SWC 160 cone club.. - Page 17

TJSlayer · 03/11/2010, 09:19 AM

I have been completely impressed with Mine, only been running since Monday, and after the intial break in everything seems to have leveled out and adjustements are very easy to make.

The air tube adjustment on them is pretty slick compared to a lot of others, but havn't experience the pump starting backwards at all.

And I agree these things are almost silent compared to others, the only thing you really hear is the low roar from all the bubbles created!

110% satisfied so far!
TJ

TJSlayer · 03/11/2010, 09:20 AM

I have been completely impressed with Mine, only been running since Monday, and after the intial break in everything seems to have leveled out and adjustements are very easy to make.

The air tube adjustment on them is pretty slick compared to a lot of others, but havn't experience the pump starting backwards at all.

And I agree these things are almost silent compared to others, the only thing you really hear is the low roar from all the bubbles created!

110% satisfied so far!
TJ

vbsaltydog · 03/11/2010, 09:57 AM

I think the general consensus is that Luke at Reef Filtration is a rock solid guy to deal with. Good communication before AND after the sale.

Reefobsession · 03/11/2010, 12:09 PM

Luke was a great guy to order through. I called him with questions and he was very helpful. I am really impressed with the quality of these skimmers. It is hard to believe that they are only $250. I was looking at the I-tech 100 as well, but the 160 was half the price plus it pulls more air. I also like th the look of the SWC more. SKimmer has already made a good amount of skimmate. The foam head is really starting to get thick now.

cet98 · 03/11/2010, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vbsaltydog

I think the general consensus is that Luke at Reef Filtration is a rock solid guy to deal with. Good communication before AND after the sale.

amen...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reefobsession

Luke was a great guy to order through. I called him with questions and he was very helpful.

amen...

While we all have a choice as to where we purchase our products, it is my opinion that outstanding CS "after the sale" is an absolute priceless value when it comes to my transactions...
It is what makes me want to both recommend them as well as go back to buy more...

troyvang · 03/11/2010, 12:43 PM

what is recommended water height for swc 160 skimmer? i know it says 7.5 - 10".

Bushman · 03/11/2010, 01:51 PM

Luke told me 9" is optimal.

WI reefer55 · 03/11/2010, 05:14 PM

can some one give me a had

I am designing my sump (20L) around the 160

SWC says foot print 9x7
Another site says 9x7
and the last is 9x9 maby there thinking with the pvc pipe

any way can some tell me if I make my skimmer section 8" is it goin to fit. If some could measure that would help Thanks

Bolo Tran · 03/11/2010, 05:46 PM

I know that there's some pics posted already but if all or most of the owners could post pics of skimmate and froth of your new swc would be greatly appreciated. Mine should arrive in a few days and I'd like to salivate at the pictures to hold me over until then. Thanks

mike810 · 03/11/2010, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bolo Tran

I know that there's some pics posted already but if all or most of the owners could post pics of skimmate and froth of your new swc would be greatly appreciated. Mine should arrive in a few days and I'd like to salivate at the pictures to hold me over until then. Thanks

Here you go tran. I had to clean my cup after 3-4 days after first starting it up. The smell was foul, should've took a pic before I dumped it. This pic is a few hours after the cup was cleaned.

planejane · 03/11/2010, 06:30 PM

I am just beside myself!! Ordered mine 2 days ago and it just arrived! Thanks Luke.
It is a work of art, better looking and "feeling" than I expected. Unfortunatly, I'm not going to see it do it's thing for awhile as I am in the slow proccess of putting together a 75g. Something to look forward to I guess.

moondoggy4 · 03/11/2010, 08:18 PM

Yeah, Luke is great. Miss him on the boards.

herozero · 03/11/2010, 09:01 PM

he's on A board . . .

Bolo Tran · 03/11/2010, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by moondoggy4

Yeah, Luke is great. Miss him on the boards.

Please elaborate. Why is he no longer on the boards?

cet98 · 03/11/2010, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bolo Tran

Please elaborate. Why is he no longer on the boards?

please....to preserve this thread, let's not, and say we did

this thread is about the SWC160 Cone skimmer and our experiences with it...

everyone is very welcomed to visit the other forum and say "hello" directly to him there...I'm sure he would be happy to hear from you

TJSlayer · 03/11/2010, 10:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WI reefer55

can some one give me a had

I am designing my sump (20L) around the 160

SWC says foot print 9x7
Another site says 9x7
and the last is 9x9 maby there thinking with the pvc pipe

any way can some tell me if I make my skimmer section 8" is it goin to fit. If some could measure that would help Thanks

You should be fine with 9 x 8 , but 9x9 would allow you to orient the skimmer any way you like, i.e you can have the knobs and outlets on whatever side works best for you....

