Life Reef HVS3-24 venturi skimmer review

[james72]

I have recently just bought a lifereef hvs3-24 handmade skimmer. Lifereef is well known for building reliable, low maintenance yet effective skimmer in the states. The brand has been in the marine industry for more than 20 years.

Question : I have been using needlewheel skimmers, why change to old school venturi I ask myself? The reason is simple, I need a skimmer that I can use for as long as my tank stays and not worry about the replacement of the spare parts like needlewheel impellers or skimmer pumps which tends to "phase out" within few years and those quality needlewheel impellers can cost more than $150-$200 to replace if you found it.

Second reason is I need a skimmer that is simple to operate. I don't need fancy variable speed skimmers, I dont want a skimmer that need to keep adjusting whenever there is a fluctuations in the sump water level.

I want to maintain an effective wet skimming operation that only need to empty out the collection cup once a day.

HVS3-24 is a 3rd generation skimmer handmade by Jeff himself. There is no major "upgrading" or change in design of the lifereef skimmer itself over the last 20+ years is because of its effectiveness, "if its good and proven, why change it?" The only difference between hvs2 & the hvs3 is the use of removable flange on the top of skimmer body. The hvs2 are acrylic cemented and not removable. The last 2 digits 24 stands for the total skimmer height of 24" inches. Lifereef have tested and will not build anything smaller than 24" because he does not want to compromise on the skimming effectiveness. A low flow rate just will not be able to cope with the amount of "protein' your reef tank produce and a small size skimmer just do not give enough "contact time" for the bubbles to separate the gunk from the water.

HVS3-24 can be use as an external or an internal skimmer. Can also be hang on to the back or side of the tank. Noticed all the parts,fittings & acrylic used are of the highest quality. I have upgraded mine with Mazzei venturi for the ultra fine bubbles and thick foaming. Overall this skimmer cost alot more than my previous BM curve 7, but lesser than a deltec skimmer. In terms of performance & maintenance I think its value for money. Right now I am running it with a ehiem 1260 (2500L/h) which is below the recommended flow 3800 L/h but I find the performance already exceeded my expectations. I believe this skimmer can easily skim the shit out of a 5ft tank.

Below are some pics of the parts and a short video clip of the Lifereef HVS3-24 skimmer running after 6 hours.

http://youtu.be/f3Flae1fo40

[Kakani]

How much is this skimmer? Do they has skimmer for 5ft and above?

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[james72]

The HVS3-24 cost me usd $768 including freight. Freight & packaging alone cost usd$150-$175 already. Life reef do have the 48", 60" & 72" big brother version and come standard with mazzei venturi. If you really interested, let me know. I might be able to get a slight better price when I combine orders. http://www.lifereef.com/venturi.html

[erikokelf]

Thanks for sharing. This skimmer look very solid and well built, give me another option when i upgrade.

[subxero]

Great looking skimmer.

[Jameshong]

Wow...very nice and solid skimmer sia.. !

[james72]

Oh ya and I forget to mention the operation of the skimmer. Basically its as simple as 2 steps, 1) Assemble the skimmer and run your desired pump 2) Adjust the water level using the skimmer outlet valve to 1/2" below the flange and thats it.....no more adjustment required, just empty your collection cup once a day depending on your bioload.

[MarcoVan]

You can never beat the classics

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[veliferium]

Really adore the workmanship of this skimmer and the amount of effort put in by the makers themselves.

Another reefer is using this brand too, his tank thread is here for reference.

[james72]

Group order for life reef hvs3-24 with mazzei venturi skimmer is up now under thread. Order yours today.

[james72]

From skimming dark cocco to teh 'O' after few days....nutrients reducing?

[PROX]

Mine also like this..

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