Best skimmer auto neck cleaner

[FarmerTy]

Hi all,

Just wanted to get people's experiences of their auto neck cleaners. I've been using my Vertex one for 2 years and it finally bit the dust.

I was interested in the experiences of the Avast swabbie and the Reef Octopus cleaner.

Any complaints with those units? How long have you had it?

Thanks in advance!

 

[mcarroll]

Sorry I have no experience to offer, but I'm curious how you liked the one you had? Seems like dropping neck-sludge back into the bubble stream would potentially allow some detritus back into the tank each time it ran.

 

[FarmerTy]

Sorry I have no experience to offer, but I'm curious how you liked the one you had? Seems like dropping neck-sludge back into the bubble stream would potentially allow some detritus back into the tank each time it ran.

I had no complaints with it in its function, but more in its design. The power cable that didn't have a quick disconnect and the inability to ve able to fine tune the orientation of the squeegee.

I noticed that if you had it wipe more often, the sludge would be finer and carried right back up with the bubbles anyways. If I only had it wipe 2-3 times/day, thats when I noticed it would just drop a giant sludge bomb right back down the skimmer shaft.

 

[josh.j.avila]

I've been wanting to get the swabbie myself.

 

[FarmerTy]

I've been wanting to get the swabbie myself.

Get it and give me the down low Josh! [emoji12]

 

[josh.j.avila]

I really like the fact you can get a new lid that clamps to the collection cup. It seems that dragging a cleaner would cause the lid to turn and maybe this would help combat that.

 

[NanaReefer]

I use this, cost me $1 [emoji38] Going strong for 2yrs now, no complaints.

 

[FarmerTy]

I use this, cost me $1 [emoji38] Going strong for 2yrs now, no complaints.

Do you attach that to a robotic arm that swabs 10x/day? [emoji12]

 

[FarmerTy]

I really like the fact you can get a new lid that clamps to the collection cup. It seems that dragging a cleaner would cause the lid to turn and maybe this would help combat that.

Yeah, the Vertex one came with a new lid. I would imagine all models come with it for the reason you stated, to keep the lid stationary against the force applied by the swab against the neck of the skimmer.

 

[josh.j.avila]

Yeah, the Vertex one came with a new lid. I would imagine all models come with it for the reason you stated, to keep the lid stationary against the force applied by the swab against the neck of the skimmer.

I believe avast also sells a DIY where you can drill your own lid. I don't think I would do that for the reasons mentioned.

 

[FarmerTy]

I believe avast also sells a DIY where you can drill your own lid. I don't think I would do that for the reasons mentioned.

Yeah, they added that option as initially they only sold it with a new lid.

I'm leaning towards the Avast Marine Swabbie as I'd imagine they would sell me user replaceable parts if anything ever broke. That is just an assumption though and I'll have to research that a bit more. My Vertex is just dead in the water.

 

[gcarroll]

Personally I would call Vertex and see if your old one can be fixed.

 

[FarmerTy]

Personally I would call Vertex and see if your old one can be fixed.

I would but even their website says to contact an authorized dealer for support, not them. [emoji53]

I bought it from BRS 2 or 3 years ago. I'd be surprised if they offer any assistance at this point, even though they are a great company with great customer support.

 

[gcarroll]

I would but even their website says to contact an authorized dealer for support, not them. [emoji53]

I bought it from BRS 2 or 3 years ago. I'd be surprised if they offer any assistance at this point, even though they are a great company with great customer support.

A closed mouth doesn't get fed.

Unless you actually ask, the answer will always be no. They cannot help you if they don't know you need help. The worst they can say is no.

Even if they charge you for the parts it might be cheaper than buying a new one.

 

[FarmerTy]

A closed mouth doesn't get fed.

Unless you actually ask, the answer will always be no. They cannot help you if they don't know you need help. The worst they can say is no.

Even if they charge you for the parts it might be cheaper than buying a new one.

Good point. [emoji106]

 

[FarmerTy]

Called Vertex's U.S. rep and he gave me a couple of ideas to try to troubleshoot it. If it doesn't work, he said he could order me parts though they may be on backorder.

Makes me have a little more confidence in the support I'll receive from the company as I preordered their Cerebra controller.

Thanks for the idea Gcarroll!

 

[gcarroll]

Called Vertex's U.S. rep and he gave me a couple of ideas to try to troubleshoot it. If it doesn't work, he said he could order me parts though they may be on backorder.

Makes me have a little more confidence in the support I'll receive from the company as I preordered their Cerebra controller.

Thanks for the idea Gcarroll!

Awesome news! Moving their office from Canada to the US was the greatest thing to happen to Vertex's customer service. Hopefully they can get you back up and running. Keep us posted!

 

[beadlocked450r]

I have the swabbie and have had it for 2+yrs now and no issues. Easy to install and easy to clean. I jist have it on a timer to come on randomly throughtout the day and night

 

[FarmerTy]

Well, I tried the tips to no avail so I have it setup for them to order me a new motor when it's not backordered anymore. Hopefully that happens soon! I'm wearing my elbows out manually wiping the neck old school style. [emoji12]

 

[JasReef]

Ty, maybe you could offer a free coral to anyone who cleans your skimmer.