| General Reef Discussion In this forum we discuss issues related to keeping marine and reef aquariums in a friendly flame-free environment. |
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10-02-2006, 10:24 AM
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#1
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Little Fishy
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: oregon
Posts: 111
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Coralife220 "needle wheel or venturi"
I,ve been searchinf some time now for a good skimmer and wanted to noe what the differance between the Coralife220 with venturi system, and the Coralife220 with needlewheel system besides $50 price differance.
 
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10-02-2006, 10:29 AM
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#2
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Shark
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Corning, California
Posts: 1,488
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my coralife has a needle wheel..dont know the difference but this one was recommeded to me
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Sara
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10-02-2006, 10:51 AM
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#3
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It can be rebuilt.
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Pittsboro, NC
Posts: 19,158
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i would prefer the venturi model over the needlewheel one. i prefer pressure driven skimmers over the needlewheel models. they are less finicky over water level differences in the sump.
G~
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Think Tanker
Friends Don't Let Friends Use Refugiums!
Reef Knowledge Impaired
"J" crowd member.
My Build Thread
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10-02-2006, 11:27 AM
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#4
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Just some guy, you know?
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: West of Dimples
Posts: 18,463
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Surprisingly I actually have to disagree with Geoff on this one (I thought he would go for the other one). I would much rather have the needle wheel one because it chops up all the bubbles to make a fine foam, where unless you get a huge pump the Venturi model will not.
I've found Venturi skimmers really only work well with a huge pump, and I bet stock this skimmer does not come with one.
Whiskey
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Mr. Jive/Dr. Heckyll
Life is never more fun, then when your the Underdog
Competing against the Giants.
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10-02-2006, 12:03 PM
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#5
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Shark
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Toledo OH
Posts: 4,889
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I would have to agree on the needle wheel for a smaller skimmer like this.
However the venturi on a larger more powerful skimmer could be better.
So for this descision I say needle wheel! Plus it will probably be quieter
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Nano reef in the works
TIM MADE ME DO IT, Yet Robert made him do it, yet Casey made him do it!
Yet the voices in all their heads made them do it (skeety)
Last edited by 110galreef; 10-02-2006 at 12:15 PM.
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10-02-2006, 12:04 PM
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#6
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Human grounding probe
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Wyoming
Posts: 1,803
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If you want a venturi then you need to sink the cash for a bigger pump. At least a Mag5. I just purchased the 120NW. Can't wait to see how it works. I have heard good things about this skimmer. It's about time they produce an effective and reasonabley priced skimmer.
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10-02-2006, 12:15 PM
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#7
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.
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: bend, oregon
Posts: 11,032
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Isnt a needle wheel more effective at making finer bubbles regardless of what pump you use?
Same size pump vs same size pump comparisons???
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I like to glue animals to rocks and put disturbing amounts of electricity and saltwater next to each other
Zoa and paly pics HERE
SPS pics HERE
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10-02-2006, 12:15 PM
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#8
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Cabana Boy
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Miami, Fl
Posts: 2,070
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wouldnt the inconsistencies of water levels in sump can easily be taken care of by setting up a baffle? I do agree that fluctuating water levels in a sump make it a pain to dial in a needlewheel but once that problem is solved needlewheels work great
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10-02-2006, 12:17 PM
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#9
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.
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: bend, oregon
Posts: 11,032
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Quote:
Originally Posted by afbengochea
wouldnt the inconsistencies of water levels in sump can easily be taken care of by setting up a baffle? I do agree that fluctuating water levels in a sump make it a pain to dial in a needlewheel but once that problem is solved needlewheels work great
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Yes. The first consideration i amke in any sump is the skimmer section and how high i want the water to be.
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I like to glue animals to rocks and put disturbing amounts of electricity and saltwater next to each other
Zoa and paly pics HERE
SPS pics HERE
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10-02-2006, 12:27 PM
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#10
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Just some guy, you know?
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: West of Dimples
Posts: 18,463
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Fly Guy
Isnt a needle wheel more effective at making finer bubbles regardless of what pump you use?
Same size pump vs same size pump comparisons???
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I think venturi skimmers are more comprable to becketts, and I think they have the same draw back, if you don't really force water through there they seem to end up with large bubbles.
A needlewheel on the other hand uses a venturi to draw the air in, then thrashes it with a pump impeller to make the bubbles super small.
Technically the faster water goes through a nedlewheel the bigger the bubbles, I think this is one major drawback of these skimmers, and probably why the ones for bigger tanks are so huge.
This is also the reason I always reccomend a Beckett for a large tank, and why a needlewheel works fine for smaller tanks.
Whiskey
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Mr. Jive/Dr. Heckyll
Life is never more fun, then when your the Underdog
Competing against the Giants.
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10-02-2006, 12:51 PM
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#11
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double cappuccino
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: CA
Posts: 1,633
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the venturi model does not come with a pump so it is cheaper.
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Utúlie'n aurë! Aiya Eldalië ar Atanatári, utúlie'n aurë!
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10-02-2006, 02:37 PM
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#12
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Why I get nothing done...
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Beaverton
Posts: 2,960
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I know my ASM needle wheel works great. And it actually is BOTH a needlewheel and venturi. It has a venturi inlet on the pump and the needlewheel chops up the air into fine little bubbles. My vote is on the needlewheel, works great.
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10-02-2006, 05:24 PM
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#13
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I've got the REEF rash!
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 25,835
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I like my needlewheel Coralife!
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10-02-2006, 07:18 PM
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#14
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Little Fishy
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: oregon
Posts: 111
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Dang, and I got all excited when I saw a new coralife220 venturi on ebay for only $107 Buy It Now. I didn't realize you had to buy a pump. the 220 with needlewheel was $164 Buy It Now.
Is a coralife220 good for a 55gal or should I go coralife125
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10-02-2006, 07:48 PM
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#15
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Shark
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Toledo OH
Posts: 4,889
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Quote:
Originally Posted by reefmaker1
Dang, and I got all excited when I saw a new coralife220 venturi on ebay for only $107 Buy It Now. I didn't realize you had to buy a pump. the 220 with needlewheel was $164 Buy It Now.
Is a coralife220 good for a 55gal or should I go coralife125
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The bigger the better. If the 220 fits your budget get it over the 125!!
__________________
Nano reef in the works
TIM MADE ME DO IT, Yet Robert made him do it, yet Casey made him do it!
Yet the voices in all their heads made them do it (skeety)
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