swc vs octopus skimmer

[greg0385]

i found a swc xtreme 200 for $289 rated 175-350 gallon pending bio load OR the reef octopus 8 rated up to 250 gallon for $279. HMMMMM hard choice. need some help!!! its for a 150 gallon tank with a 75 gallon sump. and i want a skimmer to be able to handle anything i do now or in the future. right now as you can see im stuck between the swc and the octo. i think either one will be a great skimmer, and they are have fairly close to the same design and and features, but would like to hear which one would you buy.
thanks
greg

 

[marclwheeler]

I would say swc... plus Luke is a very easy guy to deal w/ not to mention a nice guy... if you have any questions he takes the time to get back to you... BUT SWC skimmers i have found are rock solid!!!

 

[joelq]

Overall, I'd say the SWC. :-) My understanding is that both SWC and Reef Octopus are made by the same manufacturer, so build quality will be excellent on both. The SWC comes with a better pump - a Sicce, but the Reef Octopus already comes with a gate valve, which in itself doesn't cause the skimmer to perform better, it just allows you to fine-tune it better for top performance. The SWC cames with a wedge pipe which is tough to make fine adjustments on.

The Reef Octopus also has the cone-like transition neck, which is supposed to allow the bubbles to gradually build speed as they move up towards the collection cup, versus the more abrupt narrowing in the neck of the SWC. On the other hand, the SWC has a removable bubble-plate, allowing you to get in there for cleaning and maintenance, whereas the Reef Octopus's bubble-plate is fixed.

 

[greg0385]

Overall, I'd say the SWC. :-) My understanding is that both SWC and Reef Octopus are made by the same manufacturer, so build quality will be excellent on both. The SWC comes with a better pump - a Sicce, but the Reef Octopus already comes with a gate valve, which in itself doesn't cause the skimmer to perform better, it just allows you to fine-tune it better for top performance. The SWC cames with a wedge pipe which is tough to make fine adjustments on.

The Reef Octopus also has the cone-like transition neck, which is supposed to allow the bubbles to gradually build speed as they move up towards the collection cup, versus the more abrupt narrowing in the neck of the SWC. On the other hand, the SWC has a removable bubble-plate, allowing you to get in there for cleaning and maintenance, whereas the Reef Octopus's bubble-plate is fixed.

thats why its a hard choice to make, and i understand that i can buy a red devil or a white lighting prop. to help the pump

 

[joelq]

thats why its a hard choice to make, and i understand that i can buy a red devil or a white lighting prop. to help the pump

You'll for sure be happy with either one! If you have the cash, go with the SWC, but if not, go with the Reef Octopus.

 

[dougers31]

You'll for sure be happy with either one! If you have the cash, go with the SWC, but if not, go with the Reef Octopus.

Isn't the swc line of skimmers cheaper?

 

[greg0385]

its $10 more, i am now leaning toward the swc. going to do one more search and if i can't find a better swc model for the price then im ordering that one. thanks a million everyone.
greg