SWC 300A Cone 2 month review with questions - Page 2

Fig · 08/19/2011, 07:03 PM

If your getting a ton of micro bubbles out the outlet I would make sure the venturi isn't clogged a bit with something. On my 160 cone this happens when mine gets calcium build-up. ?

Moved.On · 08/24/2011, 06:49 PM

Here's the Good and the Bad news:

Good News:
Okay it's been over 3 days now since I had a chance to apply all of your great advice and it's working better now that I understand where to keep the water level inside the skimmer. Since this skimmer is rated for 300-600 gallons and my tank is only 80 gallons the skimmer will strip the water of the DOC extremely fast and won't have anything to work on for a while. I was used to skimmers that produced all day long since they were rated for the size tank I was using.

Bad News:
I cleaned out the skimmer cup today and noticed that the acrylic is "crazing". The inside ring in the lid is totally crazed and the collection cup is starting to craze in certain areas. I don't use "ozone" so there is no reason for this other than this skimmer is a P.O.S.!

My final Opinion:
I don't recommend this skimmer for anyone. I am disappointed in those who have endorsed/praised SWC skimmers. This is not a quality product. The neck still leaks even after lubricating it with KY jelly (which is what SWC told me to do to solve that issue). I should have either spent less money on a proven product like an original Vertex/Euroreef or saved my money and gone BIG with a Vertex/ATB Cone. The only thing I like about this skimmer is the pump; the Askoll pump is dead silent, powerful, and reliable. I have contacted SWC in regards to returning this skimmer and they forwarded their return policy to me...I'm an owner of this P.O.S.! Craigslist here I come. I hope you all enjoy the pic's, especially SWC.

pmrossetti · 08/24/2011, 06:57 PM

thanks for your honesty.

tkeracer619 · 08/24/2011, 06:59 PM

did you buy it with a credit card? If so do a charge back. The skimmer is under warranty and if they don't honor it then you didn't get what you purchased.

Where did you buy it?

Did you clean it with warm water?

Moved.On · 08/24/2011, 07:40 PM

I bought it online from SWC. Yes, I cleaned it with warm water just like I have cleaned my old Euroreef skimmer for many years. Don't tell me...warm water will craze SWC skimmers.

tkeracer619 · 08/24/2011, 08:00 PM

If it is a bad batch of acrylic it absolutely can. I have seen it on several brands of skimmers. It happens.

BTW... I understand your frustration. I have personal experience with this.

The skimmer is under warranty. Demand a new cup and lid or do a charge back. Then if your still not satisfied sell it.

pmrossetti · 08/24/2011, 08:02 PM

swc should honor your wishes

thelostrican · 08/24/2011, 11:19 PM

So it works great but its a pos cause it has develop some crazed?common bro it's made to pick feces and crap like that....who cares how it looks....

pmrossetti · 08/24/2011, 11:48 PM

it leaks and is crazed. for 650d. come on.

Moved.On · 08/25/2011, 12:28 AM

thelostrican- It's not working great. Honestly "Bro" would you spend $650 on a skimmer which you knew would have these issues? Just answer me that question honestly.

The acrylic is crazed. It leaks water out at the neck. It dumps microbubbles into the sump. This isn't an ASM that looks like a POS to begin with and it costs' twice as much. It's trying to compete with Vertex RI Cones, ATB Cones, and Bubble Kings which cost even more but don't have any issues like this. I should have just bought an ASM or an original Vertex and saved $300. Anyway SWC has a link to this thread and since Reef Central is such a small community it shouldn't hurt their business too much to have their products on display from real customers with real issues. They don't have a return policy other than a 7 day return policy as long as you never used the product.

pmrossetti · 08/25/2011, 12:56 AM

they won't replace the cup?

Moved.On · 08/25/2011, 01:15 AM

I don't know if they will replace the cup, I haven't asked. I have only asked to return the skimmer. We will see if they want to do anything to save their reputation.

pmrossetti · 08/25/2011, 01:20 AM

it's a beautiful skimmer and looks like it would compete with a vertex alpha or atb at half the price. esp. with an Askoll.

you think it's just oversized?
what about the micro bubbles?

