Any skimmer experts around?

[jacksonpt]

I posted this same question in the equipment forum and have gotten a couple of responses. Problem is, I don't know any of those people, so I don't know if they know what they are talking about, or if I should take their advice all that seriously.

So, here it is...

I need to replace my skimmer and have (I think) narrowed my options down to an SWC xtreme 120 Cone or a Bermuda BPS-3c. From what I've read on here, SWC seem to be the hot skimmer right now, at least in the budget skimmer arena. Bermudas sound like they use an older technology, but by all reports are very effective skimmers that don't need a lot of attention.

I'm looking for:
- good skimming (obviously)
- reliability
- small footprint
- reasonable price

It will be going in a system with ~50g of total volume, 30g display with a moderate bioload. I'm replacing an eshopps HOB skimmer that I've had problems with since day 1, so I want something that will run well, and run reliably. I don't mind spending a little more to get something that will really work for me, but like most of us, I don't have an unlimited budget. Space under my stand is already pretty cramped, so size/footprint of the skimmer does matter.

Thoughts on these 2 skimmers? On paper the Bermuda is the clear winner, but in real life... ?

 

[pimpinitup6969]

The swc cone is a beast! I saw one while in Florida and was really impressed

 

[drbronx]

+1 for the SWC Extreme: Great price for a well designed skimmer, I believe it would be more economical and efficient to run. It has good air draw at less than 20 watts. Small footprint for your tank. You may need to ask around to see how reliable the impeller is on start up since many mesh wheel impellers do have issues. I don't know what a "hybrid mesh/needle wheel" impeller is. You also may need to ask around regarding noise levels of the pump and customer service. But from what I've read (no direct experience) dollar for dollar, it seems like a great skimmer.

 

[frankandmaura]

Honestly...I had the Octopus TS-150 running for 2 years and I was EXTERMLY impressed - it was easy to control the foam (could easily switch from wet to dry skimming), I never had any issues with the pump, the cup was simple to remove and clean and it was compact and fairly inexpensive. Overall it blew the ASM G-2 which I had previously out of the water (no pun intended). Not one bad thing to say about it...

I think it was about $240 when I bought it, but it is $210 now.

 

[fatrip]

Franks skimmer was a really nice skimmer. But between the two you listed I would have to say looking at it from an efficiency point of view, like jerry, the cone shaped one seems to have low electrical draw and fluid dynamics on its side. with the other you have a flat top plate, not even tapered. this seems like it would collect skim mate there and wouldn't be fun from a cleaning aspect. but it does have a taller chamber which would seem good for a longer reaction time with the water....+1 for the CONE.

 

[frankandmaura]

Good point Vince...I didn't answer the question

I am not an expert by any means...but, out of the 2 you are suggesting, the CONE seems to be a sweet machine.

 

[jacksonpt]

Thanks for the input fellas. You all pretty much verified what I had read elsewhere, so I ordered the SWC this morning. By all reports, they are quiet enough and no reports of mesh wheels clogging or anything.

I'm drawing up my fuge plans now, so no doubt you'll see that shortly.