Svs3-36
Svs3-36
I just got the new skimmer about two weeks ago. I got the 1078 mazzei venturi, running with the mag 18. Tank is a mixed reef 225. The skimmer was working within a couple of hours. It produces a couple of inches of nice fish poop daily. I replaced an Aquamaxx Cone 5. It would get a big head of foam daily, but the cup would fill up with foam and more or less quit skimming because there wasn't anywhere for the foam to go. Tried adjusting for a wetter skim, etc. but wasn't happy. It was supposed to be very electrically efficient though. The mag 18 says it is rated at 155 watts, compared to the Aquamaxx 43 watts. I hooked up a kilowatt meter to the mag 18 and big surprise, it is drawing 54 watts! Air draw is 12+ scfh. Just to experiment, I hooked up the Jebao 12000 DC pump. On setting 5 of 6, it is drawing about the same air but pulling 65 watts. Running on setting 6/6, it is drawing 78 watts and around 16 scfh. Overall I am happy with the mag drive and will probably put it back on. I also have a couple of the older Mak 4 pumps that are supposed to be a pressure rated pump, similar to an Iwaki 55. The tag on it says 55 watts. Need to drill my sump, so I will probably hold off.
Prior to the Aquamaxx had a Reef Octopus 3000 with similar results as the Aquamaxx and just wasn't happy. I was about to buy my third made in China needle wheel skimmer when I stumbled on to this thread. Glad I gave the Life Reef a try and it is made in USA! In case you missed it above, the mag 18 is only drawing 54 watts!! I wonder what the mag 24 draws...