The Life Reef Skimmer Club - Page 82

azjohnny · 07/30/2015, 09:49 AM

IMO the best submersible pump is a Laguna based, I run a SP4 with my SVS3-36 and a Max Flo 1350 as my return pump which I rotate with a 2nd one every 6 months

When you add back pressure to a pump it will draw less wattage, running one as a skimmer pump does this. The SP4 which is rated at 88 watts is probably drawing around 60 watts

A high pressure pump ( more than 20 ft of head) is not needed with a life reef skimmer. RC member Bayoupr tried using a high pressure pump and had to decrease the flow down to less than 800 gph or the skimmer body got overwhelmed. It is documented earlier in this thread

DavidinGA · 07/30/2015, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hitch08

Oh, yes. I forgot about that. That's a bummer. I asked Jeff if he had them and he didn't. I got mine from Amazon.

If you want to try to the DC pump route, I believe that he carries the Jebao DC pumps.

I'm not confident enough in #1 the longevity of those pumps and #2 they seem to fluctuate in performance/flow throughout the day (or so I've heard) making the skimmer performance fluctuate

I'm definitely eyeing a mag18 or sp4 pump so far.

Harry_Y · 07/30/2015, 01:02 PM

I just finished Reading the whole thread.

A lot of good info here.

DavidinGA · 07/31/2015, 08:21 AM

I spoke with Jeff a bit via email and learned I can buy a SVS3-36 IN-SUMP model and have him reduce the height a bit where it would fit in my sump (I have exactly 36" of height from the bottom of my sump to the bottom of my tank inside my cabinet) to say 34" and that would leave 2" to remove the collection cup lid...is 2" enough height to remove the collection lid?

Given my sump setup there is no way I will be able to get the 30" model into the sump without removing the top flange portion (disassembling the skimmer as much as possible).

What are the height measurements of the svs3-30 and 36" models with the removable flange taken off (so the total height of everything below when the top section is removed via the nylon screws)?

Also, Looking at the 30" and 36" models on his sight he is selling them both with the mag18 pump. What are you thoughts on the mag18 pump on a 34" tall skimmer? It seems it might be a bit under-powered since most people find the mag18 only sufficient for the 30" model. Thoughts?

Thanks

Hitch08 · 07/31/2015, 09:08 AM

I have the 30". I'll measure this weekend and let you know what I find. My thought is that your only issue will be the depth of the neck that the skimmer cup fits into. I tend to think that you will be fine.

Re the Mag18, when I bought my skimmer earlier this year, the Mag12 was the recommended pump for the 30" skimmer. I actually upgraded to the Mag18. It was right about the time that I bought mine that he changed his site to include the Mag18.

azjohnny · 07/31/2015, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DavidinGA

I spoke with Jeff a bit via email and learned I can buy a SVS3-36 IN-SUMP model and have him reduce the height a bit where it would fit in my sump (I have exactly 36" of height from the bottom of my sump to the bottom of my tank inside my cabinet) to say 34" and that would leave 2" to remove the collection cup lid...is 2" enough height to remove the collection lid?

Given my sump setup there is no way I will be able to get the 30" model into the sump without removing the top flange portion (disassembling the skimmer as much as possible).

What are the height measurements of the svs3-30 and 36" models with the removable flange taken off (so the total height of everything below when the top section is removed via the nylon screws)?

Also, Looking at the 30" and 36" models on his sight he is selling them both with the mag18 pump. What are you thoughts on the mag18 pump on a 34" tall skimmer? It seems it might be a bit under-powered since most people find the mag18 only sufficient for the 30" model. Thoughts?

Thanks

With a 36" stand you would be better going with the 30" model. I have the 3-36 with a 42" stand and can just barely get the cup off of the skimmer.

How can you can fit a 36" skimmer in your sump but not a 30"?

Height of my SV3-36 is 28" at the flange.

