Custom skimmers

[jft]

I inherited multiple needle wheel pumps from a guy who got out of the hobby. Does anyone know who I can speak with making custom skimmers? Jeff at lifereef, I won t speak with cause I know he hates needlewheels. Nice guy, but no sense in speaking with a guy who does not appreciate the finer points of needlewheels LIKE MUCH quieter than the Venturis he makes, LOL. Thanks

 

[Blue Spot Octopus]

Just purchase old Euro Reef/Reef Dynamic and ASM skimmers and retro fit those.

 

[jft]

Just purchase old Euro Reef/Reef Dynamic and ASM skimmers and retro fit those.

YEAH? Not going to do that. I want a Custom skimmer.

 

[biecacka]

GEO
MRC

I think they might be a good place to start.

Corey

 

[jft]

Thanks

 

[areefer01]

I inherited multiple needle wheel pumps from a guy who got out of the hobby. Does anyone know who I can speak with making custom skimmers? Jeff at lifereef, I won t speak with cause I know he hates needlewheels. Nice guy, but no sense in speaking with a guy who does not appreciate the finer points of needlewheels LIKE MUCH quieter than the Venturis he makes, LOL. Thanks

You put a lot of thought into your post but you are correct. Jeff makes what he makes and has for a while now. If it isn't broke, don't fix it so he sees no reason to change. The few changes he has made to his products have been for quality of life. But you know this so there is that.

In any case you mentioned custom so not sure to be honest. MRC offers what you are looking for but how it relates to custom I cant' say. Height, volume, etc. Also I can't say how they work as I've not owned one. The few I've seen are built very well though. So I don't think they are bad.

Couldn't hurt to message them via their portal. Best of luck.

 

[jda]

Strongly consider that most good skimmers are just that way on accident. The maker just happened to get the body and stuff right along with the pump. I have rarely seen a custom skimmer work better than a tried-and-true model that time has selected to still be used. Not all NW pumps are the same either. Be careful... you could spend 3x as much on a custom build and have it be half as good. It could be awesome too.

 

[jft]

Strongly consider that most good skimmers are just that way on accident. The maker just happened to get the body and stuff right along with the pump. I have rarely seen a custom skimmer work better than a tried-and-true model that time has selected to still be used. Not all NW pumps are the same either. Be careful... you could spend 3x as much on a custom build and have it be half as good. It could be awesome too.

Yes u are right. I prefer needlewheels CAUSE They are quieter and cheaper to run as I have Multiple tanks. I Might just Go skimmerless until I decide. Thanks

 

[jft]

You put a lot of thought into your post but you are correct. Jeff makes what he makes and has for a while now. If it isn't broke, don't fix it so he sees no reason to change. The few changes he has made to his products have been for quality of life. But you know this so there is that.

In any case you mentioned custom so not sure to be honest. MRC offers what you are looking for but how it relates to custom I cant' say. Height, volume, etc. Also I can't say how they work as I've not owned one. The few I've seen are built very well though. So I don't think they are bad.

Couldn't hurt to message them via their portal. Best of luck.

Thanks

 

[jda]

The good NWs are not always quieter. They still have to pull air and have somewhat powerful pumps if they are going to skim much. You can put a silencer on a LifeReef and use a DC pump and never hear it.

In the end, if you want them to perform about the same, they are going to sound similar.

 

[jft]

My experience is that needle wheels aspirate air and cut the bubbles into fine bubbles carrying up the organics.I have had the Lifereef years ago and they were louder and required strong pumps.Also they are twice the price of Reef octo or bubble magus or other comparable skimmers.I personally like needle wheels due to less electric cost as I have multiple tanks.Thanks for ur input.

 

[X-37B]

Not sure why you need/want a custom as their are so many nice units available.
My Tunze 9430 dc is quiet and requires nothing more than cleaning the cup. The cup and neck come out as one unit. Super simple to clean. Very underrated skimmers, imo.

⁹

 

[jft]

Because I Inherited several needlewheel pumps that I want to use.No skimmer body just pumps.

 

[areefer01]

Because I Inherited several needlewheel pumps that I want to use.No skimmer body just pumps.

I think they are saying that it may be cheaper to buy something already made vs custom (unless you have certain height or similar requirements).

I'm guessing they are thinking it is a lot like buying a new car when all you need to do is buy a new set of tires...

 

[jft]

That's true that's where I am leaning.

 

[biecacka]

Have you checked Craigslist, Facebook market place, eBay, and the for sale section here? Maybe you can find and old MRC Orca that needs a pump or something.


Corey