perhaps ATB has some loose patent stuff they sell to other cone makers.... but that is also very common for knock off companies to do things that get them out of paying royalties for something. They easily get around it with one little minor change.

I suppose it's possible, but it does not add up.

 

I'm sure it's true. I would make a call to verify but there is really no reason to. Victor of ATB USA is the US distributor of Bubble Magus.

 

But it's not really the same to be a distributor of another company. But you probably know better than me. I didn't even know Victor was the distributor. Do you think that is the link of ATB and BM or that they actually share parts/rights?

 

The cost of the mold is high, however once the mold is made the cones are very cheap to make. ATB is a very small company and not really capable of marketing themselves in the US. There is no patent issues to worry abount which is why there is no worry about buildiong cone skimmers in the US. I personally know all the parties involved and I am sure it is on the up and up. It's a very tangled web and I probably should not discuss it in full on the board. This is also not the first time ATB has sold cones to another skimmer company.

 

Cool by me. I have recently learned of other stuff I never knew either. Seems there is a lot of sleeping around in this hobby.

Seems hard to keep track of when companies are striving for brand loyalty and distinction in a very tight and limited market place.

 

This hobby has always been one foot in the garage while trying to get the other foot into the garage. You are correct. It is a very small hobby and lots see opportunity to make a quick buck at our expense. I know many are upset that I am so outspoken but that's just who I am. Being an equipment junkie I have tried out lots of product over the years. I have lots of connections in this small hobby as well so not much gets by me.