ASM vs LifeReef

[wastememphis]

I'm trying to decide between an ASM G4X and a Life Reef VS3-30 with 3MDQX-SC pump.

Anyone have experience with either of these skimmers? There is a price difference, but I have heard good things about both skimmers.

Neil

(This will be for a 90 gallon display, 75 gallon sump and a future 45 gallon tank hooked up to the system... I'd like to get a big skimmer now so if I ever build a large tank there is no need to put down another $500).

[wastememphis]

.Life Reef (http://www.lifereef.com/frame.html)

[connecticut cichlids]

life reef all the way

[kdblove_99]

If i were to pick out of the 2.

I would get the ASM

[Roland Jacques]

Performance wise id say they are about the same. id give the edged to the Asm. But the life reef is much better built.

If i were to pick out of the 2 flip a coin, id probaly go with the ASM you can mod it a little

[wastememphis]

Thanks for the replies, anyone used both of them or have seen them working?

[Roland Jacques]

Ive used both. i take performance over build quality. Asm G-4x

[cybertec69]

I say Lifereef, my VS3-36 has served me well for the last 5 years, with many more to come, http://cybertec.smugmug.com/gallery/2059513 , my new tank in the cycle stage, not much to clean for the skimmer but the detridus that is on the uncurred live rock.

[connecticut cichlids]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8539861#post8539861 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Roland Jacques
Performance wise id say they are about the same. id give the edged to the Asm. But the life reef is much better built.

If i were to pick out of the 2 flip a coin, id probaly go with the ASM you can mod it a little

WoW! :eek: Why in the world would you want to spend your hard earned money on a ASM toy skimmer, and them dump some more money into modding it, just so that it "might" perform at sub-par level at best? If your really looking to save a buck, shoot for the Coralife super skimmer, another toy...there's no way that asm is even close in performance to a lifereef skimmer, not even on a good day! apples and oranges here.... spend your money wisely, go lifereef.

[wastememphis]

:) I'm still getting mixed replies haha.

My LFS has an ASM G4X on their display tank and just put in a 24inch LR on their SPS/Clam tank... the LR has only been there for a week so I dont know how they can compare as of yet. I'll stop out there today.

[ddboy]

i have used both. and the ASM will gives you finer bubbles, should means better performance. However, after using the Lifereef one, I just love it, alot better build and very easy to adjust. I guess as long as it is doing it's job. I prefer the lifereef one.

[wastememphis]

anyone else?