SWC Mini S Cone Skimmer Review

Here is my latest skimmer test and review. This one is SWC's Mini S cone skimmer. I'm still not sure why they refer to it as "Mini" considering the size of it.



Unpacking:

As with the Xtreme 160 I tested this skimmer came neatly packed with all parts and instructions form fit into Styrofoam packing. My first impressions as I unpacked and began assembling were shock at how much bigger than the 160 it is. At 10 ½” X 10 ½” it does not have a small footprint, but considering that the body diameter is 10 ½”, I would say the space is very well used.

Assembly:

The Mini S assembled in almost the exact same way as the Xtreme 160. Directions are not elaborate, but it’s a simple matter of pushing a few PVC parts together. The Sicce motor mounts hidden from site directly under the body which sits on a stand. I managed to stuff it into my, undersized for this application, sump and fired it up.



First Impressions:

Firing this skimmer up was much the same as the SWC Xtreme 160. The pump instantly kicked on and began throwing amazing amounts of bubbles into the body. After a few minutes of tuning I got it to a spot that I know wouldn’t run to wet and left it overnight. To my amazement, in the morning I had some dark coffee colored skimmate in the cup. It seemed to be running very well already, so I left the setting alone. As I inspected it closer I noticed what a huge different I could see in the turbulence, or lack of, as compared to the Xtreme 160. As the bubbles near the top they just seem to line up and flow directly to the top.



One Week:

This skimmer is a monster! Though it is rated for less volume than the Xtreme 160, I would trust this one with more water. The rate at which it pulls skimmate from the water easily surpasses the 160. The pump has started to quiet down and it is running smooth. Every SWC I’ve run so far truly is a set it and forget it skimmer.


Admin Note - Per new FCC law regarding product reviews, I must note that Mike is affiliated with SWC Skimmers.com.

 

wow very nice. how much do these puppies run for?

 

that is a pretty darn cool skimmer!

 

Too bad its missing that nifty gate valve for adjustments. I LOVE that thing on my 120 extreme. Does SWC make a cone to handle around 250 gallons? After using one I think I might sell my modded G3 when the time comes to setup my FOWLR in favor of a SWC.

~Will.

 

Nice review. Can you tell what water level you run it in?

 

XTREME Cone Protein Skimmer Mini S

We carry cones that will handle all the way up to 700 gallons! This one would be perfect for a 200 gallon tank:

Xtreme Cone Protein Skimmer 250 S

I set up my sump to have about 11" in the skimmer compartment. I like swapping out gear and trying different things, so I figured I could always put skimmers on something to run them in lower depths. I have a 2" egg crate stand under this one putting it in about 9" of water.

 

Thanks!

 

Attractive skimmer. nice write up !!! k+

 

Nice work Mike