Bubble Magus review...

I have seen a lot of threads with questions regarding Bubble magus. So I thought I would give a little review. These skimmers are the real deal! I currently run the BM100 on my 55g, so that is what my review is bassed on. The model has since been replaced by the NAC6, but it is bassicaly the same as the new BM150. So here is my review:

BM100

Highly Efficient & Reliable
Supplied with an Atman PH2500 115V 28W w/ optimized pinwheel. Bubble Magus pinwheel produces more micro bubbles which highly increases the skimming ability.

High Grade Acrylic Construction
High quality 5mm cast acrylic body for maximum durability.



Maximum Air/Water Contact TIme
Bubble diffuser for uniformed bubble distribution and longer dwell time.

Ultra Quite
Silencer included for silent operation.

John Guest connection
For easy waste cup draining.

Small footprint
6.7" x 10.6" footprint fits in most sumps.

http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu161/phishman/886.jpg

This skimmer rocks. It pulls out so much nasty junk.

Noise:

Intial startup was quiet, but definently audible. The skimmer has gotten quieter with time to a point where I cant hear it with the stand door closed. Operation is nearly silent even with the skimmer 2ft from you. Its much quieter than any other skimmer I have used.

Startup:

I had read up on the 1st version having some startup issues on the skimmer and was a little bit hesitant on how well this thing would restart after a power outtage or unplugging it. So far, its been unplugged 4 times and restarted every time. But, every time the power comes back on the skimmer is running once I get around to looking at it all. Its been very reliable thus far.

Bubble production:

The amount of bubbles this thing produces is amazing. It blows away the other cheap skimmers I have seen. The bubble production is on par with the high end skimmers. Bubble size is very small as well. Mircobubbles everywhere inside the skimmer in such a thick froth you cant see any real water movement or even inside the skimmer body at all.

Skimmate:

Ive been running my skimmer very wet for the last few weeks. Its producing a gallon of skimmate every 4 days. Luckily, the cup comes with pre plumbed for an external container if you wish. Initially I ran the skimmer much more dry and it was pulling out alot of skimmate. It was really nice to see how well it was working, but cleaning the collection cup is much harder the dryer the skimmate. The good news is the collection cup comes off easy, seals well, and doesnt break when you drop it. Ive broken two other collection cups from dropping them in the past. Thick thick acrylic on this sucker...

Quality:

Well.. my initial feeling after I opened the package was this thing is HUGE and well built. The acrylic is very very thick which hopefully makes it a bit stronger. Every last piece used its overkill on the skimmer. Overkill means reliable in an engineering world. So far nothing has failed, broken, or even been an issue.

Cons:

None really so far. As someone else stated you have to disassemble the entire skimmer to get to the pump, but I havent cleaned the thing yet! One of the complaints I have read about is the assembly. It is fairly easy to assemble, accept for the pump. You have to get it situated just right for the power cord to fit throught the opening cut out for it. The cord has to bend just right, but it does make it through the opening.

I am pretty sure I will be running this skimmer for a while but you never know, the new line, the NA6's, look real tempting. IMO, though these skimmers are the best bang for the buck hands down! You can see the whole new line of models at BUBBLE-MAGUS - Aquarium Internal skimmer|external skimmer|Dosing pump|Calcium reactor|Nitrate reductor/NO3 reductor|Filters|Turtle shell lampshade|Water monitor and controller|Additives|moonlight LED.

I will post some pics of my skimmer tomorow. A lot of the same features on the BM100 have made it to the new line, along with some new upgrades. Don't be fooled by the price, THESE SKIMMERS ARE THE REAL DEAL!

 

I hope this review helps answer some questions.

 

Good review ,I'm ordering a bm260 soon

 

Great review, definitly helps out.

 

Thanks a lot.

That BM260 looks like a beast!