Moved.On · 08/25/2011, 01:28 AM

It's oversized for sure. I zip tied a small sock on the outlet with a hole cut at the end of the sock to try to reduce the micro bubbles and it's working better. I don't have saltcreep all over everything in the sump anymore.

pmrossetti · 08/25/2011, 01:34 AM

how about a downward elbow on the outlet into the water.

Moved.On · 08/25/2011, 01:51 AM

I tried that before the sock and the sock works better.

wildman926 · 08/25/2011, 06:29 AM

I hope it works out for you. It is fustrating to spend so much money, and get the results you are seeing.

If not, please consider the Octopus SRO 1000, or 2000 if you are going to a larger tank later. I have the 1000 on my 110g, and love it. Very high quality. I also have a 2000 for my 150g when I convert it to salt. The warranty and customer service are second to none for Coralvue/Octopus. Just go to their forum under the sponsor section and see for yourself.

Moved.On · 08/25/2011, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wildman926

I hope it works out for you. It is fustrating to spend so much money, and get the results you are seeing.

If not, please consider the Octopus SRO 1000, or 2000 if you are going to a larger tank later. I have the 1000 on my 110g, and love it. Very high quality. I also have a 2000 for my 150g when I convert it to salt. The warranty and customer service are second to none for Coralvue/Octopus. Just go to their forum under the sponsor section and see for yourself.

Before I bought this skimmer I did research all my options and this skimmer is one that I was debating on, I am glad you and all the other Octo users are having great luck with yours.

I frequent this little high end LFS by my house and they are running ATB on all their systems and I am blown away with their performance. The bubbles inside the skimmer body almost stand still allowing for great contact time. The ATB/Askoll pump are unreal. The build quality is top notch as well. If there is a next time for a skimmer it will be something low end or something high end. I am not going middle of the road next time.

Thanks for all your advice and help.

moondoggy4 · 08/25/2011, 12:17 PM

You are in OC there are plenty of reefers in your area with large tanks Let them borrow your skimmer and see how it works on there tanks. Then you can make a better decesion on what to do with it. You are almost at 50 post then you can sell it here for a desecent price or trade with someone.

Moved.On · 08/25/2011, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by moondoggy4

You are in OC there are plenty of reefers in your area with large tanks Let them borrow your skimmer and see how it works on there tanks. Then you can make a better decesion on what to do with it. You are almost at 50 post then you can sell it here for a desecent price or trade with someone.

Good ideas. Maybe I will take it down to Saddleback College in Mission Viejo and let the marine professor Julie Anderson try it out on one of her systems. She's such a great Aquarist, she truly loves this hobby, and she could give me an honest opinion.

I don't think anyone will want to buy this skimmer though since I have given a honest review on this. I wonder if people who own this skimmer hold back on their issues so they can just "pass the buck" onto someone else. It wouldn't be fair to sell this skimmer to some unknowing person, the only thing this skimmer is good for is the pump. IMO that this pump on a Vertex 280 or Euroreef 250 would be awesome.

Moved.On · 08/25/2011, 01:18 PM

Here is some pic's since I cleaned the cup about 12 hours ago. I think the Bio Pellets are kicking in now since we actually have some skimmate.

wildman926 · 08/25/2011, 02:26 PM

Very nice setup you have there.

The concern I would have is that your water level is a tad high from just looking at the pics. I would put it just below the lip of the output. It would defintely make your skim more "dry".

moondoggy4 · 08/25/2011, 03:00 PM

If someone was going to buy your skimmer on RC you have a honest opinon on this skimmer concerning your situation and then when it is on a 250 gallon tank it may just suprise you on how will it works I am not a fan of overskimming I believe in balance. So give it a whirl.

Moved.On · 08/25/2011, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by moondoggy4

If someone was going to buy your skimmer on RC you have a honest opinon on this skimmer concerning your situation and then when it is on a 250 gallon tank it may just suprise you on how will it works I am not a fan of overskimming I believe in balance. So give it a whirl.

