What makes the BK so effective?

[blueheaven]

Just wondering what is it of the BK that makes it so effective?

Other than the titanium needlewheels, could it be that it focusses on the low turbluence, small bubbles method?

I have noticed that as compared to a Beckett, which had high turbulence and large bubbles because of the swirling inside the reaction chamber, a Beckett mostly produced dry skimmate which settles as mud on the neck.

Whereas for the BK, the skimmate is almost overflowing and not as dry.

So what do you think? What is the special part of the BK's design?

[AlfaRomeo]

Just wondering what is it of the BK that makes it so effective?

Other than the titanium needlewheels, could it be that it focusses on the low turbluence, small bubbles method?

I have noticed that as compared to a Beckett, which had high turbulence and large bubbles because of the swirling inside the reaction chamber, a Beckett mostly produced dry skimmate which settles as mud on the neck.

Whereas for the BK, the skimmate is almost overflowing and not as dry.

So what do you think? What is the special part of the BK's design?

IMHO, its the efficiency of the needlewheel in breaking up the bubbles into very very tiny ones and also the sheer amount of L/hr of air the pump injects. Another advantage over the beckett is the plate in the skimmer that minimizes turbulence in the skimmer body especially with the huge amount of air and water being injected into a limited body space. Its also much wider than a typical beckett which gives an improved bombardment rate.

HTH

[blueheaven]

Yeah that's why you see I wanted to make a stubby looking beckett

Some questions though:

How is it that the BK can have so much air suction?

Having the turbulence reduction plate with the countersunk holes wouldn't make the bubbles bigger since there are only limited space for the bubbles to exit?

[weileong]

The BK is using a modified Red Dragon pump with Titanium needlewheel impeller.

The pump iself is very strong so that gives the high air injection and fine bubbles.

[AlfaRomeo]

Yeah that's why you see I wanted to make a stubby looking beckett

Some questions though:

How is it that the BK can have so much air suction?

Having the turbulence reduction plate with the countersunk holes wouldn't make the bubbles bigger since there are only limited space for the bubbles to exit?

The secret behind the BK is the modifed RD with titanium wheel like What Weileong posted. There are theories that the titanium wheel creates an electrical charge of sorts when its spinning at high revs which increases the efficiency of the proteins attaching themsleves to the air bubbles.

The holes in the platform in the skimmer is sufficient enuff for the bubbles not to converve and become larger bubbles. Main purpose is to reduce turbulence which will severely disrupt the foam head.

Explore the external version of the BK. Its recirculating and the feed rate of tank water can be adjusted without impacting the air flow rate etc etc. Highly beneficial aspect of a skimmer IMHO.

[blueheaven]

The charge theory, its like the ozone right?

Placing an electrostatic charge on the bubbles to attract the DOC

[zorden]

a very fantastic skimmer...but too bad price high..and footprint also big...

[weileong]

a very fantastic skimmer...but too bad price high..and footprint also big...

With the performance taken into account, the price is not as high as it seems.

[weisoon]

Very good performance for the BK. But the price of spare part kills.

Imagine the ceremic shaft of the RD is priced at the region of $200+ Shaft only hor.

[AlfaRomeo]

bummer... the spare parts cost a lot IF you can get any here in SG. I think most prob you got to buy it from overseas and it will cost a lot more with sipment taken into consideration?

[blueheaven]

That's why I wonder whether the essence of the BK can be captured

Other than the titanium needlewheel, how about other factors could have given the BK such exceptional results?

[Melvyn Tan]

May i know where you obtain the results of the BK?

[blueheaven]

You mean skimmate?

This is from zeovit forum

Compare that to a Beckett

[CalciumReef]

You mean skimmate?

This is from zeovit forum

Compare that to a Beckett

This one not bad also huh Same kopi color..Never ending story

2 digit skimmer compared to 3 digit skimmer and compared to 4 digit skimmer

[weileong]

Why look at skimmate color to determine the efficiency of the skimmer?

Before I continue, let me clarify that the weipro is a decent skimmer taking into account it's price.

However we all know how good it is when you compare it with the higher end skimmers.

You should check the nutrients levels in the tank to see the power of the skimmer instead.

[Melvyn Tan]

Very fair statement indeed...

[CalciumReef]

Why look at skimmate color to determine the efficiency of the skimmer?

Before I continue, let me clarify that the weipro is a decent skimmer taking into account it's price.

However we all know how good it is when you compare it with the higher end skimmers.

You should check the nutrients levels in the tank to see the power of the skimmer instead.

I agree also...But someone else think otherwise

[blueheaven]

Yeah maybe but I am somehow inclined that if a skimmer does not pull out anything, then it is not as efficient.

Nutrient levels are also an indicator but it is also affected by many factors too. The most fundemental proof of a skimmer's worth is its ability to produce consistent, DOC laden gunk right?

[weileong]

Nutrient levels are also an indicator but it is also affected by many factors too.

If a skimmer skims nothing is it still called a skimmer??

Care to explain what are the factors affecting the nutrients levels in the tank?

[AlfaRomeo]

BH, nope IMHO. The most fundamental proof of a skimmers ability is the tank water quality. If the water condition is near perfect even with heavy feeding then the skimmer is up to task. IF even with light feedings and the water quality is not ideal, then the skimmer is not up to par.

Skimmate quality/quantity is mainly dependent on how wet/dry you skim. other factors of course affects it but not as much as how dry/wet u r skimming.

Of course, if you put a skimmer online and it doesnt pull out anything, your water quality will thus deteriote which leads to the first point Im trying to make.

[blueheaven]

Ok I think I am getting it

So back to the design of the BK, any other points to add?

[AlfaRomeo]

Yeah, do you think a foam head which is not purpose built can compare to a purpose built needlewheel impellar/pump? I dunt really know the answer to dat one but just to throw a spanner in.

[blueheaven]

Haha wonder who was the ingenious guy who noticed the foam hard and put in on a skimmer

But until now, I still cannot bring myself to accept the fact of spending so much for a needlewheel pump. For the verdict, we must wait till I build the monster skimmer in around 2 months time

[weileong]

How are you going to determine the height, dia of the main chamber?

dia meter and length of down tube?

length and dia of neck,

pump used?

design of the taper?

etc etc etc?

Those highend needlewheel has gone thru R&D to ensure everything is in balance.

[blueheaven]

Haha its going to be a hit or miss. I will be using the dimensions of current existing needlewheels and modifying them a bit (probably taller)

I also have another reefer with lots of experience with me on the project so we'll see how it goes ya?