The Life Reef Skimmer Club - Page 113

soulpatch · 03/13/2016, 01:39 PM

I had no issues with air draw with the Mag 9.5. I just threw a DCT 8000 on my svs24 (great deal from my LFS and I got it that night vs. next day from Amazon)

Looks like more air draw with the DCT though honestly didnt make much difference to me since there is the gate valve to tune for whatever pump you are using.

ERIC85854 · 03/13/2016, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by soulpatch

I had no issues with air draw with the Mag 9.5. I just threw a DCT 8000 on my svs24 (great deal from my LFS and I got it that night vs. next day from Amazon)

Looks like more air draw with the DCT though honestly didnt make much difference to me since there is the gate valve to tune for whatever pump you are using.

Just wondered what it is compared to modern skimmers.

soulpatch · 03/13/2016, 04:42 PM

I have more air bouncing around in the chamber then my aquamaxx hob1 (not really fair comp) ever had and I dont have to clean the bubble plate so both are wins in my book.

USC-fan · 03/13/2016, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ERIC85854

Just wondered what it is compared to modern skimmers.

Its very low compare to most skimmer. But comparing very different designs. Modern skimmers are designed for the more air.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bayoupr

I have used Bk's, ATB's RO's, MRC's, ETSS and the list goes on. For my setup, the lifereef has produced the best results of all. The air draw can be from 14scfh to 22scfh depending on the pump you use. I use the pressure rated pumps on mine with a Mazzei 1078 injector, 30" Panworld 30PX, 36", 48" and 60" Panworld 40PX. Tried a Panworld 150PS on my 48 but was too much pump (too much air draw for the body, 45-50 scfh). The only skimmer that came close to producing the dark skim as the lifereef was the BK Mini 200. But as with the others, more maintance and tweaking than my lifereef. Jeff has just informed me my new lifereef is ready and will be shipped next week. 8" body, 30" high not counting the collection cup and some designs I had him incorporate into the skimmer. Should be interesting to see what it will do. You don't need huge amounts of air if you have a tall body and good contact time with a small neck. Wider necks short bodys, cones need huge amounts of air draw to compensate for the lack of height.

jason2459 · 03/13/2016, 10:23 PM

The way I see it

High air draw, low water flow, low contact time with the modern wine glasses double triple cone coned bubble plate etc skimmer

Vs. High water flow, lower air draw, high contact time with the tall basic pvc and acrylic tube skimmer

schandler88 · 03/15/2016, 07:04 PM

Joined the lifereef skimmer club today with a shiny new 24in model with a mag 9.5!

Just got it all put together and cant express how impressed I was with every detail!

Seriously, everything. Oversized box, stuffed full of packing material. Inside I found a big envelope packed full of documentation (parts list, assembly, how the skimmer works, both the life reef itself and the concepts behind protein skimmers, etc), a box labeled "9.5" (containing the mag 9.5, venturi, barbed fittings, the gate valve, etc), the skimmer cup (stuffed with more hoses, hose clamps, pipe tape, collection cup drain stuff, etc), and finally the skimmer body. Everything was so well packed and wrapped it was like he knew UPS was going to use it as a football, lol.

Acrylic welds were beautiful. I was like a kid in a candy store putting it together

Even got out of work early to get rolling on swapping out the ole' Classic Reef Octopus 160. The LR is currently in the sump bubbling away, quiet as can be. I expected it to be louder than a needle wheel skimmer but boy was I wrong. In my sump environment I cant hear it, not at all. No giant sucking sound like the Reef Octo.

So far I am very impressed and cant wait to see what it starts pulling out of the tank!

rastafarian · 03/15/2016, 07:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EvMiBo

What setting are you running it on?

I have it running at 60%

EvMiBo · 03/15/2016, 10:27 PM

It's been a while, but it was said a while ago that lifereefs perform best at 19-22 SCFH.

peppie · 03/23/2016, 05:53 PM

Placed my order for the VS3 60'' with a larger cup.

Question is... Should I use the Mag 24 or the BL 100HD?
My understanding is that the skimmer will perform better with a high pressure pump. But the Mag 24 is rated for more GPH. I was also concerned about the added heat of the Mag 24 if ran insump.
Thoughts and input from those using the VS# 60'' please.

jason2459 · 03/23/2016, 06:49 PM

Can't look at the gph at 0 head.

Breadman03 · 03/24/2016, 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by peppie

Placed my order for the VS3 60'' with a larger cup.

Question is... Should I use the Mag 24 or the BL 100HD?
My understanding is that the skimmer will perform better with a high pressure pump. But the Mag 24 is rated for more GPH. I was also concerned about the added heat of the Mag 24 if ran insump.
Thoughts and input from those using the VS# 60'' please.

