Aaaaaaand, I jinxed myself. This evening I checked the skimmer and it wasn't running. Had to do a "deep cleaning" on my pump. So moral of this story is that if you're running one of the Jebao/Jecod DCT pumps (I run a 4000) on your skimmer, you may need to clean it more frequently than others. It's been running for about 1.5 months and already had enough buildup on the back ceramic bushing that it wouldn't spin freely.
The Life Reef Skimmer Club
- Thread starter d2mini
- Start date
Are you using the plastic cage over the intake on the pump and filter socks on your overflow line?
Yep, sure am. At first I missed the problem as the bushing was so seized on the shaft that it looked like it was "fitted" there, but as soon as you tried to spin the impeller, you could tell.
Question for the lifereef folks as I think I have decided on going with them for a skimmer.
I am in process of getting my tanks setup, currently cycling. I have a 75G sump, 50G cryptic tank with live rock and a 40 breeder Display/fragtank. These are all housed in a "fish room". The goal is that in the next 6-12 months I will be setting up a larger display tank 180G. This would put my total volume at around 300-350G.
So....
1. What skimmer would be best? I am thinking the svs3-30 as I want it in the sump.
2. Any harm with purchasing that now even though it would be way oversized for my current setup?
3. What is the lowest possible wattage pump one could use for that skimmer?
I am in process of getting my tanks setup, currently cycling. I have a 75G sump, 50G cryptic tank with live rock and a 40 breeder Display/fragtank. These are all housed in a "fish room". The goal is that in the next 6-12 months I will be setting up a larger display tank 180G. This would put my total volume at around 300-350G.
So....
1. What skimmer would be best? I am thinking the svs3-30 as I want it in the sump.
2. Any harm with purchasing that now even though it would be way oversized for my current setup?
3. What is the lowest possible wattage pump one could use for that skimmer?
soulpatch
New member
Even if you went with the 30 I would still say to get the flanged neck so you can disassemble for cleaning.
I also dont think you have much harm. The SVS-24 is used for nanos and larger tanks... If it can run on a nano though the 30 can run on your planned tanks.
I have no DC pump recomendations as I still run the mag on it.
I also dont think you have much harm. The SVS-24 is used for nanos and larger tanks... If it can run on a nano though the 30 can run on your planned tanks.
I have no DC pump recomendations as I still run the mag on it.
Hitch08
New member
I have a 120g DT and a 40g refuge. Jeff strongly suggested the svs3-30 for me. You are pretty much right there.
In my experiences when you go with oversized skimmers you will also have foam head collapsing issues. The skimmer will skim for several days out of the month perfectly well then the rest of the time skimmate will collect in the neck of the skimmer. It will appear to not be working but in fact you are still skimming but just in the neck of the skimmer.
For those that like skimmate in their cups get a skimmer for your sized tank. Either way works though.
Are the recommendations that far off(rated 250-400G) or is it just personal preference?
What exactly is the science behind the extensions? Jut more contact time?
I wont be able to extend beyond 30" due to stand above so may just have to go with that.
This is exactly what is going on with my skimmer! Guess it's time for a bigger tank!
I have that problem. I think I'll do 15% water changes twice a month instead of every week and see if it makes a difference.
Nah man there's actually 2 options.
1. Downgrade the skimmer to something more your size. These companies have the size ratings down pat now. I actually just took my LifeReef offline and downsized to a deltec sc 1351. While I loved my LifeReef the noise coming from the venturi was just too much.
2. Upgrade your tank. But believe me when I say this. Sometimes it's not something you would initially mind but when you have to do maintenence on a larger system you might regret it and hate the hobby.
My suggestion is KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid). Only take one what you can handle. If 50 gallons is all you can do right now then stick with it, if you have more time on your hands try something bigger.
In any case, I am just speaking from years of experience from success and failures. I have wasted lots of time and money getting bigger setups only to realize I do not like bigger setups. I don't think I will ever go over 50-60 gallons display.
Conversly, an undersized skimmer will be skimming constantly to keep up.
IMO it wont do much. Your tank was like mine, too small for this skimmer. I tried reducing the pump speed on the DC pump. I did monthly water changes. Whatever I did it didn't matter the skimmate would collect in the neck after a few days of skimming.
In the end I ended up downgrading skimmers. Now, if you plan on upgrading in the next few years I would definitely keep the LifeReef Skimmer. I would estimate the smallest lifereef skimmer needs at least 100-120 gallons to be worth it.
For smaller tanks, there are smaller, quieter, cheaper, and more effective skimmers out there.
Thanks for the info! I was going to reach out to Jeff about possible solutions but I can ask here as well.
Do you think decreasing/increasing the size of the pump would help?
Or perhaps a custom collection cup with a shorter neck in it?
For reference - here is are photos of the skimmer in action:
I know the second photo shows no action in the neck but that is immediately after a cleaning of the neck. It does collect skimmate in the neck region.
Also - other than the increased cleaning effort is this even a issue?
I agree. But again in my experience the balance is somewhere in between. I always go a tiny bit above my gallon size. My current tank is 43 total gallons. My skimmer is rated at 79gallons for a high bio load. It is roughly double my total size but I plan on adding a 20-30g frag tank down the line. So that would be perfect.
What is the total display volume and sump volume? How many fish do you have? Corals if so how many and what kind? There are honestly a lot of variables to skimmate but we will try and nail it down.
Honestly I contacted Jeff about the noise of the venturi a few weeks ago. The skimmer was not in my living space before and now it is, so the noise is just too much. His response was, "When I built this skimmer it was the quietest on the market." I was like well, you designed this like 20-30 years ago. In short, the only way for me to reduce noise was to reduce pump speed and also air draw... Something that is actually a bad thing.
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