The Life Reef Skimmer Club

[makeshift101]

maybe i'l switch out my return with my mag 9 and see how that goes

 

[EvMiBo]

maybe i'l switch out my return with my mag 9 and see how that goes

How old is the dc6000? Could be breaking in still?

 

[makeshift101]

brand new, maybe a month old, if that

 

[EvMiBo]

Finally, for real this time

I changed the plumbing again. This is much more simple and Jeff supports it.

 

[EvMiBo]

brand new, maybe a month old, if that

I'd still give it a couple more weeks imo.

Also, when you say constantly do you mean every 10 minutes, every couple hours? The reason I ask is because it may be going dormant in between feeding your fish, etc.

 

[makeshift101]

more like a minute....it will be down on the lower neck, then go toward top of the neck, then back down. Obv if I have the level started in the middle of the next, it get a very wet skim cause it raises to the top

I'd still give it a couple more weeks imo.

Also, when you say constantly do you mean every 10 minutes, every couple hours? The reason I ask is because it may be going dormant in between feeding your fish, etc.

 

[EvMiBo]

Oh wow. Yeah definitely the pump. Have you taken it apart? I would also contact whomever you received it from about a potential replacement.

 

[hobbzz]

DC pumps have controllers that can and do change the rpm (which means flow rate) based on back pressure in order to maximize efficiency. But fluctuating that often is not right. I'd switch it out for a non dc pump, or at least gen 2 waveline.

 

[makeshift101]

I will replace it with my mag 9, and place the dc as my output, mag 9 was to powerful anyway for my output, I will report back when I do.

Thanks everyone

 

[Jason Lester]

I'd agree, I just switched out from the dc6000 to my mag12.

DC6k worked great but I think I got lucky with mine. DC pumps are known for having some fluctuation, especially the cheap ones.

Why did you go back to the mag12? Is there a big difference in performance from the mag9 to mag12? I have the 24" skimmer with the mag9 and think it could be better.

 

[Coralacan]

Skimmers and pumps

Skimmers and pumps

I have a 15 to 18 year old Life Reef 24 skimmer with the same Rio pump Jeff sent me. It started as a hang on my 30 gal. Went in sump for my 75, then into my 90. Soon it will be in my 155. People pay crazy money and think they're getting better results. I turn off my Toyota plow with a R22 motor at last snow fall & turn the key @ first snow fall & it starts. A BMW wouldn't . Keep it simple and your reef tank will be happy.

 

[rEeFnWrX]

Why did you go back to the mag12? Is there a big difference in performance from the mag9 to mag12? I have the 24" skimmer with the mag9 and think it could be better.

I didn't go back to it. This is my first time running mag12 on it.

Had the mag9 went to dc6000 and now mag12. Will be running it next off iwaki 40rt on my new tank.

It performs much better with mag 12 over mag9 and dc6000

 

[EvMiBo]

rEeF - what's much better between the dc6000 and mag12?

 

[Jason Lester]

rEeF - what's much better between the dc6000 and mag12?

I'm curious about this also. I think I'll pickup a mag 12 in the next few days and give it a shot.

 

[rEeFnWrX]

Haven't had it on long but so far better flow slightly more air and more skimmate production. At the cost of more heat and wattage.

 

[EvMiBo]

Haven't had it on long but so far better flow slightly more air and more skimmate production. At the cost of more heat and wattage.

Where is the waterline compared to the dc6000? iirc your waterline was ~1" in the neck with the dc6000?

 

[GatorAlum05]

i wish I had known of lifereef before all my other skimmers. it's been in the tank almost a week. i have yet to touch it since day one.

 

[makeshift101]

OK, So I didnt switch out pumps since the outgoing on the dc is 1" and the mag is 3/4 it would be to much of a pain in the *** to switch out.

But what I did was raise the skimmer 2" and it seems to work better, so its in 7" of water instead of 9", and seems to improve

I will replace it with my mag 9, and place the dc as my output, mag 9 was to powerful anyway for my output, I will report back when I do.

Thanks everyone

 

[rEeFnWrX]

OK, So I didnt switch out pumps since the outgoing on the dc is 1" and the mag is 3/4 it would be to much of a pain in the *** to switch out.

But what I did was raise the skimmer 2" and it seems to work better, so its in 7" of water instead of 9", and seems to improve

Just so you know. Mag drive pump ratings are based off 1.5" plumbing. Even though the outlets are smaller.

Manual states this and recommends it but most people don't catch it.

 

[makeshift101]

yes, but for me to change ll my pluming, just makes me want to rage quit...

so..so far so good...its always possible in the near future