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View Full Version : Worth it to upgrade to a SWC 160 Cone


phenom5
08/13/2010, 03:02 PM
I've got some extra cash, and I'm considering upgrading my skimmer.

I've got a 75g DT with a 20g sump. Moderate bioload, mixed reef with a good number of SPS. Right now I've got a EuroReef rs-80.

The ER works okay, but I'm not crazy about it.

I'm considering a SWC 160 Cone. Thoughts?

I know nobody can tell me if it's worth it or not, but I don't want to spend the money unless I'm going to see a noticeable improvement in terms of performance...

MCCOOL
08/13/2010, 03:17 PM
I upgraded from an ER RS-80 to a SWC 200(not a cone) and there is a huge difference. I was never necessary unhappy with the ER, but after having the swc, I definitely wouldn't go back.

phenom5
08/13/2010, 03:52 PM
Hey thanks MCCool. Sounds like you were in the same boat as I'm in right now.

I'm not particularly unhappy with the ER skimmer, but I think I could do better.

This is pretty much where I'm at with it...

Pros for SWC 160:
-Quite (although the ER isn't really loud)
-Ease of maintenance
-Potential improvement in performance
-?

Cons for SWC 160:
-Cost--Not that it's really expensive, but it is more money than not upgrading. And I'll need to pull the sump, put in new baffles, and re-plumb the tank (which I've been wanting to do, so this would be a good excuse).
-?

chatyak
08/14/2010, 02:43 PM
I just got one. I had a lifereef before. It's still breaking in. Seems to be working well and I haven't even adjusted it yet. It is very quiet.

NyReefNoob
08/14/2010, 03:59 PM
which er's are you guys trying to compare it too ? best skimmer for the money is the vertex, have a bk now and in all honesty it doesnt produce any better then my vertex did but also comparing a bk mini 160 to a vertex in 180 same company.

frenchie
08/14/2010, 04:02 PM
thinking about getting the swc 180 cone but site does not give any info on size and footprint.

tibob32
08/14/2010, 06:01 PM
I had a swc160 on a 65g and it worked very well. I'd recommend it anyday. Now I have a sro3000 on a 120g. The SRO line is very good too. You may want to look at the sro2000 (but the swc would do a great job too)

Alien2100
08/29/2010, 11:15 PM
Frenchie,
The specs are up on SWC's web site for the 180, saltwaterconnection.com
9x8x21 150heavy 200med 250light

Saltyfin
08/29/2010, 11:28 PM
I'm running the SWC 120 and it works great and is way quieter then my old reef octopus nw110. I'm hoping to upgrade to a 160 as soon as the wife let's me get the bigger tank

dustinc
08/30/2010, 06:42 AM
I have a 120 cone and I love it. I think the 160 would be a perfect choice. These things skim like champs and you will really be happy with your decision if you decide to pull the trigger.

beeker
08/30/2010, 09:44 AM
i run a MSX160 on my 200g with 45g sump, i did the intake mod and got a red demon pinwheel for it, the 160 performs wonderful on my 200g DD setup and for the price it's hard to beat

E.intheC
08/30/2010, 09:56 AM
Tagging along here as well. My euro reef isn't loud by any means though

trunks1622
08/30/2010, 10:05 AM
I have the SWC Extreme 200 and it was worth the buy. The skimmer pulls alot of crap out of my tank. Also, if I'm not mistaken, the pump uses 25watts so I save some money over time as well.

Beaun
08/30/2010, 10:12 AM
I have the 160 cone on my 65g and really like it. It breaks in quick, is very quiet, is fairly easy to adjust (some people have issues with fine tuning), and I get nice dark skimmate consistantly. I switched from an AquaC 180 and have never had an RS-80 so I cant compare.

davyr
08/30/2010, 11:05 AM
thinking about getting the swc 180 cone but site does not give any info on size and footprint.

Here you go mate 9x8x21,hope this helps.

davyr
08/30/2010, 11:16 AM
Yeah its worth upgrading,awesome skimmer. Must be good as i had one imported into the UK.

salty55
09/09/2010, 09:52 PM
In considering one too. Do you think it would out perform a coralife ss 65? :) I just can't decide between the 120 or the 180 cone for my 75 gallon.

jhnnle
09/09/2010, 11:14 PM
I've had the swc180 for about 3 wks on my 150gal. It runs very quiet, and no problems so far.

dustinc
09/09/2010, 11:45 PM
In considering one too. Do you think it would out perform a coralife ss 65? :) I just can't decide between the 120 or the 180 cone for my 75 gallon.

It would outperform a lot. I would go with the 160 cone for that size tank though.

huskysglare1
11/04/2010, 06:13 PM
I'd just upgraded to SWC 200. I'd just gotten one to replaced my EUROREEF 180 3 days ago. I mesh mod it using one of those Gutter Mesh Rolls. I stack them on top of each other and tie them down with fishing lines. They work great! i managed to stack 4, but i think i can stack 5. i'll try it later when i get home.

I got a used one on CList for 60 bucks. hehe not bad at all.

http://www.questplastics.ca/Products...utterguard.htm

Reefobsession
11/04/2010, 08:57 PM
Definitly worth the upgrade.... I had a SRO2000XP cone and I couldn't stand the noise coming from the bublemaster. I know a lot people like the SRO2000Xp but I personaly like the SWC 160 cone