I have a SP4 powering my skimmer and it has plenty of power which also has a Mazzei 1078 injector

Jeff used to sell the SV3-30 with a Mag 12. RC member d2mini has one and he is happy with the results

DavidinGA · 07/31/2015, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by azjohnny

With a 36" stand you would be better going with the 30" model. I have the 3-36 with a 42" stand and can just barely get the cup off of the skimmer.

How can you can fit a 36" skimmer in your sump but not a 30"?

Height of my SV3-36 is 28" at the flange.

I have a SP4 powering my skimmer and it has plenty of power which also has a Mazzei 1078 injector

Jeff used to sell the SV3-30 with a Mag 12. RC member d2mini has one and he is happy with the results

No, I was saying there is no way I could even fit a 30" tall model in my sump *if* it weren't for the fact that it comes apart at the flange.

I'm considering a 30" and custom 34" model (36" model cut down to 34")

So you have 42" of clearance with a 36" tall model and need all 6" of clearance to get the lid off???

azjohnny · 07/31/2015, 11:10 AM

Quote:

No, I was saying there is no way I could even fit a 30" tall model in my sump *if* it weren't for the fact that it comes apart at the flange.

I'm considering a 30" and custom 34" model (36" model cut down to 34")

So you have 42" of clearance with a 36" tall model and need all 6" of clearance to get the lid off???

That makes sense

The way my stand is set up I have 2.5" from the top of the skimmer cup cap to the bottom of the stand. I have to remove the cap in order to remove the cup

The cap has a raised center piece that acts as a handle for removal. After I bought mine and installed the skimmer in my sump i was wondering if I made the right decision and should have gone with the 30" model

DavidinGA · 07/31/2015, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by azjohnny

That makes sense

The way my stand is set up I have 2.5" from the top of the skimmer cup cap to the bottom of the stand. I have to remove the cap in order to remove the cup

The cap has a raised center piece that acts as a handle for removal. After I bought mine and installed the skimmer in my sump i was wondering if I made the right decision and should have gone with the 30" model

How many inches would you say you need minimum to remove the collection cup lid?

azjohnny · 07/31/2015, 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DavidinGA

How many inches would you say you need minimum to remove the collection cup lid?

probably 1/2"-3/4" .

The bigger issue is the neck is a 2 part. You have a tube that comes up from the flange and the cup has a smaller diameter tube at the bottom, when you put the cup on the skimmer the smaller tube slides in the larger one with an o ring to make a seal. It takes about 2" to get the inner tube to clear the larger one when removing the cup

Lucifa68 · 08/01/2015, 05:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shaggss

Nope. I'm running one on a 24" with a 4" extension. Works very well.

hi shaggss, what size hose are you using from pump to skimmer venturi???? i just recently got an sp4, was running mag 12 with a 3/4" hose. was wondering if i moved up to 1" hose if it would make any difference???

thanks

DavidinGA · 08/01/2015, 08:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by azjohnny

probably 1/2"-3/4" .

The bigger issue is the neck is a 2 part. You have a tube that comes up from the flange and the cup has a smaller diameter tube at the bottom, when you put the cup on the skimmer the smaller tube slides in the larger one with an o ring to make a seal. It takes about 2" to get the inner tube to clear the larger one when removing the cup

Oh geeze. So a 34" model most likely wouldn't work with my total of 36" height.

Do you have a close up of those pieces?

Probably this piece, right? http://www.lifereef.com/lg_neck_text.jpg
How far dose that tube extend up above the flange?

azjohnny · 08/01/2015, 08:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DavidinGA

Oh geeze. So a 34" model most likely wouldn't work with my total of 36" height.

Do you have a close up of those pieces?

Probably this piece, right? http://www.lifereef.com/lg_neck_text.jpg
How far dose that tube extend up above the flange?

