SWC 200 Skimmer Review

www.swcskimmers.com

 

It's about the same. Just a bigger body on the 200 I guess. I'm runnig the 160 on my 60 gallon total system which is way overstocked and heavily fead. It only bubbles over about 1/4 of the time and produces about 1/3 cup per week. Judging by this, I would assume it could handle much much more.

Xtreme 200 protein Skimmer

 

Thanks Mike. Ill go with the 160 instead of the 200 unless the price difference is very minimal then ill just get the bigger unit. Can always use it on a bigger system when I decide I have outgrown my 75gal

 

It's tough to say which is "best". I can say a 200 won't be bad, and yes you have room to move. It would be easy to jump into a 120 if you got a good price.

 

i'm running the 200 on my 55 gal with a 54 gal sump its a great skimmer!!;D

 

So just wanted to follow up. Ran the skimmer for a a couple of weeks. Tested it out at max depth and shallow. Ran it with my pump and stock pump. For my light bioload for this skimmer I found running it at 9.5 inches was best. Just could not get a good enough foam head running it shallower.

The Red Demon wheel by Warner Marine does get about 20% more air draw. I wasn't getting the numbers I'm used to off my pump though. Come to find out, the silicone tube for the air line is a little more restrictive than the one I use. I like the silicone tube, and it isn't too small, just not as big as the one on my skimmer and it does make a difference.

Also... As was suggested by Jason at SWC, you can cut the air line to length. They are very generous with how much they give you... which is good. But once you get everything where it is going to be, then cut the tube t length and eliminate unneeded distance. This will also pull more air.

Other than the minor tweaks, this is a solid skimmer with performance and price to match. I can't believe it is $289. There really is no excuse not to have a good skimmers these days with the prices available to us.

 

Thanks for the info.
I am curious - how do you determine the length of the air-line?

 

Just cut what you don't need. The hose that came with it is a good 18-20 inches. Depending on how you orient the pump and silencer, you could probably get that to 12 inches.

 

Cool. Just wondering if there is some magic to get more air.

 

I think you just sold me a SWC 200 for my 180 reef build... great review!