[vimeo width=”670″ height=”377″]http://vimeo.com/12921789[/vimeo]
The Swabbie is new add-on for protein skimmer which automatically wipes down the scum that builds up on the collection neck. The aftermarket accessory from Avast Marine is unusual for a market where most protein skimmer neck cleaners are sold at near ludicrous prices and skyrocket up from there: the Deltec SCH is £799, Bubble King SCH starts at $950 and the Aqua Drivers start at $800. By contrast the Swabbie starts at $135 and the jumbo model we received for review on an Alpha Kone 300 will only cost about $179 or so. Of course we were somewhat skeptical when first heard about the Swabbie’s truly democratic pricing. After handling it for a little bit and scrutinizing the construction we are reassured that the Swabbie SCH is plenty capable of squeegeeing the inside of a protein skimmer neck. Avast Marine was able to produce this protein skimmer neck cleaner by simplfying the construction of their SCH and borrowing the no-frills motor that is currently used in their kalkwasser reactor. We have yet to install the Swabbie on a running skimmer but we’ll soon be putting it through real world paces on the jumbo Alpha Kone 300 in action on a local 1200 gallon reef tank. Follow the break for the full slideshow and stay tuned for the forthcoming review.