I am not at home now, when I get home tomorrow I can take a few pics for you, but for a 36" stand I would go with the 30" model if used in sump

shaggss · 08/01/2015, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lucifa68

hi shaggss, what size hose are you using from pump to skimmer venturi???? i just recently got an sp4, was running mag 12 with a 3/4" hose. was wondering if i moved up to 1" hose if it would make any difference???

thanks

Hi Lucifa

Yes it is 1" which was how the skimmer was sent to me by Jeff so I just used the same.

azjohnny · 08/01/2015, 07:37 PM

Tube from flange is 3'
Tube from cup is 1.25"

DavidinGA · 08/01/2015, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by azjohnny

Tube from flange is 3'
Tube from cup is 1.25"

Excellent.

Does the tube from the cup drop down the full 1.25" onto the flange tube?

azjohnny · 08/01/2015, 07:45 PM

yes

DavidinGA · 08/01/2015, 08:43 PM

K. Thanks

mlott132 · 08/02/2015, 09:33 AM

Just joined the Life Reef club today. Replaced my Reef Octopus Diablo XS160 with a Life Reef SVS3-24 on my 75 gallon system. Thing just barely fits in my sump. Very impressed with the quality of it as well as how silent it is! I do have a question for those who have been running these for a while. Is it normal to have water fluctuations in the skimmer body? Here is a video of my skimmer running. Let me know your thoughts. Also, how does the water level look?

https://youtu.be/mAnq5v1bZj0

azjohnny · 08/02/2015, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mlott132

Just joined the Life Reef club today. Replaced my Reef Octopus Diablo XS160 with a Life Reef SVS3-24 on my 75 gallon system. Thing just barely fits in my sump. Very impressed with the quality of it as well as how silent it is! I do have a question for those who have been running these for a while. Is it normal to have water fluctuations in the skimmer body? Here is a video of my skimmer running. Let me know your thoughts. Also, how does the water level look?

https://youtu.be/mAnq5v1bZj0

you want the water level up to the flange

mlott132 · 08/02/2015, 10:02 AM

Water level meaning the top of the foam or where the water just starts to foam?

Deep Reef · 08/02/2015, 10:07 AM

Where water starts to fiam

mlott132 · 08/02/2015, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deep Reef

Where water starts to fiam

Thanks. Made a slight adjustment and now the foam starts just above the label. Assume it is going to take a while for it to start producing skimate. Does the fluctuation/turbulance look normal?

azjohnny · 08/02/2015, 10:29 AM

yes

mlott132 · 08/02/2015, 12:24 PM

How does this look? Foam appears to be starting between the label and flange.

https://youtu.be/gD-NaiHJfgQ

07/30/2015, 01:02 PM	#2028
Harry_Y Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: NY Posts: 454	I just finished Reading the whole thread. A lot of good info here. __________________ . 180 Gallon Reef with Basement Sump, Apex Controller, Hamilton Cebu Sun Light, Lifereef Skimmer and Calcium Reactor.

07/31/2015, 09:08 AM	#2030
Hitch08 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Philly Suburbs Posts: 665	I have the 30". I'll measure this weekend and let you know what I find. My thought is that your only issue will be the depth of the neck that the skimmer cup fits into. I tend to think that you will be fine. Re the Mag18, when I bought my skimmer earlier this year, the Mag12 was the recommended pump for the 30" skimmer. I actually upgraded to the Mag18. It was right about the time that I bought mine that he changed his site to include the Mag18. __________________ 120g tank with 40g breeder sump. SVS-30 LifeReef Skimmer. EcoTech Radion Pros.

08/01/2015, 08:43 PM	#2043
DavidinGA Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Posts: 2,393	K. Thanks __________________ Giant money pit, but it's a happy pit ;) Current tank: 6ft 210gal SPS, 3~eBay led boxes, 4~80w T5's, sro3000int, RW20's, Reef Angel, reactors, pumps, rocks, sand, yadda yadda yadda...

