NEW SWC Extreme 160 Cone review

[H2o2]

I am thinking about the 250 1A and was wondering if anybody on here has one as i am torn between it and the alpha cone 170. I see the atman pump is quiet i am wondering if the askoll is quiet because i like quiet and the 170 is quiet but i really want to try the 250 (ie nice build)also do those have a spot for ozone Thanks

[deputy1234]

Originally Posted by H2o2

I am thinking about the 250 1A and was wondering if anybody on here has one as i am torn between it and the alpha cone 170. I see the atman pump is quiet i am wondering if the askoll is quiet because i like quiet and the 170 is quiet but i really want to try the 250 (ie nice build)also do those have a spot for ozone Thanks

I never owned any of the two but I've researched/read a lot about both. As a matter of fact I was planning on getting the Alpha 170 but opted to buy the SWC 160 ( because it was cheaper and I've read many good reviews on the skimmer). The alpha 170 and SWC 250 1A are both great skimmers and both are extremely quiet. The problem with comparing them both is that the 250 1A is a larger skimmer and can handle a lot more then the alpha 170. It would depend on the size tank you plan on putting them in.

[H2o2]

Thanks for the come back and i think i will have about 220 total gals.but i am a big fan of bigger skimmer cause i may add a fowlr tank to the sump just for a couple i cant have in a reef but have always wanted.

[Doug]

Very pleased with my 160, so far. Skimming very well. Currently in 8in. of water but will be a bit less when in my new SWC sump. Very quiet.

Some pics here in my thread,

http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=64517

[Doug]

Figured may as well add these pics from my tank thread. I have owned many skimmers but this is one of the best I have had.

About a good month in now and working like a champ. Since my coral mishap I have been skimming pretty wet and empty about 3/4 cup of good skimmate every few days.

[OceanicCorals-Ian-]

Originally Posted by Doug

Figured may as well add these pics from my tank thread. I have owned many skimmers but this is one of the best I have had.

About a good month in now and working like a champ. Since my coral mishap I have been skimming pretty wet and empty about 3/4 cup of good skimmate every few days.

We are starting a promotion on this very skimmer today! Free bag of 550 Extra NpX beads with every purchase!

Glad to see the positive reviews!

[Doug]

Aww. Guess I will have to call someone for mine.

I have run different water depths now. Had a good 9in. in my 20g sump as compared with 8in. with my SWC sump. Unlike some of the RC thread, I found no difference. Easy to adjust in either situation to run both wet or dry.


This is wet skimming. I either dumped it at lunchtime yesterday or the day before. Not something one remembers closely.