Lifereef vs3-24 skimmer. My unbiased review.

[00W]

Okay here we go.
I rarely start a thread but I really wanted to share my experience here.
These skimmers have been around for years and reviews have been done many times but I thought I'd add my 2 cents to the list.
First off, I'm a skimmer fanatic.
My first saltwater tank was in 1989.
I had someone give me a Sanders piccolo internal skimmer for my tank. Little guy, fussy but workable. Man I was fascinated!
Since then I've had so many other skimmers I've lost count. But I've never had a tank without one.
Discussion here is NOT whether to run a skimmer or not.
I run one and I'd like to dicuss that.
So I had an octopus regal 150s that was fine, did Okay. I added 2 neck extensions to it.
I've got 110 gallons of total water between 2 tanks but I feed ridiculous amounts of food 2 to 3 times a day. Everything from frozen food, frozen peas, clams, mussels, eggs.
You name it.
Mine is not going to be the tank of the month by any means and I need some skimmer help.
So I've had lifereef products in the past and each time I talk to Jeff he gives me a hard time about my skimmer and tells me to get his.
I've done tons of research as per usual over the years and I found a used one on ebay so I jumped on it.
First impression is this thing is massive!
Looks homemade because it is and stout plastic. I'm sure if I dropped it on my foot it'd break a toe.
Next is how to get it in my sump.
I have a trigger systems 20 x20 cube and the skimmer took up all of the skimmer section.
Most people run this with the pump directly below and next to the output of the skimmer, sort of a recirculating design but I'm going to have to modify.
Couple twists and turns and viola, it's easily in my fuge section.

I've seen lots of people run this with a pump outside of the sump so it shouldn't be a problem.
Next.
What pump should I use?
Suggested pump is a mag 9.5, but I've had those before and this is in my bedroom and I don't want it to sound like a Volkswagen in there.
I had a jebao dcp 3500 rated for 950 gph so I hooked that up. Crossed my fingers.
This is a venturi skimmer. It needs at least 900 gph going through it or nothings going to happen bubble wise.
The more gph, the more bubbles.
What you really are looking for is total head pressure in the range of 15 or more.
Well....
The jebao opened up that venturi and we were skimming, about as good as the octopus.
I really wanted to crank this baby to the max so I ordered a jebao dcw 8000.
Now, we're talking.
I'm running it @80 percent and I'm getting some nasty skimmate.
The nice thing about the jebao is it's silent.
Lots talk about not using a dc pump with these things but I really want to tell you go right ahead.
A lot of people including Jeff mention how you don't have to clean this skimmer either since, with the venturi, you don't really need to.
Too bad I clean mine once a week because I like it to be clean.
Ok.
Pros.
1. No smell. The venturi air line is hooked to the cup, recirculating the air, which makes for no smell and the moist air keeps salt out of the venturi which takes a lot of my headaches away. We'll see over time how that plays out.
My octopus needed venturi cleaning all the time.
It also has a clean out valve for the venturi port.
2. You can use any pump you want. If yours grenades, just get another one. No more hard to find pumps.
3. Different size bubbles. Due to the venturi, you get totally different skimming than a needle wheel pump which has all the same size bubbles.
Different bubbles at different velocities makes for more crap removal.
4. Mine, and other models can be added on to for more height, more bubbles, more contact time, which, for what we're doing here, is key.
Right now it's big enough for me but if ever I upgrade that's an option that I love to have.
5. The pump is outside the skimmer so if I need to clean it I can leave the skimmer right where it is.
6. Awesome drain valve in the cup.
7. Needs almost no adjustments. Get it set and forget it.
8. Hasn't overflowed ever while feeding. I leave mine going 24/7.
9. Lastly, it just works.
Cons.
1. It's massive. Open sumps will be fine but small confined sumps will require modification.
2. Cheesy gate valve with a metal screw.
I wish the gate valve was a spears but I'm just being overly picky here. I also replaced the screw with stainless steel like I've read others have done.
3. It's somewhat loud.
I can turn the pump down and quiet it a bit but for best skimming it does make some noise. My octopus I could hear, too, but this is not silent, that's why I suggested the dc jebao.
4. It's extremely spendy.
I got mine on ebay for about half of regular price.
But I'm going to say that I could have bought this twice over with all the other crappy skimmers I've bought over the years. Period.

