I am running the SWC mini S with the Sicce 2500 with no start up issues since new (8 months). The skimmer came with the white lightning pinwheel and the standard one. I have been using the white lightning one.

I have the SWC 160... running with my Hydor 1000. The SWC is a nice skimmer, pulls good skimmate. I am on my second pump though, first one gave out and blew my GFC's... Jayson in Winnipeg replaced it under warranty and the second pump is running just fine.

The only complaint I have is that if the power goes out, or you unplug it, then when powering back up, it won't restart. I have to blow into the air tube to force the restart. No biggie, unless power goes out and I am not there, then most likely it will blow up!

I'm excited to read about this blowing air method. My sump is tight as heck and I have to disconnect the pump from the base of my 160, skewer the needlewheel and re-attach the pump. Mine is not a cone but came with the psk pump. I hate the thing!

Ah, this is good to know!

Restart issues with the Sicce are pretty typical from reviews I have read. Try the Aquamaxx needle wheel! I have seen many websites selling the Aquamaxx along with the pump.

Try the Aquamaxx? Do a Google on it...getting good reviews once the needle wheel is switched out.

i always wanted to see if you could swap out the atman for a different pump (Aquabee or better yet an eheim)

Never had a problem with the Attman on my 160. Runs smooth as silk. Never cavitated or failed to restart. Besides for the price, easily replaced if there was a problem.

160 uses the atman 1100 if i remember correctly. Issue resides in the atman 2500 pumps. but like you said, they are cheap so its not a big deal.

That's good to hear Doug since it is now in my FOWLR :biggrin:. I really love how quite it is & was real easy to dial in.

The SWC 150 & 160 Cones use the Atman 2500. The SWC 120 Cone uses the Atman 1100. The SWC 180 Cone uses the Sicce 2500.

touché...