Skimmer Question (SWC Extreme 180 Skimmer)

[engelphotos]

Does anybody have a SWC Extreme 180 Skimmer. This is the skimmer i was planning on getting. My problem is, I built the stand to small. There is enough room for the skimmer to sit in the sump but only 3 inches clearence and i'm afraid i won't be able to get the top off for maintenance. I have a 85 gallon DT and a 30 gallon long for a sump. I built the stand 48 3/4" L x 19" W x 33 " T. With the sump underneath I can see I need to add atleast another 12" for ? and I would think atleast ? 12 inches clearance for the skimmer. The description on SWC said I need a footprint of 9 x 8 and 21 " tall with only 1/2" clearance to remove top. Any suggestions would help ???? I guess this stand was practice. :sad:

 

[SeahorseKeeper]

Moved to current forum: equipment forum.

I'm not sure about this skimmer. I'm sure someone will chime in shortly.

 

[engelphotos]

Here's the stand build, I should of selected the skimmer first and then built the stand. I can repurpose the stand, I'm just wondering what would be the optimal height or clearance above the skimmer ?:frown:

 

[Dtech07]

Its a great skimmer and works best when 7-8" of water. My suggestion do a smaller height but longer/wider sump . This will keep the water capacity you want while lowering the sumps height, this will also allow you to set the skimmer on the bottom of the sump without the need to raise it higher. My 2c

 

[Rockhead]

I have a swc160 in my 150 gal and works great you can try to go with a little small skimmer/footprint and yes mine is in 8" of water

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[Reefing Madness]

He can use that if the cup just lifts off the skimmer. Which I don't know about. Anyone know if it just unscrews then just slides off the top without having to lift it to much? He has 3" of clearence, I'd think this enough to remove the cup.

 

[Dtech07]

the cup does just lift off it has a gasket fitting.

 

[engelphotos]

Rockhead, So you have the 160 on a 150 gallon tank. This stand is going to hold a 85 gal. DT with a 30 Gal. sump. Do you think the 180 is overkill ? I've heard folks love the skimmer but if they had the choice between the 160 and 180, they lean towards the 180 ? What's your thoughts. Dtech07, this sump is a 30 long and I don't have much more room maybe, 12 more inches, which doesn't give me much room for adding anything else that might be needed down the road.

 

[Rockhead]

Well I guess it depends if you are doing a sps tank or Lps how many fish there are so many variables . IM 100% sps 5 fish 1/4 cup carbon 1/4 cup Gfo and the swc 160 works well for me , but like most say go big or go home ,it's only going to pull out so much at a time . If everything works out for you go with the 180 IM sure you'll love it.

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[Dtech07]

Good point RockHead,
I would lean towards the 180 and in the future plan on adding a external pump to provide additional support. As out tank environments excel the bio load will increase so having a skimmer able and ready to handle that is important and saves on future upgrades.
I have a 55gallon refugium and it was getting packed with pumps but I was in need of a larger skimmer because everything was growing fast. I invested in a larger skimmer which took more room and a Genx pump and now have all the room and flow ill need for some time.
Some time we don't want to change out current setup but it has to happen if you your tank of prospering and thriving. IMHO. Go for the 180

 

[engelphotos]

THanks everyone, I'm going to get the 180 and now start the re-build of another tank stand. I going to put a shelf inside and finish the doors and let my son put his 15 lb. t.v. and X-box on it. Since the stand is 4 ft. x 3 ft. , in keeping with the perspective i'm going to build the next one 5 ft. x 4 ft.