Actually I have not tried them all, I have only tried the Octopus personally. I have seen all three brands with multiple models up close and personal, there is a difference in build quality; however, as everyone has so positively stated, proof is in the pudding (NOG) when compared to investment.

I agree that the pump is one of the most important factors in a skimmer; however, the reaction chamber, dwell time, and inner turbulence all come into play. All of the above mentioned attributes are directly related to how the skimmers are constructed.

I did just pull my Euroreef 8-3 mesh modded skimmer out of my sump at home to try a BM NAC7, we will see how it goes, I am confident it will perform quit well!

The purpose of this thread was to "compare" competitively priced Skimmers against each other in terms of performance, dependability, and access to spare parts and warranty. This thread is not meant to bash BM as I have said all along they perform well for the dollar, I will continue to sell them of course as also stated.

I would hope that people continue to post their own results, this thread isn't just about what I think about each brand.

The next Skimmer I am going to try is the SWC 160 Extreme Cone.

SWC VS Bubble Magus!!
 

One thing that seemed to pop up a lot while I researched these skimmers was that although some of the SWC and BM skimmers use the exact same atman pump, the SWC pulls quite a bit more air because of a better impeller design. Again this is just what I read but seems valid.

SWC VS Bubble Magus!!
 

I say it seems valid ^ because actual numbers were given from tests they did. Can't remember where I saw this but it's out there if you look.

All i can say without having tried the BM skimmers is that i'm so impressed with the SWC 120 cone skimmers that i'm about to order a second one for my Lps tank.

What is the supply on these skimmers? Does OC have a good stock of them or will there be delays?

WHat do you reccomend for my 150g? I think about $300 is my limit tho. Med bioload mostly softies. I just know I'll need to bring a towel when I visit the store, to mop up my drool LOL :D

Towel! :lol: Let me look at a few specs and figure out which one will suite you best!!

If only you could go to $389.00 you would have the perfect Skimmer for your tank, after looking into it this would be by far the best skimmer for your setup.

It could be doable. How long to ship?

what about the SWC Xtreme 180 Cone Protein Skimmer can you get that one? I don;t see a picture just a writeup, wondering the difference on that and the Mini S

Hi Dan,

The difference in the Xtreme 180 Cone and the Mini S is that the Mini S is 1 piece injected while the 180 is a rolled cone. So I guess the main difference is that the Mini S is built a bit beefier.

Pic of XTREME 180 Cone:

http://canreef.com/vbulletin/picture...pictureid=3531

Pic of Mini S:

http://canreef.com/vbulletin/picture...pictureid=3532

Both skimmers are available to be shipped ASAP. Please allow 2-3 days to arrive at your door once the order is placed. Please PM me if you would like one of the above.

Thanks

Paul

Soooo...I am needing a good skimmer and have had the BM220-CS2 CONE SKIMMER recommended for quality, quiet operation, and excellent production of skimmate. What is the comparable model to this in the SWC line? Tank is a 300g that will be heavily stocked and SPS dominant

SWC 250 1A
 

Hi Sarah,

The SWC 250 1A would be a great choice. It's specs are:

-11 inch diameter 25 inch height 140 mm(5.5) inch neck

-Single pump

-A 1 piece seamless conical protein skimmer.

-Comes with an Italian made Askoll 1500 pump. Custom enlarged injection moulded volute,venturi and pinwheel.

-An integrated removable bubble plate to help reduce turbulence within the protein skimmer.

-Extra-wide necks in the design to allow for more air flow.

-Wedge pipe output allows you to adjust the skimmer and have fine control of the water level.

-Custom injection moulded pin wheel impeller for perfect balance.

-Custom injection moulded volute and venturi. Every single one is the same! No milled volutes for tolerence issues.

-Up to 70scfh of air pull using custom pin wheel impeller. These are real numbers not hyped numbers.

-Power factor of up to .53

-Draws less than 70 watts of electricity per pump.

-Quick release neck on the collection cup - requires 1/2 inch of clearance to remove the cup.

-Can be converted to run single pass in sump by unscrewing 2 unions!

-Recommended water depth 6-8 inches.

-Can be used in sump or in recirculation mode.

-Foot Print in inches (L x W x H): 18 x 15 x 24

-Xtreme 250 ASOR Cone Skimmer

Tank ratings:

Light Bioload 700 gallons

Med Bioload 500 gallons

Heavy Stocked Bioload 400 gallons

Finally Price: $749.99 USD.

http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/pic...pictureid=3541

Cheers,

Paul