Skimmer contact time?

[Rborgia]

Im considering removing my Lifereef SVS24 for a taller skimmer, probably a beckett skimmer.

My issue is this... (pic below) The amount of time the air is in contact with the water is not all that much on this skimmer. I have a head of maybe 3-4 inches where the water/air mix is a nice thick white. I am using a Mag 9.5 (950gph) to feed the skimmer but i'm thinking I can do better with someing a little taller (I have 30" under the stand that is usuable)and of a different format... anyone? some feedback?

It takes about a week to get that cup 1/8 full...

Thanks

Rich

 

[jackson6745]

Rich what size system are you using this skimmer for?

A lifereef is a good skimmer, but judging from the pics that I have seen it doesn't seem to be very strong. Like you said the concentration of bubbles is only thick for 3-4 inches. I noticed the same thing on H+S skimmers as well.

If you need strong skimming power for a large system, the LR skimmer is not stong enough IMO to keep you water at low nutrient levels (in a moderately stocked + fed reef) If you can't afford a Big recirculating skimmer like a Deltec + or a Bubble king A beckett is a good alternative. The only thing that sucks is that it requires a big costly pump to run it

Check out the difference in bubble concentration
Look below for the lifereef skimmer

I say go with the beckett and KNOW that you have enough skimming power

 

[jackson6745]

Lifereef

 

[Rborgia]

jackson6745

This is on my 58 gallon. Currently it has nothing in it except LR and some fish.

If I can find a beckett to sit in my sump (20 gal tank) I will definiately upgrade. I'm looking for more of what you have in your picture.

Rich

 

[jackson6745]

Why are you considering getting rid of your Lifereef SVS24? Is it not keeping up with your bioload? Seems like that should be enough skimmer for a 58g...

 

[Rborgia]

Why are you considering getting rid of your Lifereef SVS24? Is it not keeping up with your bioload? Seems like that should be enough skimmer for a 58g...

Im not sure, right now its fine... 2 fish, 10 crabs and only live rock. Whats gonna happen when I start adding the coral I want? I also want to add about three more fish.

I want to know I have more then enough and then some for down the road.

Rich

 

[jackson6745]

For a 58 gal I am thinking deltec ap600 :scratchch

 

[pecan2phat]

Rborgia,

A fellow LIRA member broke down his 58g tank and he has a sweet Deltec AP600 that wasn't sold yet cause he isn't really advertising much.
I'm using the same skimmer on my 120g and it does fine so for a 58g, the AP600 is slightly overkill but good to have.

He's out in Medford, I was just there on Sunday picking up some test kits from him and the AP600 is in excellent shape. He even tapped a drain in the collection cup which in itself is a hairy thing cause of the small clearance. You ruin that cup and Doug from Deltec will be going cha-ching (about $100).

He's asking for $400 and he will include the Mag2 feed pump. That pump actually works the best for this skimmer as I have tried a few.
Deltecs don't loose much in value so I think it's an excellent price. They retail for $589 + shipping + whatever feed pump you buy.
I bought my AP600 also used from another LIRA member earlier this year for $450 and no feed pump.

 

[Rborgia]

Rich,

Ok I contacted them regarding a feed pump. I will see what they say. Man you are trying to really make me put out here going with a recirc. I was considering getting an MRC beckett or something on that line. But im not counting out a Deltec...

Rich

 

[jackson6745]

Rich a MRC with pump will cost you around 400, might as well get the used deltec for the same price, quiet performance, easy operation, and higer resale value.

 

[Rborgia]

Any contact info for this person selling the Deltec?

Thanks

Rich

DISREGARD!

I found the thread on RC.

 

[Deanos]

I understand if there is a low bio-load, skimmate production will drop accordingly. But, does a low bio-load also affect bubble production inside the skimmer?

 

[cali_reef]

It shouldn?t.

The amount and the size of bubble is a function how effective air is being injected into the water column. You will always have a white foamy mixing column if the skimmer if performing well.

A skimmer can have great bubble production but the protein will not be ?forced? to the top of the skimmer cup for removal if there are no protein to be remove.

 

[Deanos]

Thanks Pierce; that's the answer I was looking for.

 

[kimoyo]

How do you know the line when getting a bigger skimmer doesn't help clean your tank any faster?

I know people have ap702's on 90g tank and it makes me wonder if I need a bigger skimmer. I know going bigger allows more water to be processed in a certain amount of time but is there a goal we should be looking for?

I have an ap600 for a 120g system. Its under deltecs rating for heavy stocking but lately I've been wondering if this is enough?

 

[marrone]

It shouldn?t.

The amount and the size of bubble is a function how effective air is being injected into the water column. You will always have a white foamy mixing column if the skimmer if performing well.

A skimmer can have great bubble production but the protein will not be ?forced? to the top of the skimmer cup for removal if there are no protein to be remove.

This is some thing that people should take into account when they decide to keep upgrading their skimmers to a big and big model.

 

[Rborgia]

Right... and my issue is the fact I see beckett and recirc skimmer full of white bubbles and my venturi unit has a small 3 maybe 4 inches of bubble area.

 

[cali_reef]

How do you know the line when getting a bigger skimmer doesn't help clean your tank any faster?

What is your definition of "faster"? Skimmers are like fast cars, you can always go "faster" if you are willing to spend more and there will be no limit as long as your bank account can support the hobby (or habit).

Like a car, you can have "enough" utility or the extreme head turner.

 

[House of Laughter]

I am having the same discussion in my hed (scary place) and am thinking about putting a Sedra 9000 pump on my lifereef - my concern is in the LR design (pointed out as a flaw by Spykes) and that the outlet for the skimmer is located exactly where it should be - meaning, if the bublle column (I just made that up) drops any lower, enabling more bubble contact time, then you will get more microbubbles in your system cause the design of the skimmer can't support more bubble column?

Anyone?

House

 

[Rborgia]

I am having the same discussion in my hed (scary place) and am thinking about putting a Sedra 9000 pump on my lifereef - my concern is in the LR design (pointed out as a flaw by Spykes) and that the outlet for the skimmer is located exactly where it should be - meaning, if the bublle column (I just made that up) drops any lower, enabling more bubble contact time, then you will get more microbubbles in your system cause the design of the skimmer can't support more bubble column?

Anyone?

House

Exactly, which is why in my picture. you can see I added an couple elbows and swung the return to the back of the filter sock to help reduce bubbles in the sump. I like the quality of the skimmer, built solid. However, there isn't enough area for bubble contact(?).

Rich