Needle Wheel vs. Venturi

thejuggernaut · May 29, 2015

The vast majority of skimmers made today are needle wheel driven, but I have noticed a surge of people using the tried and true venturi skimmers (mostly LifeReef). So for those of you who have experience with both types, which do you prefer and why?

thejuggernaut · May 29, 2015

I guess I'll go first since I started the thread. All I have ever used is a needle wheel. Have a I-tech 200 that has a busted Sicce pump, but plan on getting it running again. Apparently they are a collectors item now. Will probably try a LifeReef if/when I upgrade to a large system.

azjohnny · May 30, 2015

I have used Beckett, Needle wheel and Venturi based skimmers and I prefer Venturi, they are low maintenance and if the pump ever fails you can use any pump that meets the flow requirememnts

hart24601 · May 30, 2015

Don't needle wheels skimmers still use a venturi? It's just before the pump instead of after?

azjohnny · May 30, 2015

With a pinwheel pump air is drawn in and mixed in a volute before reaching the pump

With a Venturi water is forced into a small orifice causing a suction of air that is introduced into the water

Reefing Madness · May 30, 2015

No, thats considered an Aspirating Skimmer (Air Shredding)
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-06/fm/feature/

hart24601 · May 30, 2015

Yes but I am pretty sure the mechanism of how the air is drawn in with needle wheel is still a venturi before the pump. At least it was with my cadlights and vertex skimmer.

Reefing Madness · May 30, 2015

Yea, they have that piece for the intake on most all skimmers today.

reefwiser · May 30, 2015

a aspirating-venturi skimmer with a separate pump for a slow water flow thru the skimmer body is best.
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2002/5/review
Sadly not made anymore.