08/02/2015, 09:33 AM	#2044
mlott132 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: NWI Posts: 697	Just joined the Life Reef club today. Replaced my Reef Octopus Diablo XS160 with a Life Reef SVS3-24 on my 75 gallon system. Thing just barely fits in my sump. Very impressed with the quality of it as well as how silent it is! I do have a question for those who have been running these for a while. Is it normal to have water fluctuations in the skimmer body? Here is a video of my skimmer running. Let me know your thoughts. Also, how does the water level look? https://youtu.be/mAnq5v1bZj0 __________________ 75 Gallon mixed reef, Trigger Systems Ruby 30S, Lifereef SVS3-24 Skimmer, Eheim 1262, 2x AI Vega LED Lights, 1x Jebao RW-8 powerhead, 1x Ecotech MP-40 powerhead

08/02/2015, 10:02 AM	#2046
mlott132 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: NWI Posts: 697	Water level meaning the top of the foam or where the water just starts to foam? __________________ 75 Gallon mixed reef, Trigger Systems Ruby 30S, Lifereef SVS3-24 Skimmer, Eheim 1262, 2x AI Vega LED Lights, 1x Jebao RW-8 powerhead, 1x Ecotech MP-40 powerhead

07/30/2015, 09:49 AM	#2026
azjohnny Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Gold Canyon Posts: 2,914	IMO the best submersible pump is a Laguna based, I run a SP4 with my SVS3-36 and a Max Flo 1350 as my return pump which I rotate with a 2nd one every 6 months When you add back pressure to a pump it will draw less wattage, running one as a skimmer pump does this. The SP4 which is rated at 88 watts is probably drawing around 60 watts A high pressure pump ( more than 20 ft of head) is not needed with a life reef skimmer. RC member Bayoupr tried using a high pressure pump and had to decrease the flow down to less than 800 gph or the skimmer body got overwhelmed. It is documented earlier in this thread

07/31/2015, 08:21 AM	#2029
DavidinGA Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Posts: 2,393	I spoke with Jeff a bit via email and learned I can buy a SVS3-36 IN-SUMP model and have him reduce the height a bit where it would fit in my sump (I have exactly 36" of height from the bottom of my sump to the bottom of my tank inside my cabinet) to say 34" and that would leave 2" to remove the collection cup lid...is 2" enough height to remove the collection lid? Given my sump setup there is no way I will be able to get the 30" model into the sump without removing the top flange portion (disassembling the skimmer as much as possible). What are the height measurements of the svs3-30 and 36" models with the removable flange taken off (so the total height of everything below when the top section is removed via the nylon screws)? Also, Looking at the 30" and 36" models on his sight he is selling them both with the mag18 pump. What are you thoughts on the mag18 pump on a 34" tall skimmer? It seems it might be a bit under-powered since most people find the mag18 only sufficient for the 30" model. Thoughts? Thanks

08/01/2015, 07:45 PM	#2042
azjohnny Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Gold Canyon Posts: 2,914	yes

08/02/2015, 10:07 AM	#2047
Deep Reef Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Coral Springs, FL Posts: 1,192	Where water starts to fiam __________________ Deep Reef ~Greg~ 150g DT, (2)AI Hydra 52 HD's, Vertex Omega 150 skimmer, jebao 1200DC main pump, Trigger Systems Sapphire 34 sump, (2) Ecotech WP40wQD, Tunze ATO, Apex Current Tank Info: 150g Reef

08/02/2015, 10:29 AM	#2049
azjohnny Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Gold Canyon Posts: 2,914	yes

08/02/2015, 12:24 PM	#2050
mlott132 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: NWI Posts: 697	How does this look? Foam appears to be starting between the label and flange. https://youtu.be/gD-NaiHJfgQ __________________ 75 Gallon mixed reef, Trigger Systems Ruby 30S, Lifereef SVS3-24 Skimmer, Eheim 1262, 2x AI Vega LED Lights, 1x Jebao RW-8 powerhead, 1x Ecotech MP-40 powerhead