Why did you choose a Needle Wheel Skimmer?

[JeffT]

Jeff, Lifereef Filter Systems

Jeff, Lifereef Filter Systems

The fine tiny size of the bubbles produced by needle-wheels makes a difference when those tiny bubbles get up top, they lay around in a "lazy layer" of wet bubbles/foam. Whereas in a venturi that produces various bubble sizes. Any bubble larger than others will rise all the way to the top of the foam layer stripping off proteins and solids from the lower layers and depositing them in the collection cup. Much less solids (if any) build up in the venturi skmimers whereas needle-wheel skimmers require frequent take-apart and cleaning. Plus, tiny bubbles provide very little turbulence so whatever greater surface area tiny bubbles may provide is lost due to the short contact time the bubble has with the water. The Lifereef Venturi skimmer has longer contact time due to turbulence. Turbulence does not knock off proteins nor solids as the needle-wheel folk will tell you. Look at the darker skimmate and solids of any venturi skimmer vs any needle-wheel. And why use such a complex proprietary needle-wheel pump that lasts a few years at most vs using any kind of water pump you prefer for venturi skimmers?

 

[JeffT]

Lifereef skimmers collection cup have less chance of overflow due to the way the venturi is connected to the cup. This feature does a lot more for the skimmer operation:
1. Prevents venturi salt clogging, the number one reason all other skimmers require constant adjustment.
2. Prevents cup overflow
3. Silences the stronger venturi noise
4. Recirculates the air within the skimmer, room air can affect foaming
5. When using ozone any remaining ozone is circulated back into the skimmer for complete ozone saturation.

 

[mcgyvr]

But can I get one on Amazon for under $400?

 

[Piper27]

There is a reason you dont see any of the massive skimmers use needle wheel pumps. All these reasons are why people go for a mazzei or Beckett, way to many to list. Anyone with a small tank obviously can benefit from the small nw skimmers.
I went with a reefoctopus again because the bubble blaster pumps. I really like these pumps because they are quiet as hell and powerful. You can also see inside the air intake and output, these external skimmers are the only skimmers I seem to trust anymore that are needlewheel.

 

[yacn]

11 + years and have never had venturi clog on my needle wheel skimmer. Still wondering why this is constantly brought up. I also don't have to adjust my skimmer once its set up....again not sure why this seems to be brought up as a negative for needle wheel skimmers either.

Sump with equipment is in basement...noise is not a factor or a consideration for me at least.

I don't use Ozone.

What is considered a small system? What is the threshold that would require mazzel or becket skimmers? Just curiuos

I too liked the SRO skimmer w/ BB pump, but the replacement pump is expensive....almost the cost of a new skimmer. As I mentioned SRO didn't do any better that my ER skimmer with a cheaper motor.

 

[biecacka]

I ran a custom GEO becket for years on my tank and loved it. It was convenient because he has his shop 30 minutes from me so I had no worries and he was readily available to help. I didn't mind the big pump on it because it was a machine. It did take awhile to tune it but it rocked, well he slowed his production of skimmers down and I got an offer on it that I couldn't pass (I also I though I would be able to sweet talk him into building be another one for me )
We he was too busy at the time and shame on me for not checking before I sold it, so I went with a Bubble King and nevertheless looked back. He thing is a beast for sure, not that the becket wasn't, but this has the D.C. Control pump so tuningit was super easy.

Corey

 

[hart24601]

Cost and smaller footprint are why I go with needle wheels. Plus they have always worked just fine for me with little maintenance. I have seen or felt no reason to switch that I felt was compelling and for lifereef in particular the website is dated and confusing to me which doesn't make me feel confident in support or the product. There is the cult of lifereef as I call it, but the reasons above I have never even been tempted.