I agree with what you saying here. But what kind of $ loss would I take for having a leaking neck, crazed acrylic, and mad micro bubbles? If it's $650 new, and now it's 2 months old with these issues what would someone be willing to pay for this even though it might be a great skimmer on a 240 gallon setup. (Note to RC Mod's: it's not for sale, this is just a hypothetical situation, "if" it was for sale)

Moved.On · 08/25/2011, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wildman926

Very nice setup you have there.

The concern I would have is that your water level is a tad high from just looking at the pics. I would put it just below the lip of the output. It would defintely make your skim more "dry".

Thank you. I actually lowered the water line right after these pictures to see how dry it could be.

08/24/2011, 06:59 PM	#29
tkeracer619 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Westminster, CO Posts: 17,289	did you buy it with a credit card? If so do a charge back. The skimmer is under warranty and if they don't honor it then you didn't get what you purchased. Where did you buy it? Did you clean it with warm water? __________________ Hobby Experience: 9200ish gallons, 26 skimmers, and a handful of Kent Scrapers. Current Tank: Vortech Powered 600G SPS Tank w/ 100gal frag tank & 100g Sump. RK2-RK10 Skimmer. ReefAngel. Radium 20k.

08/24/2011, 08:00 PM	#31
tkeracer619 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Westminster, CO Posts: 17,289	If it is a bad batch of acrylic it absolutely can. I have seen it on several brands of skimmers. It happens. BTW... I understand your frustration. I have personal experience with this. The skimmer is under warranty. Demand a new cup and lid or do a charge back. Then if your still not satisfied sell it. __________________ Hobby Experience: 9200ish gallons, 26 skimmers, and a handful of Kent Scrapers. Current Tank: Vortech Powered 600G SPS Tank w/ 100gal frag tank & 100g Sump. RK2-RK10 Skimmer. ReefAngel. Radium 20k.

08/24/2011, 11:19 PM	#33
thelostrican I hate to post Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Borinquen Posts: 222	So it works great but its a pos cause it has develop some crazed?common bro it's made to pick feces and crap like that....who cares how it looks.... __________________ Upgrading!!! 120 to 180.... Current Tank Info: 120 long tank...that looks like an investment bank....

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08/19/2011, 07:03 PM	#26
Fig Registered Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: Iowa Posts: 817	If your getting a ton of micro bubbles out the outlet I would make sure the venturi isn't clogged a bit with something. On my 160 cone this happens when mine gets calcium build-up. ?

08/24/2011, 06:49 PM	#27
Moved.On Moved On Join Date: May 2011 Location: Garden Grove, CA Posts: 106	Here's the Good and the Bad news: Good News: Okay it's been over 3 days now since I had a chance to apply all of your great advice and it's working better now that I understand where to keep the water level inside the skimmer. Since this skimmer is rated for 300-600 gallons and my tank is only 80 gallons the skimmer will strip the water of the DOC extremely fast and won't have anything to work on for a while. I was used to skimmers that produced all day long since they were rated for the size tank I was using. Bad News: I cleaned out the skimmer cup today and noticed that the acrylic is "crazing". The inside ring in the lid is totally crazed and the collection cup is starting to craze in certain areas. I don't use "ozone" so there is no reason for this other than this skimmer is a P.O.S.! My final Opinion: I don't recommend this skimmer for anyone. I am disappointed in those who have endorsed/praised SWC skimmers. This is not a quality product. The neck still leaks even after lubricating it with KY jelly (which is what SWC told me to do to solve that issue). I should have either spent less money on a proven product like an original Vertex/Euroreef or saved my money and gone BIG with a Vertex/ATB Cone. The only thing I like about this skimmer is the pump; the Askoll pump is dead silent, powerful, and reliable. I have contacted SWC in regards to returning this skimmer and they forwarded their return policy to me...I'm an owner of this P.O.S.! Craigslist here I come. I hope you all enjoy the pic's, especially SWC.

08/24/2011, 06:57 PM	#28
pmrossetti Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Cali. Posts: 3,199	thanks for your honesty.

08/24/2011, 07:40 PM	#30
Moved.On Moved On Join Date: May 2011 Location: Garden Grove, CA Posts: 106	I bought it online from SWC. Yes, I cleaned it with warm water just like I have cleaned my old Euroreef skimmer for many years. Don't tell me...warm water will craze SWC skimmers.

