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Home ATO/Reservoirs/Containers
Berlin System/Sumps |
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LF1 Berlin Systems and Compact Berlin Systems
For Nano Systems please click here.
REEF ENTHUSIAST or SUMP CUSTODIAN...... Why did you get into this hobby?
The majority of Lifereef customers are those that already have a "system" set up which typically feature filter socks and in-sump refugiums, the "industry standard". They complain about the daily hassle of filter socks and their in-sump refugium becoming more or less useless due to the small size and shallow water depths of around 10". These hobbyists are SUMP CUSTODIANS. Lifereef does not do the "industry standard" because we hear from the hobbyists who do not like what they have but more importantly is that I have designed systems to work, do the functions they are designed to do whereas the competition changes their designs every year for marketing, very rarely is it an improved product.
The Lifereef Berlin Sumps do not feature in-sump refugiums (except for the LifeReefugium II and Compact LifeReefugium II.) because most of those sumps with built-in refugiums are too small, or shallow. Most sump/refugiums on the market are designed to have a low water level in order to satisfy the protein skimmers need for low water levels. Most in-cabinet protein skimmers on the market are designed for water depths no higher than 10". A sump with a maximum water level of 10" (some as low as 8") means your refugium level is also 10" (or less) and if you put in a substrate into your refugium your water depth decreases even more. Really, a refugium with only 8" or less of water to grow algae? Some algae actually prefer greater water depths and some algae are even tumbled or roll within the refugium and this can't be done in shallow built-in refugiums.
Only Lifereef sumps of large builds will feature a full perimeter rim and cutouts for the various chambers. On smaller sumps no top perimeter rim is needed and in fact just cuts down on accessability into the sump, allows a lot of dust/salt accumulation on the top and with some of the other manufactures cluttered hose management clips and locks and such become a nuisance to clean and a sad looking mess in just a few weeks. The Lifereef sumps have very little rim area and can be wiped down easily, no cluttered rims, and about as clean and hassle-free of a system as you can get
Refugiums, or LifeReefugiums... The Lifereef approach is to separate the refugium from the sump, let the sump do sump functions and let the refugium do its functions. Deeper water levels, greater water volumes, and separate water flow from the sump are all beneficial to the overall water quality of your aquarium. Most sumps blast the water in one end, rush it through the refugium, and blast it back into the aquarium. If you slow the sump flow down you compromise the mechanical filtration and skimmer and circulation back into the aquarium. A LifeReefugium can be added to any Lifereef System and Wet/Dry filters to bring the benefits of a refugium to your aquarium filtration. A LifeReefugium can even be added onto your existing other brand sump.
NO FILTER SOCKS!!! Instead of filter socks that remove too much particulate matter and require frequent maintenance (sometimes daily) and many clean spares on hand, Lifereef sumps feature a versatile full-flow sump chamber that allows you to use any mechanical filter materials you want. Foam (included), polyester, micron, etc. YOU GET TO USE WHAT YOU WANT whereas FILTER SOCKS allow ZERO VERSATILITY, it's socks or nothing. In addition, this chamber can be used for chemical media bags. Numerous filtration options at your choice, not just socks which are constant and offer no other choice. Socks were originally used as a "fix" to trap microbubbles entering the sump because the next chamber is the refugium and you can't have bubbles in your refugium so their bright idea was socks instead of having a much more versatile selection.
NO ROLLER MATS!!! Gimmicks, the come around every 5-10 years, with a new model, then you dn't hear from them again until they come out with a better model. Same as above for filter socks. Absolutely no reason to filter to this degree on a system needing particulate foods for filter feeders and corals. Zero choices. Your sump design should offer a choice of the filter media you WISH TO USE, not force a single-use product. Lifereef sump designs offer you to choose what you want to use t mechanically filter your water. But, I will certainly cusomize a sump design for you if you choose to use the roller mat method because it also allows you to remove the roller mat and still have functional filtration if you ever decide to. Roller mats have been around for over 20 years and seem to make an appearance every now and then. Roller material can cost upwards of $400.00 per year!