I have a somewhat similar comparison, a Mag 18 vs a BL 70. I used the Mag as a return when setting up my 150 with basement sump before installing the BL 70. They don't even compare with the head. The Mag was a steady stream where the BL 70 is two jets that blast the sand from wherever I point the returns.

merlinpi · 03/26/2016, 07:28 AM

I just bought a used LifeReef Sump and skimmer without the pumps and missing some tubing. I am not able to find any build or flow diagram and/or manuals specifying the tubing sizes. does anyone has it in softcopy or scan? would be a great help. thks!

jerseypete · 03/26/2016, 08:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by merlinpi

I just bought a used LifeReef Sump and skimmer without the pumps and missing some tubing. I am not able to find any build or flow diagram and/or manuals specifying the tubing sizes. does anyone has it in softcopy or scan? would be a great help. thks!

You could actually email jeff at lifereef and send pictures. He usually will get back to you within 24 hrs. He has great customer service. Even if you bought 2nd hand. Bought mine over 2yrs ago. And he's always willing to answer questions.

FullBoreReefer · 03/26/2016, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jerseypete

You could actually email jeff at lifereef and send pictures. He usually will get back to you within 24 hrs. He has great customer service.

I will second that, I haven't even purchased mine yet because of all the questions he and I have had. He is very very prompt on replying and answers every question honestly. I'm impressed already and don't even own one!

merlinpi · 03/26/2016, 05:47 PM

thanks, did that yesterday, I guess it is Easter WE, will wait until beginning of next week.

gandolf8 · 03/26/2016, 07:09 PM

Here is my LifeReef system have this system for a long time.

FullBoreReefer · 03/26/2016, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by merlinpi

thanks, did that yesterday, I guess it is Easter WE, will wait until beginning of next week.

Really? I just got off the phone with Jeff about an hour ago.

Bpb · 03/28/2016, 01:35 PM

Which model would you guys recommend I look into for a 90 display 36 gal sump? In-sump preferred. Smaller footprint the better

FullBoreReefer · 03/28/2016, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bpb

Which model would you guys recommend I look into for a 90 display 36 gal sump? In-sump preferred. Smaller footprint the better

As tall as you can fit, more contact time

Bpb · 03/30/2016, 01:06 PM

Tallest I can fit is the base model which appears 22.5" from bottom to cup top. Any taller than that and I don't know I'll be able to fit it under the stand or remove the cup with ease ect. Is he able to modify footprints? I'm working with about a 8"X11" footprint at absolute max. If I'm going to be hunting in the $400-500 range a lifereef is definitely at the top of the list, but it will be a struggle to fit one based on their standard specs

jerseypete · 03/30/2016, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bpb

Tallest I can fit is the base model which appears 22.5" from bottom to cup top. Any taller than that and I don't know I'll be able to fit it under the stand or remove the cup with ease ect. Is he able to modify footprints? I'm working with about a 8"X11" footprint at absolute max. If I'm going to be hunting in the $400-500 range a lifereef is definitely at the top of the list, but it will be a struggle to fit one based on their standard specs

I have the svs-24. I thought it was 24in. But I could be mistaken. Or it could be the flange sits in 1.5in. And you need 24in all together to remove the cup. But 8x11 will work. I have mine in a 7.75 x 12. Area. And really need 8 x 10 to fit everything. And that's with the larger mag 12

jerseypete · 03/30/2016, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jerseypete

I have the svs-24. I thought it was 24in. But I could be mistaken. Or it could be the flange sits in 1.5in. And you need 24in all together to remove the cup. But 8x11 will work. I have mine in a 7.75 x 12. Area. And really need 7.5 x 10 to fit everything. And that's with the larger mag 12

azjohnny · 03/30/2016, 04:16 PM

The 24 " model is 24" at the top of the cup but you will need about 3 more inches to remove the cup due to the design of the neck

grizzly123 · 03/30/2016, 05:15 PM

If you want the life reef call Jeff he will mod the cup to fit your height requirements.

laserjim · 04/02/2016, 04:12 PM

FYI, I will be selling my VS36 external in a week or so. Pulled the trigger on the VS48.

03/13/2016, 01:39 PM	#2801
soulpatch Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Downingtown, PA Posts: 4,017	I had no issues with air draw with the Mag 9.5. I just threw a DCT 8000 on my svs24 (great deal from my LFS and I got it that night vs. next day from Amazon) Looks like more air draw with the DCT though honestly didnt make much difference to me since there is the gate valve to tune for whatever pump you are using. __________________ 150 SC tank build: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2550948 Some have bar tabs. I have a coral tab at my LFS. Life goals.

03/13/2016, 04:42 PM	#2803
soulpatch Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Downingtown, PA Posts: 4,017	I have more air bouncing around in the chamber then my aquamaxx hob1 (not really fair comp) ever had and I dont have to clean the bubble plate so both are wins in my book. __________________ 150 SC tank build: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2550948 Some have bar tabs. I have a coral tab at my LFS. Life goals.

