Lifereef product opinions

[dwwjr56]

Opinions on Lifereef setup
I am thinking about purchasing a life reef LFI 300 system. Does anyone have an opinion on this setup. I am so new to the hobby it seems that it is much simpler to go with a complete setup.
I would also like any opinions on the pumps included (Little giant 4MDQX-SC and 3MDQX-SC) and the skimmer vs2 -24.


The price seems pretty good although it is very expensive, but if I piece together a filtering system it may be a lot more! I was going to go with the Aqua C EV-240 skimmer and Jason was going to modify it (he will have to cut about 3” off) so it would fit under my tank. I don t know what that will do to the efficiency of the skimmer, but he thought everything would be ok. Then I would have to get the pumps, sump, plumbing…etc…


This is all going into a reef ready 180 gallon AGA tank with the Modern oak stand. The problem with the stand is that I only have 24” maybe 24 ½” from the inside bottom of the stand to the bottom of the tank. I am so unhappy that I bought the stand but now I’m stuck with it!

Thanks in advance for any info you can give this newbie.

 

[Len]

All accounts of Lifereef skimmers and filters are terrific. I've never owned one, but have seen dozens in action and can say confidently that they are extremely well built and effective. They are, as you've found, not exactly cheap, but they are great products if you can foot the bill.

If you haven't considered the 20" CS6-1 or 24" CS6-2 Euro-reef skimmers, I'd take a look at them. They're efficient and very easy to set up, while requiring no additional room above the skimmer for cup removal (a big plus for your situation). I use the CS6-2 and have been extremely pleased with it. FYI: I've used several dozen models of skimmers before I came back to the Euro-reef.

 

[MandarinFish]

My Lifereef double overflow is magnificent.

My EuroReef skimmer is the only real-deal skimmer I've ever seen. Nothing else even comes close.

Get the parts independently. I know, I know... it's an intimidating hobby, especially on the level where folks are wiring and harnessing their own electrical units, building everything themselves, all the chemistry, etc.

Trust me, I am all about plug-n-play.

But EuroReef is totally 100% plug-n-play. Lifereef makes good stuff, but there is no way they make a comparable skimmer. I have never seen any company make a skimmer that completely fills a chamber with a white cloud of bubbles, top to bottom.

Except for EuroReef, of course.

Keep asking advice. This board has made the hobby possible for me. Without it, I would have quit long ago.

 

[Anonymous]

I have a Lifereef sump and skimmer on my 75 and am very pleased with it. The skimmer always produces nasty stuff in the collection cup. The self cleaning venturi is sweet. It is plug-in-play.

I've never had a Euroreef so I can't comment on if they are better than Lifereef. I don't think you can go wrong with either one. Your off on the right foot in trying start with top of the line stuff.

Good luck!

Louey

 

[dwwjr56]

Thanks for all the great comments and suggestions!
Please keep them coming.
I also think that customer service plays a big part in the equation also and Jeff has 110% customer service so far in my book. And all I have done is just email, and talked with him.

 

[Marcosreef]

I also think that customer service plays a big part in the equation also and Jeff has 110% customer service so far in my book. And all I have done is just email, and talked with him.

I can agree to that. I also use the Lifereef VS2-24 skimmer with a LG 3-MDQX-SC pump and it's great on my 75. Very easy to use, self cleaning venturi, and worksmanship quality is top-notch. It's also very flexible, can be used in-sump, out of sump, or as a hang-on with the bracket Jeff makes.

Marco