Maybe your skimmer had some defect? I used to try few brands in my life and BK 200 mini is in my sump right now...
I tried aqua medic shorty 500, deltec apf 600, bubble master 200, bubble master 250, KZ revolution S, and some other similar skimmers...
BM 250 was very nice but I had problem with the pumps, every year or so impeller shaft has to be replaced and some other parts.
The new one ATI PowerCone 250 with electronic pump gonna be my next try but so far can't complain about BM...