Bubble Master 250 or Reeflo 200?

Tangwich · 02/12/2008, 12:57 AM

So as I start stocking my 225g that is ready, I have decided to upgrade my protein skimmer as what I currently have is not going to cut it. I have narrowed it down to either a Bubble Master 250 or a Reeflo Orca 200. Price is only a difference of $100 so that's not really a factor. Which would you choose and why? It seems as though the Bubble Master comes with Eheim modified pumps and Reeflo doesn't. My bioload will be pretty high as I plan to keep about 20-25 fish and lps/sps mix. Stand height is 30" and was thinking of going INTERNAL/in sump. What are pros and cons of internal/external? Thanks for your opinions and suggestions.

sjm817 · 02/12/2008, 07:08 AM

The BM250 uses Sicce pumps, not Eheim. It is an in sump only skimmer. The Reeflo is an external only skimmer.

linyreefer · 02/12/2008, 07:48 AM

I love my 250, if you can swing the expense I would invest in it.

nikonosis · 02/12/2008, 08:04 AM

Why not try out one of these when they come out?

http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merch...y_Code=Octopus

All of the testing on them looks extremely promising.

nikonosis · 02/12/2008, 11:08 AM

Here is a thread on the octopus pro's
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...readid=1290142

Tangwich · 02/12/2008, 04:42 PM

Thanks Nikonosis, great read and am looking forward to more info on these.

nikonosis · 02/12/2008, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Tangwich
Thanks Nikonosis, great read and am looking forward to more info on these.

you're welcome!

Setec · 02/12/2008, 06:49 PM

I have the Reeflo 200. It is my first external skimmer, but I am very impressed. It produces a milk like bubble in the chamber and a thick foam for the skimmate.

Check out the Reeflo 200 thread, there are a few videos showing the results of this skimmer. I bought mine at reefspecialty during their grand opening sale, so I think I got a pretty good price. You should give them a call and see if the sale is still going on and ask about the Reeflo, they know a pretty good amount about it as the owner runs the Reeflo 250 on his 500g.

mcliffy2 · 02/12/2008, 07:54 PM

I had the same decision for my 238g, and I decided to go with the Reeflo, and then decided to bump up to the Reeflo 250. If you ever want to upgrade, I think the Reeflo 250 allows you to do that (either to a bigger tank or adding another tank). I like that its external, it has one big pump vs. two little ones, and I've never heard anyone complain about the Reeflo. And with the Reeflo 250 I KNOW I can stock as heavy as I want, feed as much as I want, and not worry about it. That said, from the reviews I think the 200 would be fine and the way to go if you know you dont want to upgrade in the future.

Setec · 02/12/2008, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mcliffy2
I had the same decision for my 238g, and I decided to go with the Reeflo, and then decided to bump up to the Reeflo 250. If you ever want to upgrade, I think the Reeflo 250 allows you to do that (either to a bigger tank or adding another tank). I like that its external, it has one big pump vs. two little ones, and I've never heard anyone complain about the Reeflo. And with the Reeflo 250 I KNOW I can stock as heavy as I want, feed as much as I want, and not worry about it. That said, from the reviews I think the 200 would be fine and the way to go if you know you dont want to upgrade in the future.

The upgrade is a bigger collection cup with a longer neck. No reason that this cannot be done for the 200 in the future, I just think it is so new and they are trying to keep up with demand as it is, that the larger cup is the last thing on their mind.

zenn · 02/12/2008, 09:14 PM

how about some hard evidence to compare the two....such as scfh vs. energy usage? Quality? Longevity?

I'm in the same position, and i've been debating these same two skimmers as well.

Tangwich · 02/12/2008, 11:03 PM

Good point Zenn, I also would like to see some factual numbers from everyone that knows these skimmers well. Thanks all.

