VOTE!Vertex Alpha 200 vs SWC 250 1A

[huskysglare1]

Vote... Also, Share your opinion.

I am looking for a good skimmer in 700-850 price range. If you select others, please state the brand name.

Thanks,
K

[thi7b]

check out the super reef octopus xp model. veru reasonable prices.

[rpeeples]

Second That.

[tkeracer619]

Right now the vertex alpha 200 is on sale for $810 with free shipping at a couple retailers and the SWC is out of stock. With shipping they will cost the same.

I like the build of the alpha better even though it has a screw off neck. I like how the cup comes off the SWC better. Overall I think the alpha at this moment holds the edge due to the sale.

Both are great skimmers and either is a good choice.

[huskysglare1]

The Reef Octopus is nice. 550 for xp3000 skimmer rated 300g(don't know if it's heavy load) tank. It pulls in about 50scfh. I don't know how well built the octopus is, but i've heard the SWC has very very good built.

750 for SWC 250 1A. It's rated for a 400g(Heavy Load) tank. Pulling from 70-110 SCFH.
It uses an ASKOLL pump(Bubble Blaster+$100=Askoll). I've read that it's a very reliable pump.

[tkeracer619]

The xp3000 uses a hy-3000 pump. A comparable model would be the xp5000 that uses the hy-5000.
http://www.aquacave.com/detail.aspx?ID=2836

I have a SWC askoll driving my skimmer and it is nothing short of awesome. I use a couple vertex alphas at work and the red dragon pumps (askoll) are nothing short of awesome. Both pumps are very quiet.

The BB HY-5000 is ~$70 cheaper then an askoll and is a great skimmer pump.

[huskysglare1]

xp5000=625
SWC 1a=750
Not that much saving. If it's between the two, i would definitely go for SWC.

The alpha is made by R.E in Germany. They are an excellent company for sure.
For the Octopus(400g) and the Alpha(300g). are those 400g and 300g Heavy bio-load or light? That's a big difference.


The SWC is rated 400g in heavy bio-load and 700g light bio-load.

[gambitcobra]

i have the alpha 200 on my 155 bow and I swear this thing is amazing!
http://reefcentral.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=1215&pictureid=11461

[Reefobsession]

Go with the alpha
What size tank is it for? If it is anything under 150 gallons I would suggest the I-tech 100.
Anything over that I would look at the I-tech 400 with an askoll. These are great skimmers and remind me of the ATB's.

[mx270]

I bought a bk mini 160. The thing really does a great job. I was in a toss up between this and the alpha cone. In the end I decided to get the smaller footprint of mini.

[kazam]

Vertex Alpha, hands down. You will not regret it. This Skimmer is crazy. I have one and it is insane how it works great.

[sowellj]

Both are fine skimmers. Unfortunately w/threads like these, you are going to get mostly biased results ... people vote for what they have. I went w/the 250a and am quite happy w/it, for what its worth.

[stanlalee]

how many have had both to compare. your going to have to decide this on your own.

[tufacody]

250a is a damn monster of a skimmer. I've not tried the Vertex, but a screw-type cup would seem like a real pita to me.

[3.99AfterTaxes]

250a is a damn monster of a skimmer. I've not tried the Vertex, but a screw-type cup would seem like a real pita to me.

I have an Alpha250 and I can say that the cup is VERY easy to deal with as the threads are very thick and provide a very smooth motion.

I pull nearly a cup of skimmate every couple of days and not having to wrangle the neck off the top of the body is a great way to keep the stuff contained in the cup. I can't even count the amount of times I've spilled extracted skimmate back into my sump trying to pull the cup off my old SWC Xtreme (which, I suppose, is another story for another thread, lol)...

[hammmerhead]

Tough decision, thats for sure. Either one will make you happy. The SWC will pull more air, but will use a few more watts. I would love to see the Alpha 250 square off with the SWC 250 A Cone.

[huskysglare1]

Is the SWC meant for bigger tank than the Alpha??

[BlueStag]

Problem with threads like this is it doesn't inform reefers enough about the skimmers, and is more of a "what do I have thread".

The two really shouldn't be compared with much emphasis. On the surface the SWC 250A has massive airpull of 2100+ LPH, and is larger. The Alpha 200 is smaller cone in footprint, shorter in height, and in airpull is only pulling approximately 1400 LPH. A huge difference. I'd classify them as different size skimmers all together. Both good in their own right, but not easily comparible. The Alpha 250 might be more comparilble. There is lots of reading available for that comparison.

Good luck with your poll. Yes the 250A Cone can handle larger tanks, it's in a larger sized skimmer category for me.

[rbnice1]

FYI my alpha pulls 1700+ LPH not 1400....


Its actually closer to 1800.

[huskysglare1]

Bluestag, what's the updates on your SWC 1a?

[BlueStag]

Do you mean how is the SWC 250A Cone running now? Strong, powerful, quiet, reliable and a little kick @ss to boot. Just like the first month. Not one issue, or any noise, or any complaint. I should probably post some follow up pictures and evaluation. Maybe if I can find some free time.

But with that said, all the Askoll pump based skimmers are in the "Top pick" category to me. SWC, ATB, Vertex. Splitting hairs trying to decide which is better.

In the end, it seems whomever buys one of the above skimmers, ends up very happy. At least that seems to be the trend that I see.

[huskysglare1]

I agree, i am leaning toward the SWC 1A myself. However, it's kind of expensive right now. 750. Man, a guy was lucky enough to get it when it was on clearance at Premium Aquatics for 550. I've only found 2 vendors that are selling it and it's for 750. I heard you got a good deal on yours also.

I think i'll wait a while till it goes on sale or something, but i doubt it'll ever go on sale for 550 again. I would get it in a heartbeat if it was 600. ^_^. I can dream. I want to get it now, but knowing i will be paying 200 more doesn't make me too happy. With a hobby like reefing, i can't afford to throw away 200.

I saw a video of a SWC 250 1A on youtube and it's CRAZY. the foam is sooo thick it's like cream cheese. watching it makes me drool.