Is lifereef really the best skimmer?

[Water Dog]

You can never have enough power... Jeff of Lifereef runs a Mag18 on his 24” Lifereef. A Cor15 would be underpowered for a 24” IMO.

 

[nbd13]

You can never have enough power... Jeff of Lifereef runs a Mag18 on his 24” Lifereef. A Cor15 would be underpowered for a 24” IMO.

I have the 30” svs3-30. So would the Cor20 be a better choice then?

Thanks,

Nick

 

[Water Dog]

Absolutely.

 

[nbd13]

Absolutely.

Do you think 2000 gph is enough?

Also any instructions how to set this up? I bought it used.

Thanks,

Nick

 

[Darryl]

TUNZE

 

[legionofdoon]

Set the water line below the lifereef sticker and adjust after a few days higher.

 

[Water Dog]

TUNZE

Though I love Tunze products, your blanket TUNZE response is pretty vague for this application. The only 2 pumps that would have a remote chance of working would be the 1073.06, which at 1320 gph at 13’ of head would be way underpowered for the 30” skimmer or the 1073.110 at 2900 gph at a paltry 14.75’ with a $400 price point.

 

[Water Dog]

Do you think 2000 gph is enough?

Also any instructions how to set this up? I bought it used.

Thanks,

Nick

Do you have a picture of your skimmer, so we can determine what you need?

 

[nbd13]

Yes let’s see if I can post some pics

 

[nbd13]

 

[Wrasse-cal]

@nbd13

Nice skimmer.

The red tube from the skimmer cup needs to go on the barb end of the venturi (the little white barb). Pump should be hooked up via tubing on the black barb below it.

I'd also consider replacing the ball valve on the exit flow. I see some rust.

 

[Water Dog]

Use 3/4” silicone tubing from the pump to the barb end right after the venturi. Attach the cup tubing to the venturi, should be 1/4” ID or 3/8” ID depending on the age of the skimmer and break that baby in!

 

[nbd13]

@nbd13

Nice skimmer.

The red tube from the skimmer cup needs to go on the barb end of the venturi (the little white barb). Pump should be hooked up via tubing on the black barb below it.

I'd also consider replacing the ball valve on the exit flow. I see some rust.

Thanks. For sure going to replace the ball valve.

Nick

 

[nbd13]

Use 3/4” silicone tubing from the pump to the barb end right after the venturi. Attach the cup tubing to the venturi, should be 1/4” ID or 3/8” ID depending on the age of the skimmer and break that baby in!

Thanks! How deep should the water level be in the skimmer section to start?

Nick

 

[nbd13]

Use 3/4” silicone tubing from the pump to the barb end right after the venturi. Attach the cup tubing to the venturi, should be 1/4” ID or 3/8” ID depending on the age of the skimmer and break that baby in!

Do you think 2000 gph pump is enough?

 

[Water Dog]

If the head height of 20ft is accurate, I’d say yes. However, I’ve only ever owned and used a 24” Lifereef. If you have the time, skim the big Lifereef thread over on RC, where there are users of the 30” skimmer with first hand experience.

 

[Water Dog]

Thanks! How deep should the water level be in the skimmer section to start?

Nick

I ran my 24 in 9”

 

[legionofdoon]

I think mine is in 8.

 

[R4lph]

No life reef is not the best skimmer. Life reef has a small group of loyal followers that won’t even try anything else. I have one of his skimmers and replaced it a year ago and haven’t used the life reef since.

 

[KingJason]

I really like mine. It pulls out all the junk. This was when it was brand new...