Troubles with SWC 160 cone skimmer

_Alex_ · Feb 16, 2014

Mine worked best when washed and cleaned every month or 2

Singlefin · Feb 16, 2014

Awesome. This is about where I set my water level.

redfishbluefish · Feb 16, 2014

Singlefin said:
Awesome. This is about where I set my water level.

Singlefin, I just want to make sure we are talking apples to apples and oranges to oranges. When you say "water level," I've got to believe that is actually "foam level." I've actually marked my 160 with the recommended water level so that i could adjust it when I first set it up. Those number are still on the side and you can see that I'm at about 9 inches.

My comment regarding the OP's issues would be to make sure you soak the volute in vinegar and even get a lillte pick in there to make sure there is no precipitate around the venturi portion. That's where I've had issues and now soak and pick my volute about once a year.

Singlefin · Feb 16, 2014

Yes. Just for clarification. I'm referring to the water level inside the skimmer running. It was a continuation to a precious post. That's the bubble level before it starts producing skimmate. Sometime when you feed or get your hands in the tank, it kills your skimmate bubbles. That's the level I'm pointing at. Once it starts producing skimmate, those "dirty" bubbles will rise up the neck and fill the collection cup. Hope I didn't just confuse you.

Singlefin · Feb 16, 2014

That level I'm pointing at is about 4" above the rim of my sump. I start about there and slowly fine tune it depending on the quality of my skimmate. If I want it more wet or darker.

luxauterna · Feb 16, 2014

I assumed what you meant by "water level" was the bubble level where it stops and becomes larger skimmate type bubbles (for a lack of a better term). BTW it seems to be working much better. Thank you everyone again for the help and the speed of the responses!

Singlefin · Feb 17, 2014

Awesome. Yeah, I should've said bubble level. Sorry. What goes through my head, doesn't always make it to my fingers. Haha

Singlefin · Feb 17, 2014

Next thing you get to worry about is the Atman pump going out. They have since discontinued making them which leaves us screwed. You can find some on eBay. There no conversion to another pump yet. If you can get a modified impeller, it make WAY more bubbles. Mine froze up so I'm back to my stock impeller.

redfishbluefish · Feb 17, 2014

Singlefin said:
Next thing you get to worry about is the Atman pump going out. They have since discontinued making them which leaves us screwed. You can find some on eBay. There no conversion to another pump yet. If you can get a modified impeller, it make WAY more bubbles. Mine froze up so I'm back to my stock impeller.

I realize this is a bit of a hijack from the OP's original question, but an important one when talking SWC. I'm really surprised SWC hasn't identified another pump to replace the Atman. It's been a while since this happened (the pump being discontinued), and I've got to believe Atman gave them the heads up. Other skimmer companies using Atmans have found alternative pumps (which also requires you purchasing a conversion kit). I don't know why SWC hasn't done this. I've actually advised folks not to buy SWC until they identify a new pump and selling this modified skimmer with this new pump.

I myself now have three spare Atmans, so I'm hoping I'm set. I've also found that if you put two nylon washers (found at HD in "hardware" in the drawers), and put them on the shaft between the impeller and skimmer face, the skimmer runs better. My pump was stalling, for lack of a better word, and when I put in these washers, it ran great. My only guess is that the mesh wheel impeller was rubbing on the face of the pump cover causing drag. I think the pump I have in there now has been going for a good two years (fingers crossed).

luxauterna · Feb 17, 2014

I had no idea about the pump being discontinued. Awesome... I wonder what the hold up is on the SWC end.

Singlefin · Feb 17, 2014

Can't agree with redfishbluefish more. I did add the washers to my impeller. It starts every time now. I was having problems with it not starting. I would have to blow into the airline nipple to get it started. Thanks

Singlefin · Feb 17, 2014

I like to support the smaller companies, but with issues like this it's just a pain. Last skimmer I bought was a reef octopus. I'm sure I'll be able to get parts for a while.

redfishbluefish · Feb 17, 2014

Well hold your horses Singlefin......Bubble Magus is also one of the companies using atmans....although they have started to find alternate pumps. Last I've looked they have already done a replacement for the NAC 3.5. For current users you need to buy an upgrade kit for the new pump to fit.....I want to say it's a Sicca....but not sure.