PUMPS.... There are a myriad of pumps on the market, AC, DC, submersible, external, etc. You can use ANY PUMPS you prefer with Lifereef systems and products. Though pictures may show AC pumps you are welcome to select any pumps you prefer and the appropriate cost adjustment will be done. I can offer you many other pumps for less-than-retail thus saving you even more!
No Lifereef sumps even appear to look like the competitors because I design for function, ease of use, versatility, a true system whereas the competitors change their stuff every year for marketing purposes. How can you expect to have a solid product when it is changed every year? Did they not do good enough in the years prior, probably not and they will never have a product that lasts longer than a year. Lifereef sumps and the majority of Lifereef products are 24 years "old" yet are the very products hobbyists turn to when the rest are obsolete, unmanagable, require daily fiddling, etc.
Notes about all Lifereef Berlin Systems.... Overflow Prefilter Box is required for any aquarium not having a built-in overflow, or "reef-ready". Sumps can handle built-in overflows, our hang-on overflow, competitors overflows, Herbie, CalFlo, basically any kind of overflow your aquarium has. Media Reactors and a Bio-Reactor are optional accessories that can be inserted into the Berlin sumps Accessory Rack which holds them securely in place and all can be run with one pump. A LifeReefugium can be added to any of the Lifereef Systems (if not already designed as such) and come in various sizes as well as custom sizes. A Calcium Reactor can be added to any of the Lifereef Systems. All sumps are pre-drilled/tapped for the necessary connection fittings and hoses. Four 1/4" tapped holes (some even have eight) are provided for the connection of any kind of connector fitting you want to use. R/O, dosing, etc call can be securely connected to the sump using 1/4" fittings. In addition five 1/4" holes are also incorporated into the Accessory Rack for simply pushing 1/4" OD tubing into the hole and held securely in place, no special connector required. All Lifereef Systems INCLUDE EVERYTHING to install. Hoses, clamps, fittings, even the Teflon tape! You do not need to go to the hardware store to purchase adapters, odd parts, glue, etc. that most other manufacturers seem to leave out or leave you guessing as to how to connect things. |
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| COMPACT BERLIN SYSTEMS FOR
SMALL CABINETS The COMPACT BERLIN SYSTEMS all noted by this light blue shaded background. The CLF1, CLF2 and CLF3 all come with the following: sump, SVS2-24 in-sump skimmer, MagDrive 9 skimmer pump, MagDrive 9 system pump, foam filter element, all hoses, clamps, fittings, Teflon tape. Optional Media Reactors can be added at any time and will require a MagDrive 7 pump. A LifeReefugium can be added to any of these systems and will require a pump size increase to the MagDrive 12 to run both aquarium return water and refugium flow. All systems come with all fittings (more than needed), hoses (more than needed), clamps (more than needed), Teflon tape, instructions, and phone or email support if/when needed. |
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 Accessory Rack CLICK PHOTO FOR HUGE DETAIL |
Lifereef Accessory Rack Standard Feature of all Lifereef Sumps |
The Accessory Rack can hold up to three Media Reactors or two Media Reactors and one Bio-Reactor , or any combination of three. Only one pump needed to run these reactors. Each reactor can be removed individually using the union valve: Turn off, unscrew, lift out. The rack also has four probe mounts with thumbscrew retention and five 1/4" holes for holding 1/4" ID tubing for dosing, top-off, etc. All of your probes, media reactors, and liquids dosing in one convenient location! |
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CLICK ON PHOTOS
FOR BIG PIC CLF1 Compact Berlin System Shown with optional Media Reactors  CLF2 with 20" LifeReefugium Shown with optional Media Reactors and 20" LifeReefugium |
CLF1 Compact For aquariums up to 48" long |
