Modifying a lifereef skimmer

[friendorfoe]

I have a VS2 skimmer and I would like to bypass or remove the venturi, has anyone done this before, and if so what was the outcome? I will be using a quiteone 4000 for the skimmer pump

 

[fisheebill]

Why do you want to take the venturi off?

 

[friendorfoe]

from my understanding, venturi's work best with a high pressure pump, I am going to be using a quite one 4000 for the pump, not much of a high head. and was told by the person that I bought it from that I must clean it of salt creep everyday do'nt it would overflow overyother day

 

[lcashman]

The venturi is doing the work in the skimmer. If you remove the venturi, no air will be introduced = no skimming.
I have had the same skimmer for 2+ yrs and never had a problem with salt creep on the venturi.
There should be a hose that runs from the skimmer cup to the venturi that prevent any salt creep. I run a brush into the venturi and cup to make sure all the passages are clean/open.

Sorry for the rambling.....what were you going to do when you remove the venturi?

 

[friendorfoe]

well actually was going to try a down draft, like on the reef devil that I have. but more people are saying that this venturi is tha bomb! what size pump are you using on your skimmer?

 

[fisheebill]

I have this skimmer, not in use now.
Lifereef sells the skimmer with a Mag9.5.
You need a strong pump for the vs2 to work well.

 

[lcashman]

running a QO 4000....works like a champ.
Just to add one other comment, I talked with Jeff at Lifereef. He does not recommend a high pressure pump with use of the venturi. He recommend a recirculating pump (mag, rio, qo, etc.) for use with the skimmer.

HTH

 

[fisheebill]

What are your plans for this skimmer?
I might try a mod along with you.

 

[crs751]

I've had a Lifereef skimmer for a couple of years. I run it with a Mag 9.5 without problems. To clean the venturi all you have to do is take off the tube from the collection cup to the venturi and stick one end of the tube in a cup of warm water and leave the other end attached to the venturi. The flow will suck the water across the venturi and clean the salt creep. I don't do it that often,maybe I should but I don't have any problems at all with the skimmer's operation. It's a great unit.

 

[connecticut cichlids]

I run a svs 2-24 skimmer also...To date, I've never had a problem with it..best purchase I've made in this hobby..

 

[friendorfoe]

thank guys for the reply. looks like I got a good skimmer here, cant wait to see it in action as far as the mods, I will wait and give the venturi a shot before I pass judgement