LifeReef Skimmers

CoralFiend · 02/02/2006, 07:18 AM

For those who have used LifeReef skimmers -

or

and why?

Treg · 02/02/2006, 09:10 AM

When I had it...

Jeff does some great acrylic work but the Venturi design just is'nt as good as a RC needelwheel, IMO.
My SVS 3-24 did fine at the time, I thought. When I upgraded to a RC NW I seen big improvements.

A good needelwheel skimmer puts a lot more air in the chamber. A RC model gives it more contact time. More air, more contact = more skim.

You can get a GEO for the same price as a LifeReef, the build quality is every bit as good and the skimmer design is better.

kris101 · 02/02/2006, 09:20 AM

Ditto TO Treg's comments..
I have had 2 VS2-24 skimmers and they were very well built and worked well.
I also just ordered a Geo rc skimmer.

I was kinda hoping Jeff would develop an RC skimmer

collective21 · 02/02/2006, 09:48 AM

I have a Lifereef Vs3-48 and I am very happy with it. I also have an ASM needlewheel skimmer that I am also happy with. A few good things about the Lifereef - I have a 1" MAZZEI venturi that produces an incredible amount of fine bubbles. No noise, my tank is in my family room so this is important to me. Also there is an RC feature on these skimmers if you choose to do that. You can also you can make it downdraft for longer contact time. And last you don't have to clean it (except the cup) because it has a self cleaning venturi. My ASM has to be cleaned every 30-60 days or performance suffers.

CoralFiend · 02/02/2006, 12:12 PM

Thanks! Jeff is building a custom refugium/ sump and CA reactor for me and I was just wondering what the experience was with the skimmers.

I have a ER CS6-1 (rated for 100 gallon tank) that I used on my 75, but I am now upgrading to a 140. I am planning to do a RC mod on the ER to give it a boost and see how that does. But, if it won't get the job done, I am considering the LifeReef or a Geo RC series skimmer. Glad to hear there has been good experience with both.

Any more opinions out there?

ONEMANBAND · 02/02/2006, 12:23 PM

I have a 3 footer and a 5 footer both lifereefs with mazzei injection. Love them, make sure to run a pressure rated pump. Silent and not finicky. Had a etss 800 before which always needed adjustment. If buying a new one i would not pay extra for flanges, never had a need to open the skimmer up, the gunk makes it to the cup, unlike my etss which did a great job of collecting skimmate in the riser.

02/02/2006, 07:18 AM	#1
CoralFiend Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Lake Charles, LA Posts: 304	LifeReef Skimmers For those who have used LifeReef skimmers - or and why? __________________ - Gary Reef Savvy 125 on order - Status: Waiting... Current Tank Info: 140 gallon reef

02/02/2006, 09:20 AM	#3
kris101 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Amherst, Ohio Posts: 853	Ditto TO Treg's comments.. I have had 2 VS2-24 skimmers and they were very well built and worked well. I also just ordered a Geo rc skimmer. I was kinda hoping Jeff would develop an RC skimmer __________________ Marineland 300 DD peninsula Current Tank Info: 155 48x30x24 in progress

02/02/2006, 12:12 PM	#5
CoralFiend Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Lake Charles, LA Posts: 304	Thanks! Jeff is building a custom refugium/ sump and CA reactor for me and I was just wondering what the experience was with the skimmers. I have a ER CS6-1 (rated for 100 gallon tank) that I used on my 75, but I am now upgrading to a 140. I am planning to do a RC mod on the ER to give it a boost and see how that does. But, if it won't get the job done, I am considering the LifeReef or a Geo RC series skimmer. Glad to hear there has been good experience with both. Any more opinions out there? __________________ - Gary Reef Savvy 125 on order - Status: Waiting... Current Tank Info: 140 gallon reef

02/02/2006, 12:23 PM	#6
ONEMANBAND Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Chicago Posts: 726	I have a 3 footer and a 5 footer both lifereefs with mazzei injection. Love them, make sure to run a pressure rated pump. Silent and not finicky. Had a etss 800 before which always needed adjustment. If buying a new one i would not pay extra for flanges, never had a need to open the skimmer up, the gunk makes it to the cup, unlike my etss which did a great job of collecting skimmate in the riser. __________________ At birth,Chuck Norris came out feet first so he could roundhouse kick the doctor in the face. NOBODY delivers Chuck Norris but Chuck Norris. Current Tank Info: 75 reef/100 aggressive

02/02/2006, 09:10 AM	#2
Treg Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Ohio Posts: 2,739	When I had it... Jeff does some great acrylic work but the Venturi design just is'nt as good as a RC needelwheel, IMO. My SVS 3-24 did fine at the time, I thought. When I upgraded to a RC NW I seen big improvements. A good needelwheel skimmer puts a lot more air in the chamber. A RC model gives it more contact time. More air, more contact = more skim. You can get a GEO for the same price as a LifeReef, the build quality is every bit as good and the skimmer design is better.

02/02/2006, 09:48 AM	#4
collective21 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: South Carolina Posts: 217	I have a Lifereef Vs3-48 and I am very happy with it. I also have an ASM needlewheel skimmer that I am also happy with. A few good things about the Lifereef - I have a 1" MAZZEI venturi that produces an incredible amount of fine bubbles. No noise, my tank is in my family room so this is important to me. Also there is an RC feature on these skimmers if you choose to do that. You can also you can make it downdraft for longer contact time. And last you don't have to clean it (except the cup) because it has a self cleaning venturi. My ASM has to be cleaned every 30-60 days or performance suffers.