03/13/2016, 10:23 PM	#2805
jason2459 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Iowa Posts: 9,671	The way I see it High air draw, low water flow, low contact time with the modern wine glasses double triple cone coned bubble plate etc skimmer Vs. High water flow, lower air draw, high contact time with the tall basic pvc and acrylic tube skimmer __________________ rebuild and recovery log: No more red house, you'll have to click on my name and visit my homepage! You can check out my parameters at reeftronics dot net website and look for my username. Current Tank Info: 180g mixed reef w/ a beananimal overflow to a dolomite RRUGF. \| 20g long G. Smithii Mantis Tank

03/15/2016, 10:27 PM	#2808
EvMiBo VictoriaConcordiaCrescit Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Ft. Myers, FL Posts: 1,929	It's been a while, but it was said a while ago that lifereefs perform best at 19-22 SCFH. __________________ Evan \| DSA 135g Peninsula

03/23/2016, 06:49 PM	#2810
jason2459 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Iowa Posts: 9,671	Can't look at the gph at 0 head. __________________ rebuild and recovery log: No more red house, you'll have to click on my name and visit my homepage! You can check out my parameters at reeftronics dot net website and look for my username. Current Tank Info: 180g mixed reef w/ a beananimal overflow to a dolomite RRUGF. \| 20g long G. Smithii Mantis Tank

03/15/2016, 07:04 PM	#2806
schandler88 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Posts: 27	Joined the lifereef skimmer club today with a shiny new 24in model with a mag 9.5! Just got it all put together and cant express how impressed I was with every detail! Seriously, everything. Oversized box, stuffed full of packing material. Inside I found a big envelope packed full of documentation (parts list, assembly, how the skimmer works, both the life reef itself and the concepts behind protein skimmers, etc), a box labeled "9.5" (containing the mag 9.5, venturi, barbed fittings, the gate valve, etc), the skimmer cup (stuffed with more hoses, hose clamps, pipe tape, collection cup drain stuff, etc), and finally the skimmer body. Everything was so well packed and wrapped it was like he knew UPS was going to use it as a football, lol. Acrylic welds were beautiful. I was like a kid in a candy store putting it together Even got out of work early to get rolling on swapping out the ole' Classic Reef Octopus 160. The LR is currently in the sump bubbling away, quiet as can be. I expected it to be louder than a needle wheel skimmer but boy was I wrong. In my sump environment I cant hear it, not at all. No giant sucking sound like the Reef Octo. So far I am very impressed and cant wait to see what it starts pulling out of the tank!

03/23/2016, 05:53 PM	#2809
peppie Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 1,883	Placed my order for the VS3 60'' with a larger cup. Question is... Should I use the Mag 24 or the BL 100HD? My understanding is that the skimmer will perform better with a high pressure pump. But the Mag 24 is rated for more GPH. I was also concerned about the added heat of the Mag 24 if ran insump. Thoughts and input from those using the VS# 60'' please.

03/26/2016, 07:28 AM	#2812
merlinpi Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: KS Posts: 43	I just bought a used LifeReef Sump and skimmer without the pumps and missing some tubing. I am not able to find any build or flow diagram and/or manuals specifying the tubing sizes. does anyone has it in softcopy or scan? would be a great help. thks!

03/26/2016, 05:47 PM	#2815
merlinpi Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: KS Posts: 43	thanks, did that yesterday, I guess it is Easter WE, will wait until beginning of next week.

03/26/2016, 07:09 PM	#2816
gandolf8 Registered Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Fulton, NY Posts: 1,249	Here is my LifeReef system have this system for a long time.

03/28/2016, 01:35 PM	#2818
Bpb Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Texas Posts: 3,148	Which model would you guys recommend I look into for a 90 display 36 gal sump? In-sump preferred. Smaller footprint the better

03/30/2016, 01:06 PM	#2820
Bpb Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Texas Posts: 3,148	The Life Reef Skimmer Club Tallest I can fit is the base model which appears 22.5" from bottom to cup top. Any taller than that and I don't know I'll be able to fit it under the stand or remove the cup with ease ect. Is he able to modify footprints? I'm working with about a 8"X11" footprint at absolute max. If I'm going to be hunting in the $400-500 range a lifereef is definitely at the top of the list, but it will be a struggle to fit one based on their standard specs

03/30/2016, 04:16 PM	#2823
azjohnny Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Gold Canyon Posts: 2,914	The 24 " model is 24" at the top of the cup but you will need about 3 more inches to remove the cup due to the design of the neck

03/30/2016, 05:15 PM	#2824
grizzly123 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Minnesota Posts: 40	If you want the life reef call Jeff he will mod the cup to fit your height requirements. __________________ 240 Mixed Reef Current Tank Info: 240Gal, 2 - 40Gal on common sump

04/02/2016, 04:12 PM	#2825
laserjim Another Day In Paradise Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 1,956	FYI, I will be selling my VS36 external in a week or so. Pulled the trigger on the VS48. __________________ Jim Current Tank Info: 430 gallon, 4 radion gen 3pro, 4 T5 bulbs, 60 inch Life Reef skimmer, Apex gold, 2 Dos dosers, ,80 gallon sump. 2 Cor pumps. 2 Ecotech MP 60 powerheads