Mazzei Venturi on Life Reef Skimmer?

[appleton71]

I'm about to pull the trigger on a Life Reef VS3-36 external skimmer for a new tank build. Just wondering if it's worth paying $109 more for a Mazzei venturi vs. the stock venturi. I can't seem to find anything comparing the two.

Thanks!

 

[joe berkman]

Theres a great owners thread on reef central with tons of great info. If you want to avoid all that jeffs recomendations are rock solid. Personaly i run a standard on my 24 and i couldent be happier.

 

[legionofdoon]

There was a YouTube video where someone used both and said the difference was minimal. On mine when I top off my tank I run the RODI through the Venturi to keep it clean. I have the standard one.

 

[ca1ore]

You can likely buy the mazzei for less elsewhere. Bigbrandwater.com sells them. I’ve bought a bunch from them, usually in the $35-50 range.

 

[appleton71]

There was a YouTube video where someone used both and said the difference was minimal.

That's kinda the impression I've been getting. I think the $109 can be better spent elsewhere.

 

[legionofdoon]

Use the extra money for as big of a pump as you can afford. They work better with more gph.

 

[appleton71]

I was thinking about a gold plated algae scraper but a big pump might be a better choice.

 

[Water Dog]

Keep in mind, in that YouTube video comparison, the person was comparing the Mazzei vs the standard spa venturi on a 24” Lifereef. Jeff of Lifereef recommends the standard venturi for his 24” and 30” models as he feels there is no appreciable performance difference at these shorter sizes. 36” and taller skimmers is where he feels the Mazzei venturi will make a difference and improve performance.

 

[piranhaman00]

Bump, setting up a mezzei on a 30” to use 1/2” tubing in a co2 scrubber, anyone using this?

 

[Big Smelly fish]

Jeff will tell if it’s needed , really depends on the particular skimmer you purchase. He is honest and not trying to plus sell you.

 

[t5Nitro]

I remember doing a lot of thread searches for this and found what water dog mentioned above. Useful fot the 36" and taller skimmers.

 

[piranhaman00]

I only will be using for benefit of extra air draw in co2 scrubber, wondering if that will make difference