But you will need 9" on the one side for sure I'd actually go 9.5 to give your self wiggle room....

Bushman · 03/12/2010, 10:37 AM

Hey guys, I have a question about my 160. I hooked it up yesterday evening, but I cannot adjust the skimmate to where it doesn't immediately overflow the cup. I tried adjusting the water level down, but it still keeps overflowing. Is this just part of the break in period? Skimmate is clear, no yucky stuff yet. Anybody know???

cet98 · 03/12/2010, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bushman

Hey guys, I have a question about my 160. I hooked it up yesterday evening, but I cannot adjust the skimmate to where it doesn't immediately overflow the cup. I tried adjusting the water level down, but it still keeps overflowing. Is this just part of the break in period? Skimmate is clear, no yucky stuff yet. Anybody know???

question: is this skimmer on a new tank set-up or an established one?....

Bushman · 03/12/2010, 10:44 AM

It's established, been running about a year and a half. Took a Nautilas (sp) skimmer off of it that I wasn't happy with. Just seems this thing is going nuts for some reason.

vbsaltydog · 03/12/2010, 10:52 AM

It sounds a lot like the water is newly mixed saltwater. If it is not then perhaps it is something that you are adding to your water. What do you add to your water? How often are you doing water changes and what percentage? What is your bio load? Is your source water RO/DI or tap water?

Now that I think of it, the other day I was cleaning mine and after cleaning and starting the pump, it overflowed quickly so I unplugged the pump and then re started it and it worked perfectly. Perhaps the pump started backwards? Try to restart the pump and if that doesnt work then examine your water.

cet98 · 03/12/2010, 10:55 AM

Bushman...make sure your air valve is open all the way...
sounds to me like you may be pulling in too much water and not enough air...

Bushman · 03/12/2010, 10:57 AM

I did a 20% change 5 days ago. I'm adding DT's and Iodine, but haven't added since 3 days ago. Bio isn't heavy, 7 fish or so, some rics and a few zoo's and GSP's. Source is tap, but I'm running a carbon/GFO reactor as well. Thanks guys!

Bushman · 03/12/2010, 10:59 AM

Thanks Cet. I played with the dials....both of them. When the air is low, it flows even more. So I tried to lower the water volume and increase the air, but it still does it. I've played around with it in different combo's more a few hours now. Salty is right, it seems as though this is brand new saltwater.....It's just pulling clear water thru itself, and lots of it.

cet98 · 03/12/2010, 11:06 AM

with an established tank and only a 20% WC, I would not consider that new SW...
IMO you shouldn't need to be dealing with an overflow of clear skimate...

IIWM, I would lower the water level in the skimmer body to at least 1"-2" below the body/neck transition (with ring) and maintain an wide open air valve....
then give it a couple days to break in and then start to raise the WL in the skimmer body as needed...

cet98 · 03/12/2010, 11:09 AM

also, don't hesitate to give Luke a call....

03/11/2010, 01:51 PM	#407
Bushman Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Middletown, OH. Posts: 377	Luke told me 9" is optimal. __________________ Rich B. Current Tank Info: 90 gal AGA RR

03/12/2010, 10:37 AM	#417
Bushman Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Middletown, OH. Posts: 377	Hey guys, I have a question about my 160. I hooked it up yesterday evening, but I cannot adjust the skimmate to where it doesn't immediately overflow the cup. I tried adjusting the water level down, but it still keeps overflowing. Is this just part of the break in period? Skimmate is clear, no yucky stuff yet. Anybody know??? __________________ Rich B. Current Tank Info: 90 gal AGA RR

03/12/2010, 10:44 AM	#419
Bushman Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Middletown, OH. Posts: 377	It's established, been running about a year and a half. Took a Nautilas (sp) skimmer off of it that I wasn't happy with. Just seems this thing is going nuts for some reason. __________________ Rich B. Current Tank Info: 90 gal AGA RR

03/12/2010, 10:57 AM	#422
Bushman Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Middletown, OH. Posts: 377	I did a 20% change 5 days ago. I'm adding DT's and Iodine, but haven't added since 3 days ago. Bio isn't heavy, 7 fish or so, some rics and a few zoo's and GSP's. Source is tap, but I'm running a carbon/GFO reactor as well. Thanks guys! __________________ Rich B. Current Tank Info: 90 gal AGA RR

03/12/2010, 10:59 AM	#423
Bushman Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Middletown, OH. Posts: 377	Thanks Cet. I played with the dials....both of them. When the air is low, it flows even more. So I tried to lower the water volume and increase the air, but it still does it. I've played around with it in different combo's more a few hours now. Salty is right, it seems as though this is brand new saltwater.....It's just pulling clear water thru itself, and lots of it. __________________ Rich B. Current Tank Info: 90 gal AGA RR

