First off thank you MOJO for your many skimmer reviews. They have helped me and other reefers make some educated decisions about skimmers. It also opened my eyes to brands I would have overlooked, such as the Vertex brand. Which turned out to be one good bargain skimmer. All though I don't have the luxury to test as many skimmers as MOJO, I have had in the past a Top Fathom, ASM G3, Euroreef CS 6-3,CS 8-2,CS-8-3,CS 12-1, Reefmania 12" x 36" tall three sedra, Vertex IN-250, H&S 3 x Aquabee, 2 do it yourself skimmers. I've also played with many pump variations on those same bodies with the Sedras and Sicce pinwheel and mesh versions, two different Askoll 1500 pumps and needlewheels. All this did for me was want a skimmer right out of the box that was engineered good with its pump to work well with the body. I also wanted to do no modding.
I was looking for a skimmer that can handle a large tank. I have a 180 plus 75 gallon sump so 255 total water volume. Heavily stocked with an Achilles tang, Tomimi Tang, Foxface, Clown, 2 x fire fish, Mystery Wrasse, Copperband, Anthia, Flame Angel, Pipe fish and a Manderin fish. Lots of LPS and softies in zoas, rics, favia and acans, chalices and leathers. There is an island in the middle with three Rose Anemones, which get fed all the time. I'm hoping for them to add clones and to have a giant Rose Anemone island. Need less to say they add lots to the bio load.
My short list on my search was the Hurricone CAT-2, Vertex Alpha Cone and the SWC 1A Cone. After lots of research I've decided on the SWC 1A Cone for now. Hopefully it was good decision, only time will tell. I'll share with you my experience, and here is how it arrived.
It came with easy to read directions on how to put it together. First impression, is the acrylic is very thick. A nice bonus. The seam less body looks very good.
The bubble plate is removeable and is really two parts, so it can be taken out of the skimmer for cleaning.
The cup is large with a simple drain plug connection. Similar to the one on the Vertex skimmers. I've used them before and they work well. Simply remove the plug and place the tubing onto it, if you want to use it. The lid is carved with SWC's logo, it looks very clean.
Following the directions, it was easy to put together. The cup slips in and fits super snug. Easy in, easy out. No twisting.
Here is the Askoll 1500 by SWC. First thing I noticed is it's been injected molded. Slightly different than BK's Red Dragon an ATB's Airstar, which I believe are milled. A little getting used to, since it's the first of its type. After talking in depth with some employees at SWC, they are saying that this version has the ability to run 90 SCFH or 2500 LPH! They tuned it down to 75 SCFH or 2100-2200 LPH to match the body. That was all the conversation that I needed to make up my mind that I needed to try this skimmer. I am super excited to see what this pump can do.
I was looking for a skimmer that can handle a large tank. I have a 180 plus 75 gallon sump so 255 total water volume. Heavily stocked with an Achilles tang, Tomimi Tang, Foxface, Clown, 2 x fire fish, Mystery Wrasse, Copperband, Anthia, Flame Angel, Pipe fish and a Manderin fish. Lots of LPS and softies in zoas, rics, favia and acans, chalices and leathers. There is an island in the middle with three Rose Anemones, which get fed all the time. I'm hoping for them to add clones and to have a giant Rose Anemone island. Need less to say they add lots to the bio load.
My short list on my search was the Hurricone CAT-2, Vertex Alpha Cone and the SWC 1A Cone. After lots of research I've decided on the SWC 1A Cone for now. Hopefully it was good decision, only time will tell. I'll share with you my experience, and here is how it arrived.
It came with easy to read directions on how to put it together. First impression, is the acrylic is very thick. A nice bonus. The seam less body looks very good.
The bubble plate is removeable and is really two parts, so it can be taken out of the skimmer for cleaning.
The cup is large with a simple drain plug connection. Similar to the one on the Vertex skimmers. I've used them before and they work well. Simply remove the plug and place the tubing onto it, if you want to use it. The lid is carved with SWC's logo, it looks very clean.
Following the directions, it was easy to put together. The cup slips in and fits super snug. Easy in, easy out. No twisting.
Here is the Askoll 1500 by SWC. First thing I noticed is it's been injected molded. Slightly different than BK's Red Dragon an ATB's Airstar, which I believe are milled. A little getting used to, since it's the first of its type. After talking in depth with some employees at SWC, they are saying that this version has the ability to run 90 SCFH or 2500 LPH! They tuned it down to 75 SCFH or 2100-2200 LPH to match the body. That was all the conversation that I needed to make up my mind that I needed to try this skimmer. I am super excited to see what this pump can do.
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