- Thomas here and today, we're gonna be taking a look
at what can only be described
as the weirdest looking protein skimmer
that's currently available.
It is none other than the Bubble Magus Z Series.
I think it's pretty fair to say,
we all know what protein skimmers are and how they work.
So, we're actually gonna start with the unboxing,
so I can show you how odd this particular skimmer is.
Yet at the same time how familiar it is,
despite its super 80s, anime, giant robomecha suit styling.
Super angular, but it fits that mission
that Bubble Magus was on
to create the ultimate compact skimmer.
Let's take a look.
In the box, you'll find the Z Series protein skimmer body,
the collection cup, the bubble diffuser, the venturi
and pump adapter, the pump, some tubing,
a two year warranty card, a sponge cleaning brush
and a snazzy pack of stickers.
(upbeat rock music)
(animated whooshing)
(upbeat rock music)
The Z Series, while really odd at first glance,
is a super cool design that is hyper-focused
on saving space or rather,
fitting into the tiniest space possible for those reefers
who have extremely cramped quarters in their subs.
The easiest way to explain the Z Series design is like this;
Take a standard protein skimmer,
take a cross section of that skimmer and then,
cut that cross section in half vertically
and boom, all of a sudden, it starts to make sense.
Not only did Bubble Magus distill the skimmer down
to the smallest form possible,
but they also trimmed off even more
by using a recessed venturi and tubing,
an air silencer built into the cup,
as well as a novel belt-driven gate
for water height adjustment.
They also extended the length of the skimmer cup
over the side of the skimmer to help create more volume
for skimmate without adding any bloat to the footprint.
And also included a drain port as well as some tubing,
so that you can use
an external waste collection cup as well.
Overall, it is a super slim
and very well thought out piece of gear.
The Z Series comes in four sizes.
The Z-5 is rated for up to 40 gallons
for most reefing applications with a footprint
of only 6.3 inches by 3.9 inches
and coming in at a height at 18.9 inches.
The Z-6 is the exact same as the Z-5,
but uses a non controllable DC pump for reduced wattage
and even quieter operation.
The Z-7 is rated for up to 75 gallons
for most reefing applications with a footprint
of only 5.12 inches by 7.88 inches
and a height of 20.8 inches.
The Z-8 is the same as the Z-7,
but like the Z-6, uses a non controllable DC pump
for that reduction in wattage and even quieter operation.
And all four of the models are rated for best performance
at an eight inch water depth.
Like I mentioned earlier, to adjust the water level inside
of the skimmer to dial in that skimmate collection,
the Z Series uses a nifty belt-driven gate.
You can turn the knob at the top of the skimmer neck
to the left or right to open or close the gate.
They do have a max and min marking and a few dashes
as well as a small arrow on the wheel,
so you can keep track of the ideal setting
for your particular tank.
And while there is no air adjustment,
it looks like Bubble Magus did a really good job
of pairing the pumps with just the right flow rating
for the skimmer so that the foam production is consistent.
And all you need to do is decide if you prefer
to collect it wet or dry.
It is however, very easy to add an inline valve
for just a couple of bucks if you do wanna have some control
of the ratio of air to organics
when you're using the skimmer.
When it comes time to dump out that skimmate,
the cup lifts straight off.
You will need to disconnect the air tubing
from the air silencer that's built into the cup
if you wanna carry it off to a sink or drain.
Or you can just use a small container
and the drain port on the side of the cup
for quick disposal of wet skimmate.
For a full skimmer cleaning,
Bubble Magus made things quick and simple
by avoiding thumbscrews entirely and instead,
used a set of four silicone rubber locking tabs
that make it a breeze to disassemble the skimmer
and access the pump.
They've also provided a nice sponge cleaning brush
with the skimmer, so you can easily get into the nooks
and crannies of the slim body, neck and cup,
which is very much appreciated.
While it likely won't be for everyone,
the Z Series is going to be a perfect fit, literally,
for those reefers who've got very little space available
for a protein skimmer, but still want the benefits
that a skimmer provides.
So if that sounds like you and the Z Series
from Bubble Magus matches your reefing mantra,
you can go ahead and pick one up for yourself
by clicking right here.
(groovy music)