SWC Mini-S Cone Skimmer Review

[jascymcl]

I have a swc 200 it is great, but i have a swc mini cone and its awesome,also have the swc 250a cone with askoll pump and it is a super beast!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have had many skimmers including a bubble king super marine and the swc cones blow them out uf the water in performance and $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

 

[herozero]

I think one exclamation point and one dollar sign get the point across

 

[MSX-Jeff]

mojo...there is the "appearance" of a step, but if you reach your hand inside and feel what is going on in the "step", you will realize that it is tapered from the body to the neck...definitely not a hard step

 

[mojo~]

right I remember that. It isnt a deal breaker by any means. I can wish it was smoother. Its a nice skimmer for sure.
I just think you offer many budget friendly skimmers that perform really well. I think if you have a deeper sump around 10 inches you will be able to get the performance out of this skimmer that makes it worth the extra money over the msx 200. No issues with the skimmer. works well.

 

[skimmy]

that "step" is nominal, and doesnt negatively effect performance at all,
in fact if anything, I would say it augments the skimmers ability to push foam up to the cup. remember, the most important thing is matching pump power/air injection to reaction chamber and neck size, not weather there is a minor step in the cup.
excellent skimmer, not mini at all, and you can still use a meshed impeller for more power if you wish. I'd pick this over that octo cone anyday. plus it has the pump underneath the body for smaller footprint, so it will fit places the octo cone cant.

 

[Paulairduck]

that "step" is nominal, and doesnt negatively effect performance at all,
in fact if anything, I would say it augments the skimmers ability to push foam up to the cup. remember, the most important thing is matching pump power/air injection to reaction chamber and neck size, not weather there is a minor step in the cup.


this is statement is very TRUE!

 

[GaryR1984]

Bad new is my mesh wheel that my skimmer came with is broken. so that was no use...

 

[skimmy]

awww bummer, im sure they will zip you out a replacement.

 

[cobbobby]

What is broke on it? You mean a zip tie is broke? I've always redone all meshmods anyhow as they always seem to be a mess anyhow.

 

[GaryR1984]

The zip tie is broke too, but it doesn't fit well, I'm going to attempt to redo it and see if it fits in better. When I put it into the pump it doesn't run correctly, I spent a good amount of time trying to get it to work. Wanted to run it with the mesh mod for a few days and to get some pics and my opinion for anyone who finds this "review" helpful.

 

[cobbobby]

With a MW it won't start up on its own, mesh is a headache with a sicce.

 

[GaryR1984]

Here's some new pictures on the morning of day 4.

My tank would probably be considered lightly stock, nothing but frags for the most part. I also feed a small amount only twice a week.

Thanks,

Gary

 

[herozero]

maybe i'm just a sissy, but that finger shot is disgusting

 

[Montezuma]

Did any of you have lots of micro bubbles when you started it up? Also, I keep geeting a sound like the pump is getting too much air. cant explain it. I will get video tonight.

 

[GaryR1984]

No bubbles, only got noise with the Mesh wheel but that's because it's messed up.

I hear that the PSK pumps will sometimes start backwards. Try restarting it a few times and see if the noise goes away?

Let me know, I'm curious now.

 

[gkimble]

How long before this skimmer starts creating skimate in the collection cup? 2 days and no skimate. I also have some micro bubbles. How long will it take this beast to break in? I am just excited to see this beast in action.

 

[SHOW ANGELS]

Thats a pretty nifty looking skimmer. I cant believe they are made in China.

 

[GaryR1984]

I had skim mate the next day. No micro bubbles.

 

[speedstar]

how much overhead clearance is needed to remove the cup? thanks

 

[GaryR1984]

I'd say less then an inch or so.