Lifereef SVS3-36 video review

[BowedFloor]

Hey all,

Just got a new lifereef skimmer. Pretty happy with it so far. Will take some more video once it's all broken in.

Couple pictures

https://www.dropbox.com/s/rsxb9dwrohk5fls/2013-11-01%2017.11.43.jpg
https://www.dropbox.com/s/7tz0220eqqh8vxg/2013-11-01%2017.11.49.jpg
https://www.dropbox.com/s/h5cpkmukqj2jc3k/2013-11-01%2017.18.06.jpg
https://www.dropbox.com/s/l2tafms7u9h5r69/2013-11-01%2017.45.52.jpg
https://www.dropbox.com/s/ffqf1ecw72c1ul8/2013-11-01%2017.45.59.jpg

White balance appears to be off on my camera. And the video is a little shaky from too much caffeine, but my opinion stands.

Here's the youtube review.

jcSZaW5VdYU

[j tavares]

Jeff is a GREAT GUy and AMERICAN MADE as opposed to chinese import,

[Nanook]

Nice review:thumbsup: Do you have your skimmer output below the water line? If so, that might be an issue to discuss with Jeff. Let us know how you like the skim mate you get in a couple weeks.

[ksed]

any updates

[BowedFloor]

Just posting a 2 week update on the skimmer after it's all broken in.

The skimmate it pulls out is absolutely disgusting. The wife says its vile, and my tank is losing some of its acceptance factor.

I've also added filter socks to my aquarium and am changing them regularly (2-3 days), and the skimmate produced is still disgusting.

I've not had the skimmer overflow, except once when I was skimming too wet, however it was a non-issue because of the recirculating design. I've since turned the skimmer down a hair, and haven't had to touch it since.

This skimmer has a far better uptime than my old SRO-3000 int. I do not need to turn the life reef off when I turn off my return pump for feedings, Drain line/valve still work perfectly, and yeah. I'm very happy.

I really enjoy not having to adjust knobs daily or constantly keep an eye on it.

[BowedFloor]

Nice review:thumbsup: Do you have your skimmer output below the water line? If so, that might be an issue to discuss with Jeff. Let us know how you like the skim mate you get in a couple weeks.

Yes it's below water. This is addressed by running a mag 9.5 to deal with the added back pressure. I discussed my setup at length with Jeff, and he spent about 45 minutes on the phone with me after I emailed him dimensions ensuring I was choosing the best skimmer for my application.

[Flatlander]

Did you have it shipped right to you.?

[chiefifd]

Thanks for uploading the video, informative for sure. I purchased a LifeReef Skimmer the VS3-24 model from Jeff several months ago. I'm almost ready to get water in my new 90 gallon tank. I'm thinking that I made the right decision to get the LifeReef Skimmer.
:dance:

[prairieboy]

I am considering buying the in sump 22 inch model. Can you please take a few moments to give me your impression after a few months of use? Thank you.

[d2mini]

I am considering buying the in sump 22 inch model. Can you please take a few moments to give me your impression after a few months of use? Thank you.

I've had my 30" for 8 months or so and it skims like a boss. Came from a vertex alpha and a few other skimmers. Never going back. Every point Jeff makes on his website is TRUE.

[prairieboy]

I've had my 30" for 8 months or so and it skims like a boss. Came from a vertex alpha and a few other skimmers. Never going back. Every point Jeff makes on his website is TRUE.

Thanks! I appreciate the feedback. I was considering a vertex too but have been sucked in by hype in this hobby a few times and am trying to avoid that again and not be buying another skimmer again in a couple years.

[ken6217]

I'm still on the fence. Have a BK skimmer.
I wished Lifereef made a recirculating skimmer though. One pump would operate the venturi and then a separate feed pump (small powerhead) would bring water to the skimmer at the rate that you want…. maybe 1x - 1.5x tank volume.

There is so much mention of contact time on their website and this would increase contact time.
Ken

[bayoupr]

There is so much mention of contact time on their website and this would increase contact time.

The Website mentions contact time, several times.

[ken6217]

I understand that. A recirculating skimmer would increase contact time over the way the skimmer is currently set up.
Ken

[prairieboy]

I received my Lifereef VS24 skimmer last week. So far it is extremely quiet and well built. I am a fan to keep things simple and this skimmer does. It is breaking in and I am now dialing it in as I am running it pretty wet. Looking forward to seeing what it can do.

[chiefifd]

Please keep us updated….Are you running the Mag 9.5 on the Lifereef VS24 skimmer?
Ed

[prairieboy]

Yes it is the mag 9 which Lifereef sells as its pump for this skimmer. I find it as quiet as my Eheim 1262 which is my return pump.

[chiefifd]

Thanks, I have a Lifereef VS24 skimmer also. I have a 90 gallon acrylic tank I'l getting ready to get water in. This is taking much longer to get all the components assembled than I thought. I have a Eheim 1262 for my return pump also. I'd like to use a Eheim 1260 or 1262 for the pump on the Skimmer. I've heard a lot of people talk about excess heat from the Mag pumps, so I'm steering clear of them for now. I have had good luck with smaller Eheim pumps on my freshwater aquariums in the past, so I thought I'd stay with the Eheim's.
Ed

[Drae]

Updates? Nog color, amount, smell? Lol

[Blitzie]

I have been using my VS3-30 for two weeks now and all I can say is it's an awesome skimmer.
There is one adjustment to make and other then that it's set it and forget it.

When you purchase a skimmer from Jeff you get a complete skimmer. There is no need to go buy fittings or anything else as everything is included.

The experience starts with you visiting the website and learning about skimmers.

I run mine with a Mag12 pump and honestly It's a great pump.