Got LifeReef ??? Show us your LifeReef Sumps, Skimmers, and Anything else you may have by LifeReef.

[markstubb]

good news is the design is the same, so it looks new to me!

 

[cono]

hey guys was just wondering if anyone ever tried the Vectra s1 pump on the svs-2-24 ?
wanted to get some feedback from you guys ...
I have been dealing with Jeff for about 15 years and just wanted to say he make the highest and the best build quality than any other company that I have seen.
I currently have Jeff's svs-2-24 skimmer and the LF1-300S
Berlin System
with in-sump skimmer, Media Reactors, and the large Reefugium and also LCR1 calcium reactor which is not running at the moment

 

[markstubb]

I would imagine it's not the best combination. Never mind the reliability issues of the Vectras, but I don't think they handle pressure that well.

 

[legionofdoon]

I use a jebao DCP 8000 with no issues, I switched from the MAG that he recommends with the 24 and it definitely is a better pump for the skimmer.

 

[cono]

But if the vectra s1 max head is 11 feet and on max power it pumps 1400 GPS...you guys dont think its enough?

 

[legionofdoon]

Bigger is better with this skimmer. More GPH means more air.

 

[cono]

So what pump would you guys recommend ??? But would like a DC pump

 

[Water Dog]

For a 24 incher, I’d look into a Fluval SP4 at 1822 gph at 88 watts or the new AC Sicce pumps, the ADV 7.0 at 1900 gph at a mere 55 watts. I know many have had success using DC pumps for their Lifereef skimmers, however I prefer the reliability and constant, non fluctuating flow of a quality AC pump to run a skimmer.

 

[legionofdoon]

I'm using a Jebao DCP8000 on mine. Works great. This is pretty new 40 breeder.

 

[legionofdoon]

I've never noticed mine fluctuate at all and even if it did vary GPH a little bit it won't effect this type of skimmer.

For a 24 incher, I’d look into a Fluval SP4 at 1822 gph at 88 watts or the new AC Sicce pumps, the ADV 7.0 at 1900 gph at a mere 55 watts. I know many have had success using DC pumps for their Lifereef skimmers, however I prefer the reliability and constant, non fluctuating flow of a quality AC pump to run a skimmer.

 

[RobertP]

I dont get hung up on that DC pump thing and sure dont want it varying the speed!!! I am more concerned about how many watts the power supply and the pump are pulling. I was on the mag 9 and it was about 110 watts and switched my LR skimmer to the Sicce5 and it was pulling 60 watts and dead quiet. Kind of hard to beat that!!!

Just sold my sicce5 and skimmer and cant wait to buy a bigger Lifereef skimmer when the new tank is up!

 

[legionofdoon]

I'm pulling 65 watts on mine which is at 100% At 0 head it's 2000 GPH. So it's comparable to the sicce. The flow rate is constant unless you change it.

 

[legionofdoon]

Best part is less heat with the DC pumps that's one reason I went with DC. I'm in South Florida and I use MH so anything to cut down on heat is a plus.

 

[Water Dog]

I know that the 1822 gph Fluval SP4 rated at 88 watts actually draws around 58 watts as measured by a Kill-A-Watt meter on a 24” Lifereef as documented in @d2mini ‘s big Lifereef reference thread over on RC. I’d imagine that the new Sicce ADV 7.0 rated at 1900 gph at 55 watts would actually draw in the mid to lower 40 or so watts. That’s amazingly efficient power consumption coupled with tried and true AC pump consistency and reliability.

 

[RobertP]

Yeah I have been impressed with those Sicce pumps...super quiet, no heat, and they just work work work. I just see no need to switch to DC when these sicce ac pumps are so good. I like the mag pumps as a work horse but they need a pad under them to keep them quiet. Also noticed those mag pumps can get a little warm. I have mine as a backup and a water mover for water changes.

 

[legionofdoon]

Here is mine today I cleaned the cup last night.

 

[legionofdoon]

FYI if you are not getting the results you want try running it dryer, I've found it works better that way. It seems if you set it too wet the bubble column collapses quicker without pushing it up over the top.

 

[Member No 1]

The skimmer I brought for my build is an ESHOPPS S-200 and is working very well. However, despite the fact they state it's Ozone safe, I can't run it with this skimmer. So I've been looking at the new Avast Ozone Reactor. However after doing a bunch of research, and for about the same price, I've decided to change out my ESHOPPS Skimmer for a LifeReef SVS3-24. I plan on driving it with a COR20 which I already have. This will also be good, because my return is a COR20, and if it was ever to go down, I can pull the one from the skimmer. I can leave the skimmer off a few days until it's repaired or replace.

Pulled the trigger on a SVS3-24! He had (2) in stock, but anybody can buy off the rack! So I explained what I wanted and I gave him artistic freedom!
It will come with the O3 kit.

I'll post pictures once I have the skimmer. About 3-4 weeks.

Hint...
It needs to match this!

These pieces I made to match.

Skimmer Stand

 

[scuzy]

Ordered my svs24 as well. Excited to join the club.

 

[legionofdoon]

I love my 24, I loved my original swc reef octopus on my 75 but when I down graded to a 40 it would not skim as well, understandably, but when the pump burned out and I couldn't find a replacement pump that would not cost me almost as much as the skimmer I went with the SCA 302 which was fine but not great. I got lucky and found a 24 on eBay for a steal and I will never go back to any other skimmer. It pulls out in a week what the 302 or the SWC did in a month and I don't have to mess with it.