The Life Reef Skimmer Club

[homebrwr]

I can confirm the two degree increase in tank temp. I just setup a SVS3-24 on my 75 gallon system. I am using the stock Mag 9.5. My tank was steady at 78 before the switch and now goes over 80. I have a cooling fan on it now to maintain 78, but I don't want that to be the permanent fix. Are there any other pumps that don't add this much heat? My old skimmer was a Reef Octopus Diablo XS160 that had a Sicce pump and I did not have this issue.

I went with a bubble blaster return pump in my 180 which is made by reef octopus. I had a mag in my 58 and felt it raised the temp so when I upgraded to the 180 went with this. I haven't performed a scientific test but the bubble blaster runs pretty darn cool... Pricey though...

 

[EvMiBo]

Just joined the madness.
Ordered the SVS3-30 for my 180. I am getting the Mag 18 pump. My only concern is the extra heat added from this pump. Jeff said he has had reports of a two degree jump. I live in Florida so high temps are a concern to me.
Replacing a CAD Lights skimmer. Very difficult to dial in but was within my budget at the time of my build.
Can't wait to get this...

If heat is an issue (it is for me too, Summer in Florida) a couple other options for the 30 body are Laguna Max-Flo 2000, Fluval SP4, and Jebao DC9000. I run a dc9000 on my 30, heat isn't an issue, neither is noise.

Going to try the EcoTech M1 with the SVS3-24. Will let you all know how it goes.

This should be really interesting. Once it breaks in would love to see some videos.. [hint hint ]

 

[mlott132]

Looking around it seems like the DC pumps are the way to go. They use a lot less wattage which should translate to a cooler pump. Anyone have experience with DC pumps other than Jebao? How about Deepwater?

 

[Johnseye]

This should be really interesting. Once it breaks in would love to see some videos.. [hint hint ]

You got it. Hopefully will have the pump late next week.

 

[homebrwr]

Ill try the Mag and see how things go and then keep an eye on the results you folks have had. The DC9000 sounds like a good option.. Right now near the end of the afternoon I'm at about 80 F. I don't like going over 80..
TY

 

[shaggss]

Im planning on upgrading from my 90g to a 170g w/ 70g sump eventually. Would my 24" skimmer be able to keep up with that sized tank or should I sell it and get a 30"? Bioload will be heavy.



What do you guys think?

Is your 24" the model with the flange? If so you don't need to sell it. Just ask Jeff to make you a 6" extension or what ever length you need.

 

[ClownsRCoo]

No my 24" doesn't have the flange. I wish it did but he talked me out of getting that one when I purchased it.

 

[TylerHaworth]

VS3-30 External driven by an Eheim 1262 (I already have the pump) sound like the right skimmer for a 150 gallon display?

 

[DavidinGA]

Would a sp6 be overkill on a 30" model running the mazzei?

 

[mr9iron]

Does anyone have a video of the 24 running the Fluval SP4 pump? I am considering this pump, or some sort of Sicce for mine.

 

[EvMiBo]

VS3-30 External driven by an Eheim 1262 (I already have the pump) sound like the right skimmer for a 150 gallon display?

Imo, right skimmer as far as size, but the pump is very undersized. I'd be running something at least double that. Something rated with 1800 - 2400 gph. Checkout my post at page 84, post #2096.

Would a sp6 be overkill on a 30" model running the mazzei?

Wow, that's 3,434gph. I think it might be overkill. Wish they made a SP5. Might want to ask Jeff about it.. I don't have experience with the Mazzei.

Does anyone have a video of the 24 running the Fluval SP4 pump? I am considering this pump, or some sort of Sicce for mine.

Haven't seen anyone running the SP4 on 24. The sweet spot for the 24 seems to be 1100-1600 gph. Mag12, Sicce Syncra Silent 5.0, Laguna Max-Flo 1350, and dc6000 pumps are nice options.

 

[bayoupr]

Would a sp6 be overkill on a 30" model running the mazzei?

Ran one on a 36" with a Mazzei 1078 and it was a tad too much, IMO. You could add a ball valve on the pump outlet and throttle it back some.

 

[Johnseye]

Haven't seen anyone running the SP4 on 24. The sweet spot for the 24 seems to be 1100-1600 gph. Mag12, Sicce Syncra Silent 5.0, Laguna Max-Flo 1350, and dc6000 pumps are nice options.

Jeff's running a mag18 (1800gph) on his 24. He said the max gph should be 2400 but he hasn't tested that. I'm going to run the EcoTech M1 rated at 2000gph, but it's a DC so I can adjust down as needed.

 

[Harry_Y]

VS3-30 External driven by an Eheim 1262 (I already have the pump) sound like the right skimmer for a 150 gallon display?

I have a SVS3-36 In-Sump coming (should be here next week)

At Jeff's suggestion I went to the Mag 24.

 

[Logzor]

Jeff's running a mag18 (1800gph) on his 24. He said the max gph should be 2400 but he hasn't tested that. I'm going to run the EcoTech M1 rated at 2000gph, but it's a DC so I can adjust down as needed.

Us let us know how this work out, I'm looking forward to hearing how the new Ecotech return works on this skimmer body. I'm thinking of going with the 30" version and using the same pump.

 

[soulpatch]

Really excited to see about the ecotech pump as I am considering getting one for my return as well as the skimmer. Trusted brand with great customer service is enough for me to attempt a DC pump for my new tank build.

 

[mr9iron]

Imo, right skimmer as far as size, but the pump is very undersized. I'd be running something at least double that. Something rated with 1800 - 2400 gph. Checkout my post at page 84, post #2096.



Wow, that's 3,434gph. I think it might be overkill. Wish they made a SP5. Might want to ask Jeff about it.. I don't have experience with the Mazzei.



Haven't seen anyone running the SP4 on 24. The sweet spot for the 24 seems to be 1100-1600 gph. Mag12, Sicce Syncra Silent 5.0, Laguna Max-Flo 1350, and dc6000 pumps are nice options.

Thank you for that!:thumbsup:

 

[DavidinGA]

I'm kinda going back on forth on whether a Svs30 would really be an upgrade over my sro3000int on my 250gal volume. That comparatively small neck on the LR is putting me off...

 

[soulpatch]

Neck size does not equate performance...

 

[d2mini]

I'm kinda going back on forth on whether a Svs30 would really be an upgrade over my sro3000int on my 250gal volume. That comparatively small neck on the LR is putting me off...

Any decent skimmer that is functioning as it should is going to skim.
There really isn't going to be much difference from one to the other. What do they say skimmers pull out.... 20-30% of organics?
What you gain with a LifeReef is consistency, ease of use, a single adjustment, no hassles, no overflows from feeding or sticking your hand in the tank, no proprietary pumps... they are just a joy to own.

In short, if you are happy with your current skimmer, might has well keep it and run in into the ground. If it's frustrating you, get the LifeReef.