Lifereef skimmer experiences

[Steve1500]

I'm interested in a Lifereef skimmer but I have only found a few reviews on R2R. If you are using one, what are the pros and cons of these skimmers?

Performance?
Noise?
Maintenance?
Ease of use?

I need it for a 180DT (230 total system) with a heavy bioload. My sump is in a fish room so I have space for an external or internal skimmer, but I prefer the external to save sump space.

 

[jda]

Awesome skimmers. The only con that I have is that they are often too tall for under-tank stands if you need a large one - this is no issue if you have a fish room, so you can get as large of one as you want.

I have a few that I will never sell and I always used them if I can get them to fit. They are easy, long lasting and do not need any special pump.

You can get some of those cool "skim mate lockers" that will shut it down when they fill up (prevent skimmer overflowing all over the floor).

 

[nbd13]

What size are you going with for your 180? I just got a used svs3-30 in sump model for my 150 gallon.

Excited to try it. Need to get a pump for it.

Nick

 

[Conor_K]

Very Happy with mine so far. Been running for a month and even with almost no bioload it’s pulling gunk.

I would reccomend not going with the mag pump for it. That thing was very loud. I put in a sp4 and I am happy with the noise level.

It’s the loudest part of my tank, but with MP40’s and a Varios return pump, that’s not saying much at all.

 

[Water Dog]

Here is a great Lifereef thread here on R2R...

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/is-lifereef-really-the-best-skimmer.322686/

Here is the definitive Lifereef reference thread over on the other forum created by our own d2mini...

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2399643

 

[Apotack]

I’ve had mine for 20 years, no complaints. It’s buit like a tank, quiet and reliable

 

[nezw0001]

I went through several high end skimmers including a BK that i could never get to be consistent. Went with a LifeReef and love it for my 450g. Great customer service as well. Will never own anther brand.