Skimmer for 150g

Myka · #1 09-09-2011, 02:55 PM

I have two SWC cone skimmers and they skim very well. The skimmer itself is well-designed.

The pumps on them are cheap, can't argue that. The Sicce PSK-2500 has restart issues which can be fixed by using a White Lightening or Red Devil needlewheel instead of the stock purple one. The way I see it is when the pump eventually dies, replace it with a better one. I find it is easier to spend $350 now, and $150 in a year or two for a replacement pump than spend $500-600 all in one go. Plus you got a year or two out of the first pump "for free".

The Vertex skimmers and EuroReef are good too. I have a couple of those as well. They are noisier than the SWC, but come with better pumps. You could mod the Vertex with a silencer on the air intake maybe..? Never tried it.

Palmer · #2 09-09-2011, 04:19 PM

I have an SWC EXTREME 200 skimmer and am very happy with it. For me it is at the right ratio of price point and performance.

I know when I do eventually want to replace this skimmer I will be going with SWC again and using the money I saved on lighting and flow.

Palmer

freezetyle · #3 09-09-2011, 04:31 PM

does vertex still use resun pumps?

globaldesigns · #4 09-09-2011, 06:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Myka

I have two SWC cone skimmers and they skim very well. The skimmer itself is well-designed.

The pumps on them are cheap, can't argue that. The Sicce PSK-2500 has restart issues which can be fixed by using a White Lightening or Red Devil needlewheel instead of the stock purple one. The way I see it is when the pump eventually dies, replace it with a better one. I find it is easier to spend $350 now, and $150 in a year or two for a replacement pump than spend $500-600 all in one go. Plus you got a year or two out of the first pump "for free".

The Vertex skimmers and EuroReef are good too. I have a couple of those as well. They are noisier than the SWC, but come with better pumps. You could mod the Vertex with a silencer on the air intake maybe..? Never tried it.

+1, I have had the pump quite on me on my SWC160... But I will say Jason at SWC was great to deal with and had a new one to me asap, under warranty. I wouldn't hesitate dealing with him again.

In regards to the restart issue, yes they do have this problem. The original pump that died and the new pump, both won't restart if unplugged then re-plugged. Easy fix was to just blow into the tubing of the air intake, always starts. The problem would be if the power goes out, well then it won't restart, and if you are not there, most likely will fry itself.

SWC is well built, and if possible, I would upgrade the pump right from the start. Not sure if you can do this, but contact SWC directly and ask.

pirate · #5 09-10-2011, 04:55 PM

I have tried an swc venturi skimmer, but could never get a realiable skim out of it. The cheep Berlin worked better then it. But it just died. ( still have both of them running in the sump). Are the cone ones better?
I know you get what you pay for, but some times the most expensive is no the best as you are paying for the name. That's why I'm asking.

Since I started this, I have a swc ( older cone one I think rated for 200+) that needs new pumps. Would it be better to re-pump that one or buy new? It has 2 sicce 2500 on it. If so what would be a better pumps to run on it?

Or stice with my original plan and buy a new one?

fishytime · #6 09-10-2011, 05:39 PM

Have a garage sale..... Sell all the old skimmers, then buy a Bubble King

unclesalty · #7 09-16-2011, 04:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fishytime

Have a garage sale..... Sell all the old skimmers, then buy a Bubble King

Totally agree with you on the Bubble King- Its the best skimmer I have owned so far and I did just own an Vertex Alpha Cone previously which was an awesome skimmer as well.

Bblinks · #8 09-16-2011, 06:50 AM

You can probably find a bbk mini 180 or 200 on canreef around 5-6 hundred. I would highly recommend it. I had the 180 running on my heavily stocked 210 for a year and it was awesome. The ease of cleaning along with top notch performance, and a built quality second to none. Once you use one it's hard to go back to any other skimmers. That's why when I finally upgraded, I bought the supermarin 250 with out a second thought. Guarranty you will love it. Btw did i mention they are quiet.
Vertex alpha cones are also a great choice but they are bout a grand new. Used ones are hard to come by.

Myka · #9 09-10-2011, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by globaldesigns

SWC is well built, and if possible, I would upgrade the pump right from the start. Not sure if you can do this, but contact SWC directly and ask.

SWC told me they are testing out a new pump for all the skimmers currently using the Sicce. Maybe next year they will have it out with a new pump...?