08/24/2011, 08:02 PM	#32
pmrossetti Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Cali. Posts: 3,199	swc should honor your wishes

08/24/2011, 11:48 PM	#34
pmrossetti Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Cali. Posts: 3,199	it leaks and is crazed. for 650d. come on.

08/25/2011, 12:28 AM	#35
Moved.On Moved On Join Date: May 2011 Location: Garden Grove, CA Posts: 106	thelostrican- It's not working great. Honestly "Bro" would you spend $650 on a skimmer which you knew would have these issues? Just answer me that question honestly. The acrylic is crazed. It leaks water out at the neck. It dumps microbubbles into the sump. This isn't an ASM that looks like a POS to begin with and it costs' twice as much. It's trying to compete with Vertex RI Cones, ATB Cones, and Bubble Kings which cost even more but don't have any issues like this. I should have just bought an ASM or an original Vertex and saved $300. Anyway SWC has a link to this thread and since Reef Central is such a small community it shouldn't hurt their business too much to have their products on display from real customers with real issues. They don't have a return policy other than a 7 day return policy as long as you never used the product.

08/25/2011, 12:56 AM	#36
pmrossetti Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Cali. Posts: 3,199	they won't replace the cup?

08/25/2011, 01:15 AM	#37
Moved.On Moved On Join Date: May 2011 Location: Garden Grove, CA Posts: 106	I don't know if they will replace the cup, I haven't asked. I have only asked to return the skimmer. We will see if they want to do anything to save their reputation.

08/25/2011, 01:20 AM	#38
pmrossetti Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Cali. Posts: 3,199	it's a beautiful skimmer and looks like it would compete with a vertex alpha or atb at half the price. esp. with an Askoll. you think it's just oversized? what about the micro bubbles?

08/25/2011, 01:28 AM	#39
Moved.On Moved On Join Date: May 2011 Location: Garden Grove, CA Posts: 106	It's oversized for sure. I zip tied a small sock on the outlet with a hole cut at the end of the sock to try to reduce the micro bubbles and it's working better. I don't have saltcreep all over everything in the sump anymore.

08/25/2011, 01:34 AM	#40
pmrossetti Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Cali. Posts: 3,199	how about a downward elbow on the outlet into the water.

08/25/2011, 01:51 AM	#41
Moved.On Moved On Join Date: May 2011 Location: Garden Grove, CA Posts: 106	I tried that before the sock and the sock works better.

08/25/2011, 06:29 AM	#42
wildman926 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: CTX Posts: 2,904	I hope it works out for you. It is fustrating to spend so much money, and get the results you are seeing. If not, please consider the Octopus SRO 1000, or 2000 if you are going to a larger tank later. I have the 1000 on my 110g, and love it. Very high quality. I also have a 2000 for my 150g when I convert it to salt. The warranty and customer service are second to none for Coralvue/Octopus. Just go to their forum under the sponsor section and see for yourself.

08/25/2011, 12:17 PM	#44
moondoggy4 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: menifee So cal Posts: 11,042	You are in OC there are plenty of reefers in your area with large tanks Let them borrow your skimmer and see how it works on there tanks. Then you can make a better decesion on what to do with it. You are almost at 50 post then you can sell it here for a desecent price or trade with someone.

08/25/2011, 01:18 PM	#46
Moved.On Moved On Join Date: May 2011 Location: Garden Grove, CA Posts: 106	Here is some pic's since I cleaned the cup about 12 hours ago. I think the Bio Pellets are kicking in now since we actually have some skimmate.

08/25/2011, 02:26 PM	#47
wildman926 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: CTX Posts: 2,904	Very nice setup you have there. The concern I would have is that your water level is a tad high from just looking at the pics. I would put it just below the lip of the output. It would defintely make your skim more "dry".

08/25/2011, 03:00 PM	#48
moondoggy4 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: menifee So cal Posts: 11,042	If someone was going to buy your skimmer on RC you have a honest opinon on this skimmer concerning your situation and then when it is on a 250 gallon tank it may just suprise you on how will it works I am not a fan of overskimming I believe in balance. So give it a whirl.