Video - ATI Bubble Master 200 unboxing

I have just received an ATI Bubble Master 200 protein skimmer, and wanted to share my initial impressions.  For reference, my previous skimmer was an ASM.  The skimmer cost $549, which puts it above budget skimmers, but still not at the level of a Korallen Zucht, or Bubble King.  It is rated for 250 gallon aquariums, which is over-rated for my 135 gallon tank, but should allow me to keep a high bioload.

Packaging

The skimmer was ordered from AquariumSpecialty.com.  As you can see in the unboxing video, the skimmer was protected by custom-cut foam.  It was extremely thick and the unit arrived in perfect condition.

Construction

The skimmer is solid.  No part of the unit feels cheap, and the body does not flex when squeezed.  Attention to detail is obvious, with the easy to adjust knife valve and rubber feet on both the skimmer foot and pump.

Instructions

The instructions which come with the unit are clear and understandable.  I do have a complaint here.  On every online vendor where you can purchase this skimmer, it says “In-sump in up to 8″ of water”.  The instructions make this more clear, they state: “For optimal performance the water height should not exceed 8″. (Ideally 6-7″)”  I wish that the 6-7″ note accompanied the advertisement online.  My sump was made to be 8″ deep; had I known that 6-7″ is ideal I would have made it to that specification.

Assembly

Putting the skimmer together required no tools or plumbing.  One of the main reasons I chose this particular skimmer is ATIs use of a knife gate valve for adjustment.  This means no extra plumbing required, and no getting your hands wet.  The collection cup simply rests on the body, sealed by the weight of the (large) cup and a rubber gasket.  This makes removal easy.

For a glimpse at the assembly process, check out my unboxing video.

Install

Installation was definitely plug-and-play.  After assembling the unit dry, I simply dropped it into my sump and plugged in the pump.  The unit started skimming wet within minutes.  I’ve had to tune it down as the skimmer breaks in so that I can find where the sweet spot is.  The ATI-Sicce pump has a slight hum to it, which may be due to my placement, but it is not annoying or distracting.

Conclusion

I am extremely happy with my purchase, and in the few hours the skimmer has been running, I already have about 1″ of wet skimmate.  I feel it will be capable of dealing with my bioload as my tank matures.