Rwinfrey · 02/13/2008, 05:05 AM

we just installed (as a display) a BM250 on our 2000gallon system it pulls out so much stuff we were surprised when the water got noticeably clearer.I like these skimmers so much I am getting one for myself.I would say it depends on how much you pay per kw in Ct. it's almost 19cents which adds up.Also did you want insump or out I like insump if it overflow's oh well

dingdong03 · 02/13/2008, 09:36 AM

Bm250 use less watt,no hard piping job,in sump no worrie about leaking when setup.if you had are good at the plumbing and had no room in sump,Reeflo 200 will do the good job as same as Bm250 too.

Tangwich · 02/13/2008, 09:54 AM

Thanks for the info. Does anyone know who I should contact that sells Bubble Masters? I have more questions about them as it looks as though I might go this direction only because insump/internal is the most practical way for me to go. Thanks

bsk997 · 02/13/2008, 10:10 AM

reefgeek.com is a good place to purchase it.

zenn · 02/13/2008, 10:58 PM

efficency vs. scfh would be good enough for me to make a decision. Anyone have good numbers for the ati bm 250 on those two items?

Meitzler · 02/14/2008, 12:49 AM

I would have second thoughts on the Bubble Master due to the starting problems that some people are having with them. Some do not turn them off, when they empty the cup, because of it. This can impact the reliability down the road. If you like to tinker frequently with them, they are otherwise good in my experience. Cann't speak to the other skimmer since I do not own one.

02/12/2008, 12:57 AM	#1
Tangwich Moved On Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Los Angeles & Montebello Posts: 1,563	Bubble Master 250 or Reeflo 200? So as I start stocking my 225g that is ready, I have decided to upgrade my protein skimmer as what I currently have is not going to cut it. I have narrowed it down to either a Bubble Master 250 or a Reeflo Orca 200. Price is only a difference of $100 so that's not really a factor. Which would you choose and why? It seems as though the Bubble Master comes with Eheim modified pumps and Reeflo doesn't. My bioload will be pretty high as I plan to keep about 20-25 fish and lps/sps mix. Stand height is 30" and was thinking of going INTERNAL/in sump. What are pros and cons of internal/external? Thanks for your opinions and suggestions.

02/12/2008, 07:08 AM	#2
sjm817 On Yer left! Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Northern VA Posts: 18,777	The BM250 uses Sicce pumps, not Eheim. It is an in sump only skimmer. The Reeflo is an external only skimmer. __________________ - Scott

02/12/2008, 07:48 AM	#3
linyreefer Premium Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: LI, NY Posts: 55	BM 250 I love my 250, if you can swing the expense I would invest in it.

02/12/2008, 08:04 AM	#4
nikonosis Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 1,935	Why not try out one of these when they come out? http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merch...y_Code=Octopus All of the testing on them looks extremely promising. __________________ Home is where you hang your @ 75g rimless starfire 30x24x24, Bubble Magus NAC6, 2x Vortech MP10's and 1 MP40, MaxSpect G2-160 LED, Neptune Systems AquaController Apex/w wxm module, Eheim Compact+ 3000 Pump, Aqua UV Sterilizer, BRS GFO/Carbon reactor, Marine Magic doser, Aquahub DIY Top-it-Off Kit and Aqua Lifter Vacuum Pump

02/12/2008, 11:08 AM	#5
nikonosis Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 1,935	Here is a thread on the octopus pro's http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...readid=1290142 __________________ Home is where you hang your @ 75g rimless starfire 30x24x24, Bubble Magus NAC6, 2x Vortech MP10's and 1 MP40, MaxSpect G2-160 LED, Neptune Systems AquaController Apex/w wxm module, Eheim Compact+ 3000 Pump, Aqua UV Sterilizer, BRS GFO/Carbon reactor, Marine Magic doser, Aquahub DIY Top-it-Off Kit and Aqua Lifter Vacuum Pump

02/12/2008, 04:42 PM	#6
Tangwich Moved On Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Los Angeles & Montebello Posts: 1,563	Thanks Nikonosis, great read and am looking forward to more info on these.

