Lifereef protein skimmer?

[tom obrecht]

First off I want to State I am NOT unhappy with the skimmer I currently use. I run an ATB 1050 Deluxe on a system holding roughly 340 gallons (280 display and 65 sump volume). I have run a number of skimmers thru the years. Seaclone, Hanner air stone, Euroreef, Deltec, Bubble King, Volcano by Spazz, Reef Octopus and my current ATB. So as you can see I've used low end and high end skimmers. This spans close to 25 years in the hobby so I've seen a lot come and go! As reefers I think we think there is always something better out there we just haven't discovered yet. I also know not to trust just anyone who speaks up either...been burned many times trusting those. However I do notice one brand name skimmer that comes up regularly in Skimmer recommendation threads...Lifereef! Their web site is outdated, the technology is older, the units aren't anything fancy or impressive looking yet they always seem to rate high on quality and more importantly performance. I'm curious if those who have tried a number of different skimmers could chime in?

 

[Pablos RSM 450]

First off I want to State I am NOT unhappy with the skimmer I currently use. I run an ATB 1050 Deluxe on a system holding roughly 340 gallons (280 display and 65 sump volume). I have run a number of skimmers thru the years. Seaclone, Hanner air stone, Euroreef, Deltec, Bubble King, Volcano by Spazz, Reef Octopus and my current ATB. So as you can see I’ve used low end and high end skimmers. This spans close to 25 years in the hobby so I’ve seen a lot come and go! As reefers I think we think there is always something better out there we just haven’t discovered yet. I also know not to trust just anyone who speaks up either...been burned many times trusting those. However I do notice one brand name skimmer that comes up regularly in Skimmer recommendation threads...Lifereef! Their web site is outdated, the technology is older, the units aren’t anything fancy or impressive looking yet they always seem to rate high on quality and more importantly performance. I’m curious if those who have tried a number of different skimmers could chime in?

I can. I also have the videos to prove it with comparisons. Pablosreef on youtube

Vertex Omega 130
Reef Octopus 110
Aquamax HOB1
ASM Mini G
Reef Dynamics 135S
AquaC EV 180
RLSS R6i
Simplicity 320
Lifereef 24" stock and mazzei venturi

Lifereef has both the best skim production and customer service. BTW mine works better with stock venturi and jecod dct 6000

 

[jda]

Sometimes old tech is the best... like gravity and sunlight.

They are amazing skimmers. I have one that i will never sell and I always use it if it will fit in my current build.

 

[Misled]

I built my stand and skimmer sump skimmer area to fit mine for my new build. Sometimes you just gotta do what you gotta do.

 

[slief]

Lifereef skimmers are kind of timeless. Much like their website. That said, don’t judge the product by the website. Lifereef is a small company and while the website may not be the most updated site in the industry, he’s been building quality products for a long long time. The skimmer design has been around for many many years and doesn’t need changing. Their skimmers work and work very well. It’s one of the few “other” skimmers you will see me recommend here and elsewhere. For the price, they absolutely can’t be beat and performance wise, they compare very favorably to skimmers that are much more expensive. I personally like the company and their products and the owner is very responsive. They also have a very loyal following which speaks volumes about their products.

 

[tom obrecht]

So Slief..here’s the question...would I get better performance from a LR than an ATB or Bubble King? Sorry to put you on the spot and anbad position!��

 

[tlc]

lifereef believer here. this skimmer is probably over 20 years old. rarely do i adjust it.

 

[nycman]

i love coming home from work and finding 1 inch of gunk in my oversized LR skimmer cup sitting on my 30 inch skimmer.

 

[Brother D]

sometimes old tech is the best... Like gravity and sunlight.

they are amazing skimmers. I have one that i will never sell and i always use it if it will fit in my current build.

100% !!!

 

[Rene Obergfell]

The proof is in the stench!!
Nasty and beautiful all at the same time....
I love my lifereef Skimmer

However, if it ain’t broke.....

 

[slief]

So Slief..here’s the question...would I get better performance from a LR than an ATB or Bubble King? Sorry to put you on the spot and anbad position!��

LOL... They all perform great and any of the above can only remove about 30% of the DOC’s anyways when properly tuned. If you have an ATB and it’s consistent, I wouldn’t expect a major change in water quality by switching. It really boils down to how important material craftsmanship, build quality and the pump are to you because all 3 are going to do the same job in the end when properly sized and tuned.

 

[tom obrecht]

LOL... They all perform great and any of the above can only remove about 30% of the DOC's anyways when properly tuned. If you have an ATB and it's consistent, I wouldn't expect a major change in water quality by switching. It really boils down to how important material craftsmanship, build quality and the pump are to you because all 3 are going to do the same job in the end when properly sized and tuned.

Excellent point! I'm very happy with my current set up so I think I will continue with what works. Appreciate the feedback from all!