SC Aquariums Skimmers

SkullV

SkullV

New member
While looking for a skimmer for my new set-up (20g with 10g sump), I came across these skimmers. They are all basically Bubble Magus/SWC clones and run the same pumps.

I currently own the SC-65 which is IDENTICAL (even the pump) to the Bubble Magus NAC3.5 but only costs $79.99 and I am very happy with it now that it has broken in.

The only difference is the barb on the pump output which I made quick work of with a dremmel:

EditedMod.jpg

75b02289.jpg


This really reduced turbulence in the reaction chamber and helps to increase skimmer output. This is because the pump no longer has its output pointed DIRECTLY below the small bubble plate.

Size comparison with my Bubble Magus NAC8:

4ced8ab3.jpg


They have two other skimmers available but DO NOT BE FOOLED, they are not identical Bubble Magus clones like the SC-65 is.

The SCA-302 ($129.99) has a narrower neck and smaller pump than a Bubble Magus NAC7. It would be a nice match for a heavily stocked 60g-80g system (including sump) or a lightly stocked system up to 150g.

ScreenShot2012-02-21at73952PM.png


I WOULD NOT PURCHASE the SCA-303 (&129.99) based on the very small bubble plate design for a decent sized pump (Atman 2000) and the fact that it is not able to be disassembled for cleaning.

ScreenShot2012-02-21at74031PM.png


Keep in mind that this is the same path that Bubble Magus followed. When I bought my NAC6 it was a $100 skimmer. Once people realized how well they performed Bubble Magus was able to raise the price significantly. I would not expect these prices to last much beyond the next 6 months.

I will keep this thread updated on my SC-65 and would encourage anyone that purchases the SCA-302 (or dare I say the SCA-303) to do the same.

The skimmers can be found at:

http://yhst-129902485823005.stores.yahoo.net/skimmers.html

or

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Factory-dir...484?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2c5c97e904

http://www.ebay.com/itm/180-Gallon-...tu=UCC&otn=15&ps=63&clkid=6497444147530468517

http://www.ebay.com/itm/150-Gallon-...&otn=5&po=LVI&ps=63&clkid=6497414768878341060
 
Ted can't tell from the pictures but can you disassemble it for cleaning? Also thinking of using SC65 for a marineland 27 cube and sump of undecided size. What do you think? Proper size or too small?
 
RedDevil.258 said:
Ted can't tell from the pictures but can you disassemble it for cleaning? Also thinking of using SC65 for a marineland 27 cube and sump of undecided size. What do you think? Proper size or too small?
Click to expand...

Perfect fit for the Marineland 27g. I spec'd out the NAC3.5 for "The Reefer's" identical cube that I set up before these SC-65s came out. It works perfectly. Again, the same skimmer after the little output mod. In fact the SC-65 has a little better bubble plate design.

photo-12.jpg


I wouldn't even consider another skimmer for that tank with any size sump that fits in the stand.

It does not fully disassemble for cleaning, but it is so small that you can easily run it in a vinegar bath in a 5g bucket and scrub anything you want with a dish brush. The pump does remove from the bottom and the output pipe does come out.
 
Thats why, Your the man Ted! Thanks

Any progress on that slim and clean looking overflow? I have a couple of sketches on paper just nothing worth cutting into the cube for just yet.
 
I just wanted to add that another good thing about these skimmers are their pumps. They are very easy to find and very cheap to replace. Atman pumps are also called ViaAqua. So if the pump dies on you, you can buy the ViaAqua for the replacement.
 
Yea he's right about the bm 3.5 skimmer. It's a great for this tank. But since Ted found a clone skimmer that does the same job with a small mod for less money than that's a plus.
 
What about going up one model? Any added benefits? I don't have a stand for the cube I was thinking on something unconventional. Not the typical stock narrow stand. This allows for a larger sump maybe. What are you thoughts?
 
RedDevil.258 said:
What about going up one model? Any added benefits? I don't have a stand for the cube I was thinking on something unconventional. Not the typical stock narrow stand. This allows for a larger sump maybe. What are you thoughts?
Click to expand...

The next size up has a crap bubble plate design and is too large for cleaning without the ability to disassemble. Look at a bubble magus NAC6 if you want, but that has a pretty large neck for a pretty small water volume. I don't think it would even be possible to stock a 27g cube heavily enough to need a larger skimmer than the SC65/NAC3.5.
 
Hey wait a minute SkullV you are not getting any kick back from this? Are you?

LOL just messing with yea! Just clicked the purchase button! YEA

Spending money on the internet is dangerously easy! Now Have to plan this out to make sure the wife doesn't get suspicious. (-:
 
I agree with skullv, you will not be happy with a bigger skimmer, it just won't work on that size tank. Bigger is not always better.
 
RedDevil.258 said:
Hey wait a minute SkullV you are not getting any kick back from this? Are you?

LOL just messing with yea! Just clicked the purchase button! YEA
Click to expand...

No kickback :) I wish! I just like making sure fellow aquarists get the right equipment and the best possible advice! Congrats on your purchase, you will not be disappointed. If you need any help with the mod let me know and I can send you a cut barb and you can send me yours.
 
I have the 150 with the atman 2500 pump. The pump is outside the skimmer which is a plus. If cleaning is an issue then maybe a longer brush? I have about 95 total gal. and it rocks. Its listed at $129 but he accepts $115 on the offer. As far as the bubble plate goes, seems ok to me and no micro bubbles from the get go. Its a great deal.
 
Got it!!

Just got my CS-65 today! YEAA

Build quality is good, pump is super quite and with the small mod everything is fairly simple to install. I had to redo the baffles on the custom sump I made for the BC29. Perfect timing, will post on how the skimmer is performing. Bio-load in the BC29 mod is light. Now that I have this lil beast should be able to keep a healthy stock in the future! Thanks SkullV where ever you are......:peace:


6e24058a.jpg
d6de2fa8.jpg
bacb7ef7.jpg
d6a9fe14.jpg
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top