02/12/2008, 06:49 PM	#8
Setec Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Florida Posts: 138	I have the Reeflo 200. It is my first external skimmer, but I am very impressed. It produces a milk like bubble in the chamber and a thick foam for the skimmate. Check out the Reeflo 200 thread, there are a few videos showing the results of this skimmer. I bought mine at reefspecialty during their grand opening sale, so I think I got a pretty good price. You should give them a call and see if the sale is still going on and ask about the Reeflo, they know a pretty good amount about it as the owner runs the Reeflo 250 on his 500g.

02/12/2008, 07:54 PM	#9
mcliffy2 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Downtown Chicago Posts: 4,093	I had the same decision for my 238g, and I decided to go with the Reeflo, and then decided to bump up to the Reeflo 250. If you ever want to upgrade, I think the Reeflo 250 allows you to do that (either to a bigger tank or adding another tank). I like that its external, it has one big pump vs. two little ones, and I've never heard anyone complain about the Reeflo. And with the Reeflo 250 I KNOW I can stock as heavy as I want, feed as much as I want, and not worry about it. That said, from the reviews I think the 200 would be fine and the way to go if you know you dont want to upgrade in the future. __________________ 238g 60x36x26, 100g sump/fuge, 30g frag, 23g skimmer sump, 4 Vortechs, ATB L, Sfiligoi 12x54w T5 Bulb Combo: Super actinic, 6 Blue Plus/AS 22k, Fiji Purple, 2 Aquablue special, 2 Aquascience Duo

02/12/2008, 09:14 PM	#11
zenn Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Nebraska, Lincoln Posts: 182	how about some hard evidence to compare the two....such as scfh vs. energy usage? Quality? Longevity? I'm in the same position, and i've been debating these same two skimmers as well.

02/12/2008, 11:03 PM	#12
Tangwich Moved On Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Los Angeles & Montebello Posts: 1,563	Good point Zenn, I also would like to see some factual numbers from everyone that knows these skimmers well. Thanks all.

02/13/2008, 05:05 AM	#13
Rwinfrey Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Oakdale,Ct. Posts: 2,772	we just installed (as a display) a BM250 on our 2000gallon system it pulls out so much stuff we were surprised when the water got noticeably clearer.I like these skimmers so much I am getting one for myself.I would say it depends on how much you pay per kw in Ct. it's almost 19cents which adds up.Also did you want insump or out I like insump if it overflow's oh well

02/13/2008, 09:36 AM	#14
dingdong03 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Chino hills Los angeles Posts: 688	Bm250 use less watt,no hard piping job,in sump no worrie about leaking when setup.if you had are good at the plumbing and had no room in sump,Reeflo 200 will do the good job as same as Bm250 too. __________________ Ken Current Tank Info: ELOS 70

02/13/2008, 09:54 AM	#15
Tangwich Moved On Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Los Angeles & Montebello Posts: 1,563	Thanks for the info. Does anyone know who I should contact that sells Bubble Masters? I have more questions about them as it looks as though I might go this direction only because insump/internal is the most practical way for me to go. Thanks

02/13/2008, 10:10 AM	#16
bsk997 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: OC Posts: 635	reefgeek.com is a good place to purchase it.

02/13/2008, 10:58 PM	#17
zenn Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Nebraska, Lincoln Posts: 182	efficency vs. scfh would be good enough for me to make a decision. Anyone have good numbers for the ati bm 250 on those two items?

02/14/2008, 12:49 AM	#18
Meitzler Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Richland, WA Posts: 201	I would have second thoughts on the Bubble Master due to the starting problems that some people are having with them. Some do not turn them off, when they empty the cup, because of it. This can impact the reliability down the road. If you like to tinker frequently with them, they are otherwise good in my experience. Cann't speak to the other skimmer since I do not own one.