Expensive skimmer vs cheaper model with swabbie?

[D0GFISH]

Seems like most people prefer to do weekly skimmer cleanings. My skimmer loses efficiency in a couple days after cleaning. I need a larger skimmer but I'm considering a decent skimmer with a swabbie instead of a more expensive model. Crazy idea?

 

[bluemonkey]

I think there's a bit more factors to consider on this. However, if everything was equal, I can't imagine an expensive skimmer being more efficient than one not as expensive (but efficient) that will have constant maintenance from a swabbie.

 

[viggen]

I would define a cheap skimmer vs a expensive skimmer

Is high end reef octopus? Reef dynamics? Bubble king etc?

 

[D0GFISH]

In terms of cheap the SWC160, Avast Marine CS1, Sea side aquatics ES7 and Bubble Magus Nac7 or Nac9 are in contention. More expensive would be a Reef Octopus or Vertex. I've had a hard time finding skimmers that will fit under my stand (26") while still allowing ~15" water level in my sump by placing skimmer on a stand. The CS1, ES7 and Nac7/9 'fit' well but don't have the reputation like Reef Oct or Vertex.

 

[bluemonkey]

Why not get a cheap skimmer and upgrade the pump as well? I have an swc 200 with a bubble blaster 3000 that is quite effective imo.

 

[Arthur1]

DOG, I am a skimmer fan, always tinkering, modifying and using different brands. Sadly to say, I have not used a wiper/swabbie though I did have a spray nozzle on a very large skimmer that was more fun than anything to use as it was not set up correctly by the original installer. My two cents on a swabbie/wiper is that if it works to the degree that it is advertised to, it is a great idea. I have some large skimmers running that are disgusting to clean after a week, never mind two weeks on a particular one in mind. Keeping the neck of the skimmer "clean" as you may know is important as the build up of organics that were once dissolved, hinders skimmate collection. :beer:

 

[D0GFISH]

The more I hear about peoples experiences with neck cleaners it sounds like they are a much better investment on a mid-priced skimmer than a spendy skimmer. I'm sure that doesn't apply to extremely low end skimmers. Does anyone with a neck cleaner have a different view?

 

[ca1ore]

The more I hear about peoples experiences with neck cleaners it sounds like they are a much better investment on a mid-priced skimmer than a spendy skimmer. I'm sure that doesn't apply to extremely low end skimmers. Does anyone with a neck cleaner have a different view?

I have had an Avast neck swabbie on my ASM G4+ now for about three weeks and am very happy with it. It is a bit fiddly and does require some precision when retrofitting to a third-party )non-Avast) skimmer, but it is the best 'mod' hands down that I have ever done to a skimmer. My longer-term plan was to move up to an Aquamaxx E500, or something similar, but based on my initial experience with the swabbie, I may not bother.

 

[viggen]

I would get the better quality skimmer then at a later date add the cleaner. Buubleblaster and red dragon pumps are very quiet (there are other great pumps out there as well), my red dragon 12m3 which does similar flow vs a dart is silent. My experience with cheaper stuff is the pumps make lots o noise and do not last as long. Depending on how your tank is setup noise might or might not be a issue......

 

[D0GFISH]

I would get the better quality skimmer then at a later date add the cleaner. Buubleblaster and red dragon pumps are very quiet (there are other great pumps out there as well), my red dragon 12m3 which does similar flow vs a dart is silent. My experience with cheaper stuff is the pumps make lots o noise and do not last as long. Depending on how your tank is setup noise might or might not be a issue......

Is there a reason more people don't tee off the return pump to run the skimmer? The new DC pumps are extremely efficient. I realize the difference in skimmer quality isn't only the pump but if I'm upgrading my return pump anyways . . .

 

[D0GFISH]

I have had an Avast neck swabbie on my ASM G4+ now for about three weeks and am very happy with it. It is a bit fiddly and does require some precision when retrofitting to a third-party )non-Avast) skimmer, but it is the best 'mod' hands down that I have ever done to a skimmer. My longer-term plan was to move up to an Aquamaxx E500, or something similar, but based on my initial experience with the swabbie, I may not bother.

Seems like everyone loves their Aquamaxx skimmers. They were my first choice but would limit water level in the sump due to clearance issues. Why did you go with Avast vs the other neck cleaners?

 

[FlyPenFly]

The Avast CS1 is fantastic, I don't see why you would get anything else on that list besides that.

The CS1 + Swabbie will skim as good or better than anything it's size. It's going to outskim anything you buy because it will have a neck cleaner. I'm saying this as a XP1000sss Bubble Blaster owner. The Sicce PSK-1000 is a fantastic quiet reliable pump.

 

[D0GFISH]

The Avast CS1 is fantastic, I don't see why you would get anything else on that list besides that.

The CS1 + Swabbie will skim as good or better than anything it's size. It's going to outskim anything you buy because it will have a neck cleaner. I'm saying this as a XP1000sss Bubble Blaster owner. The Sicce PSK-1000 is a fantastic quiet reliable pump.

The few people that I've found who have the CS1 seem impressed. Seems rare around here for some reason.

 

[igadget56]

I have a swabbie on my ASM G4XX and it works great. If you don't want to install it you can send it in and they will do it for you. Turm around is very fast. Call first.