Lifereef Custom Skimmer

[Ultraman]

I’ve been in the hobby since 1999 and have used many brands and types of skimmers. Everything from Lifereef 24” Venturi to Aqumedic 5000 Turboflotor, to 18” diameter by 65” tall Geo needlewheel, to 6 foot tall becketts, to CPR Backpacks, to Schuran, to MTC quad becketts, to Tunze needlewheels, to Regal EXT 300’s. Probably missed a few too. On my 470 gallon SPS tank the Regal pulled crud out but after putting a Lifereef Venturi on my 375 gallon mixed reef and seeing nitrate go down from close to 100p with two variables (sulfur denitrator and Lifereef skimmer), down to 10-15ppm, I decided to ask Jeff for a custom 8” diameter Venturi skimmer. I told Jeff I wasn’t in a hurry and knew he is always a few months out on custom projects. I’ve had his LF1-125 and CLF-1 sumps/skimmer combinations which were foolproof. His hang on overflows are 100 percent reliable as well, never had a flood!

Here are some details on what he built me and I’ll post a few pictures and crappy videos of it in action. Feel free to ask questions and I’ll try to give my honest answers. I’m not able to give feedback on the results with my tank as it’s brand new and replacing an Octopus Regal 300 EXT. The Lifereef is about 55” tall, custom quick disconnects, dual 1” Mazzei Venturis, fed by two Mag Drive 1800 pumps for now. I will probably try a pair of Fluval SP6 pumps just to compare the difference in performance after the skimmer breaks in.

Pictures:

 

[Ultraman]

Break-in video from today:

 

[Ultraman]

Few more pictures:

 

[areefer01]

I'm using the 24" skimmer he built me in 1999. No reason to change and best equipment purchase I have ever made in this hobby to date. Bought it for my 100 gallon, using it now on my 210, and more than likely will use it on the next upgrade. In fact I reached out to him to see what changed or get his thought for a new skimmer for the upgrade. He said only change was a few small quality of life - no need. I'm thinking he could have easily sold me a skimmer but nope - said don't waste the money.

Side note - I've also used a CPR Bak Pak - great skimmer for HOB and 40/50 breeders. Only mod I'd recommend is to add the muffler using a prescription bottle and cotton

 

[bradleym]

Dang! That's a beast of a skimmer. I think I could fit my kid in that reactor chamber...

Did you need to adjust your sump water level to accomodate the excess water when this is powered off? I feel like this alone would be enough to flood my sump.

 

[Ultraman]

No, my sump holds 200 gallons and is only half full. It’s totally manageable. This is the first big equipment purchase I’ve made in years and I’m really happy I went with Lifereef. They just work very well.

 

[jhuntstl]

What a beauty! Gonna need to see that in person sooner than later.

 

[Ultraman]

Looking forward to seeing after I get that gasket!

 

[Breadman03]

I think Jeff posted your skimmer on FB recently. It's a beast!!!

 

[FishTruck]

I do love my lifereef skimmer. I'll be curious to see if you need the dual venturis.

 

[Ultraman]

I think with the 8” body and 55” of height that two Venturi’s are absolutely necessary.

 

[Ultraman]

Broken in and waiting on the top gasket!

 

[t5Nitro]

Looks awesome. Lifereef sure puts all the new fancy skimmers to shame.

 

[Sean Clark]

I don't think it's big enough...

 

[t5Nitro]

I think he can send you another midsection to raise it! Lol

 

[monkeyCmonkeyDo]

Yup. When I traded Two ultra acan frags for my little 24" vs3 back in like 2012 I had no idea what I had gotten.
Hit up lifereef and he offered to make the mid section upgrade and larger diameter collection cup with that black mazzei venturi upgrade as well.
I had shattered the previous smaller collection cup on my kitchen floor....well lol Jeff had went and turned that great little skimmer into a beast of a skimmer that I would never need to replace.

I used a jaebo dc 12k 15k. Blueline HD 55 pump. Fluval sp6 pump... lol it doesn't matter. More water. More air.
Thing is a beast.

I went and got a matching calcium reactor to match with also an additional add on 6" top.
Lol
Jeff's the best!
D

 

[Ultraman]

Breaking in Bad

 

[jhuntstl]

Breaking in Bad

Hot momma!

 

[Ultraman]

A FoamCano!

 

[JJT]

Dang! That's a beast of a skimmer. I think I could fit my kid in that reactor chamber...

Did you need to adjust your sump water level to accomodate the excess water when this is powered off? I feel like this alone would be enough to flood my sump.

Call me, we'll calculate your sumps open volume and how large of a skimmer you can use. Heck, if you're using a needle-wheel skimmer then this true venturi skimmer I make will blow you away, you may not need one as tall nor as wide.