SWC Xtreme 160 Cone vs. Reef Octopus Extreme XS 160

Hello all -

I've narrowed down my selection (I think, it changes daily) to the Reef Octopus Extreme SX/XS 160 or the SWC Xtreme 160 Cone which is shown as a great buy by Mr. Saltwater Tank guy with various installation and fine tuning videos which would help in the future.

I'm not sure the differences between the Octopus Extreme and the Extreme SX but I'm assuming the SX is an upgrade of some sort and it looks nicer. I was sold on the Extreme SX 160 but then I found the SWC Xtreme 160 and I have found all reviews to be mainly positive for the SWC.

I am slowly building a 75 gallon tank with an ADHI Refugium sump (model 30) under the tank. So much equipment out in the internet; can make anybody crazy and scared of saltwater tanks!

Thanks for the help and advice!

 

According to powerman the SWC's askoll pump is better.

 

I just picked up the SWX 160. not installed yet because it is a new build for me as well. can get it at big als for 250 after the 10% dicount.

 

Actually the Askoll is for 200+ tanks.

The Octopus XS has a much nicer pump in the Sicce 600. It being rated for 160g I think is pushing it. 500 L/min is a good round figure per 100 gallons.... so the Sicce 600 doing 600 is reasonable for a 75g. All the skimmer you would need.

The numbers are not the same. The Cone 160 is not rated to 160. It is more closer to what you need for a 75g, but the Atman pump is mediocre. The SWC will serve you well. The Octo has a better pump and rated a bit more.

 

Ive read a couple posts about Big Als website and their good prices. How do you get the 10% discount? $250 is a good price for a quality skimmer. The octopus Xtreme 160 was around 295 from what ive seen online. I'm leaning towards SWC based on my research but I appreciate all the feedback and advice. One piece of equipment down and a lot more to go!

 

its a discount for 3reef memebrs. just type in "3reef" in the coupon code when you get ready to check out.

 

I live here in winnipeg,manitoba canada home of salt water connection...
I got the SWC 160 Cone although I think my needle wheel atman is gonna need a good cleaning...
I noticed that I've been not getting alot of skim mate in my collection cup...
So it could be 2 things I've been over feeding and the skimmer's pump has had a weird reaction to the amount of nutrients that the reef is outputting...thus leaving me with 1 option and to give the whole skimmer a cleaning that it never had before including the atman pump!
2nd I've been doing bi weekley water changes and I guess the nitrate levels and amonia are just way too low for my skimmer to even be on....
So who knows....
either way first option is to just give it a good cleaning.

 

Thanks!

 

Nitrates have nothing to do with skimmer production. Your ammonia should be zero which is the same impact it has on skimmer performance.

Make sure your air line is not clogged up with salt. Look in the venturi and make sure it is clear.

 

the swc is rated at 700l/h so it should be able to handle more...not to mention that there is a custom mesh sandwich u can get to increase that to 900l/h