03/11/2010, 09:19 AM	#401
TJSlayer Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Regina, SK Posts: 14	I have been completely impressed with Mine, only been running since Monday, and after the intial break in everything seems to have leveled out and adjustements are very easy to make. The air tube adjustment on them is pretty slick compared to a lot of others, but havn't experience the pump starting backwards at all. And I agree these things are almost silent compared to others, the only thing you really hear is the low roar from all the bubbles created! 110% satisfied so far! TJ

03/11/2010, 09:20 AM	#402
TJSlayer Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Regina, SK Posts: 14	I have been completely impressed with Mine, only been running since Monday, and after the intial break in everything seems to have leveled out and adjustements are very easy to make. The air tube adjustment on them is pretty slick compared to a lot of others, but havn't experience the pump starting backwards at all. And I agree these things are almost silent compared to others, the only thing you really hear is the low roar from all the bubbles created! 110% satisfied so far! TJ

03/11/2010, 09:57 AM	#403
vbsaltydog Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Melbourne Beach, FL. Posts: 603	I think the general consensus is that Luke at Reef Filtration is a rock solid guy to deal with. Good communication before AND after the sale.

03/11/2010, 12:09 PM	#404
Reefobsession Moved On Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: IN Posts: 1,037	Luke was a great guy to order through. I called him with questions and he was very helpful. I am really impressed with the quality of these skimmers. It is hard to believe that they are only $250. I was looking at the I-tech 100 as well, but the 160 was half the price plus it pulls more air. I also like th the look of the SWC more. SKimmer has already made a good amount of skimmate. The foam head is really starting to get thick now.

03/11/2010, 12:43 PM	#406
troyvang Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Rio Linda, Ca Posts: 123	what is recommended water height for swc 160 skimmer? i know it says 7.5 - 10".

03/11/2010, 05:14 PM	#408
WI reefer55 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Milwaukee, WI Posts: 294	can some one give me a had I am designing my sump (20L) around the 160 SWC says foot print 9x7 Another site says 9x7 and the last is 9x9 maby there thinking with the pvc pipe any way can some tell me if I make my skimmer section 8" is it goin to fit. If some could measure that would help Thanks

03/11/2010, 05:46 PM	#409
Bolo Tran Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Houston Posts: 492	I know that there's some pics posted already but if all or most of the owners could post pics of skimmate and froth of your new swc would be greatly appreciated. Mine should arrive in a few days and I'd like to salivate at the pictures to hold me over until then. Thanks

03/11/2010, 06:30 PM	#411
planejane Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Friendsville, TN Posts: 677	I am just beside myself!! Ordered mine 2 days ago and it just arrived! Thanks Luke. It is a work of art, better looking and "feeling" than I expected. Unfortunatly, I'm not going to see it do it's thing for awhile as I am in the slow proccess of putting together a 75g. Something to look forward to I guess.

03/11/2010, 08:18 PM	#412
moondoggy4 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: menifee So cal Posts: 11,042	Yeah, Luke is great. Miss him on the boards.

03/11/2010, 09:01 PM	#413
herozero Registered Member. Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 717	he's on A board . . .

03/12/2010, 10:52 AM	#420
vbsaltydog Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Melbourne Beach, FL. Posts: 603	It sounds a lot like the water is newly mixed saltwater. If it is not then perhaps it is something that you are adding to your water. What do you add to your water? How often are you doing water changes and what percentage? What is your bio load? Is your source water RO/DI or tap water? Now that I think of it, the other day I was cleaning mine and after cleaning and starting the pump, it overflowed quickly so I unplugged the pump and then re started it and it worked perfectly. Perhaps the pump started backwards? Try to restart the pump and if that doesnt work then examine your water.

03/12/2010, 10:55 AM	#421
cet98 "feed ur reef...feed it!" Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: in a van...down by the river Posts: 3,254	Bushman...make sure your air valve is open all the way... sounds to me like you may be pulling in too much water and not enough air...

03/12/2010, 11:06 AM	#424
cet98 "feed ur reef...feed it!" Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: in a van...down by the river Posts: 3,254	with an established tank and only a 20% WC, I would not consider that new SW... IMO you shouldn't need to be dealing with an overflow of clear skimate... IIWM, I would lower the water level in the skimmer body to at least 1"-2" below the body/neck transition (with ring) and maintain an wide open air valve.... then give it a couple days to break in and then start to raise the WL in the skimmer body as needed...

03/12/2010, 11:09 AM	#425
cet98 "feed ur reef...feed it!" Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: in a van...down by the river Posts: 3,254	also, don't hesitate to give Luke a call....