This morning after a water change yesterday and a cup clean.
My water is crystal clear.
I run no carbon.
I've read about people using this and other skimmers and claiming they have no nitrates, or much lower.
That doesn't happen with me and my feeding habits but this is easily the best skimmer I've ever had.
Hands down.
Hopefully this review finds you all well and happy reefing!

 

[WalkerLovesTheOcean]

Thank you for this review Joel! I will keep this in mind incase I ever need to know it!

 

[areefer01]

4. It's extremely spendy.
I got mine on ebay for about half of regular price.
But I'm going to say that I could have bought this twice over with all the other crappy skimmers I've bought over the years. Period.

Budget. It all comes down to the hobbyist budget for setting up the display. Not directed at you just a general observation when cost comes up.

Skimmers are something you really only need to buy once. A good design will scale with the hobbyist. A good build quality means it will last for the long haul. I'm using the same skimmer I purchased from Jeff in 2000. Originally purchased for a 100 gallon and currently running it on my 210. Will move it forward to a 300 - 350 I'm planning out now.

The funny thing is this. During my 210 gallon upgrade planning I reached out to Jeff asking about a new skimmer. He went back through his books, verified my contact info, confirmed what I have vs what he made, and said I do not need a new skimmer. It would be a waste of money. No changes outside quality of life. I was surprised but very thankful.

Just last year I called him up to buy a skimmer. He asked why and I told him I was upgrading. He asked the size and again told me no. I said Jeff I want to buy a skimmer he said no need. I said but Jeff you may retire and I'd like one. He laughed, said no, but sold me one finally after I told him I will keep the original and set up the new one on my sons tank (he is taking my current tank and sump).

TL: DR - good write up. They are great skimmers. Jeff does quality work. They are expensive but no reason why it cannot last the duration of the hobbyist time in the hobby.

Hope your day is well.

 

[00W]

Budget. It all comes down to the hobbyist budget for setting up the display. Not directed at you just a general observation when cost comes up.

Skimmers are something you really only need to buy once. A good design will scale with the hobbyist. A good build quality means it will last for the long haul. I'm using the same skimmer I purchased from Jeff in 2000. Originally purchased for a 100 gallon and currently running it on my 210. Will move it forward to a 300 - 350 I'm planning out now.

The funny thing is this. During my 210 gallon upgrade planning I reached out to Jeff asking about a new skimmer. He went back through his books, verified my contact info, confirmed what I have vs what he made, and said I do not need a new skimmer. It would be a waste of money. No changes outside quality of life. I was surprised but very thankful.

Just last year I called him up to buy a skimmer. He asked why and I told him I was upgrading. He asked the size and again told me no. I said Jeff I want to buy a skimmer he said no need. I said but Jeff you may retire and I'd like one. He laughed, said no, but sold me one finally after I told him I will keep the original and set up the new one on my sons tank (he is taking my current tank and sump).

TL: DR - good write up. They are great skimmers. Jeff does quality work. They are expensive but no reason why it cannot last the duration of the hobbyist time in the hobby.

Hope your day is well.

Very well written post.
Thanks for bringing up the one thing I forgot to mention and thats if you ever have an issue the guy who builds it is the one answering the phone.
The one answering questions.
Don't know if I can say that about any other company I've ever tried to contact.

 

[Gundy]

I just purchased a LifeReef skimmer from Jeff. You are correct in that they are expensive but after a lot of research and testimonials from others I purchased one. I can buy an extension tube if I need more skimming, they are extremely reliable and they are very well built. The only negative is the cost and this will keep a lot of hobbyists from purchasing them.

 

[00W]

I just purchased a LifeReef skimmer from Jeff. You are correct in that they are expensive but after a lot of research and testimonials from others I purchased one. I can buy an extension tube if I need more skimming, they are extremely reliable and they are very well built. The only negative is the cost and this will keep a lot of hobbyists from purchasing them.

I could have purchased 2 with all the money I have wasted on all the others skimmers I've purchased over the years.
Thankfully I never have to buy another one.