The CLF1, CLF2 and CLF3 all come with the following: sump, SVS2-24
in-sump skimmer, MagDrive 9 skimmer pump, MagDrive 9 system pump, foam filter
element, all hoses, clamps, fittings, Teflon tape. Optional Media Reactors and Bio-Reactor can be added at any time and will require a MagDrive 7 pump. A LifeReefugium can be added to any of these systems and will require a pump size increase to the MagDrive 12 to run both aquarium return water and refugium flow. Aquariums up to 48" long or 120 gallons (The silver "coil" tubes shown in the photo at upper left are Lifereef Float Switches that are no longer available.) |
Sump size: 25" x 14" x 14" |
MagDrive 9 main system pump MagDrive 9 skimmer pump |
This compact system is perfect for small cabinet spaces. The entire
filter system fits within the 25" x 14" footprint of the sump. Add a 12", 16" or 20" LifeReefugium for a fantastic looking sump/refugium combo! |
Shown with optional Media Reactors |
CLF2 Compact For aquariums up to 72" long |
What's included? See above Aquariums up to 72" long or 180 gallons |
Sump size 30" x 14" x 14" |
MagDrive 9 main system pump MagDrive 9 skimmer pump |
This
compact system is for larger aquariums with a small cabinet. The entire system fits within the 30" x 14" footprint of the sump. |
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CLF3 Compact for
Bowfront For the 72 gallon bowfront aquariums of course! |
What's
included? See above Made for 72 gallon bowfront aquariums |
Sump
size 30" x 9" x 14" |
MagDrive
9 main system pump MagDrive 9 skimmer pump |
This
compact system has been requested so many times for the narrow cabinet space of
the 72 gallon bowfront aquariums that we made it a standard
model! All the same features as our fantastic CLF1 Compact but in a longer and narrower sump format. Of course this will work on any aquarium up to 6 feet long. |
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LifeReefugiums Add a separate external LifeReefugium to your sump system. |
Much larger than those other sumps with built-in tiny
refugiums. Plus, you get separate water flow for your refugium than the sump
allowing you to tailor the refugium flow to your needs, and all from one
pump! The LifeReefugium can be added at the time you install your sump system or at a future date. LifeReefugium sizes available: (or will build custom size to fit) 12 x 14 x 18 approx 9 gallons 16 x 14 x 18 approx 12 gallons 18 x 14 x 18 approx 14 gallons 20 x 14 x 18 approx 16 gallons 24 x 14 x 18 approx 19 gallons |
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| LF1 SERIES BERLIN SYSTEMS for larger cabinets (longer
than 48") The LF1 SERIES BERLIN SYSTEMS are all noted by this blue shaded background. All systems come with the following: sump, VS2-24 protein skimmer, BlueLine 30HDX skimmer pump, BlueLine 40HDX system pump, System Manifold, foam filter element(s), all hoses, clamps, fittings, Teflon tape. Optional Media Reactors and Bio-Reactor can be added at any time and are operated off the system pump or dedicated single pump. The LF1S Series come with same as above but with the SVS2-24 in-sump protein skimmer and MagDrive 9 skimmer pump. A LifeReefugium can be added to any of these systems and will require a pump upsize to the BlueLine 70HD to run the aquarium return water and the LifeReefugium. |
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LF1-125 | Aquariums up to 48" long or 120 gallons | Sump size 25" x 14" x 14" Overall system length is 46" with skimmer and pumps. |
BlueLine 30HDX main system pump BlueLine 30HDX skimmer pump |
This system utilizes external pumps and external protein skimmer. |
| Looks just like
above but skimmer is in sumps left input chamber. |
LF1-125S (with in-sump skimmer) |
Aquariums up to 48" long or 120 gallons | Sump size 26" x 14" x 14" Overall system length is 44" with system pump |
BlueLine 30HDX main system pump MagDrive 9 skimmer pump |
This system utilizes an external system pump and an in-sump skimmer and skimmer pump. |
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LF1-150 | Aquariums up to 72" long or 180 gallons | Sump size 30" x 14" x 14" Overall system length is 54" with skimmer and pumps. |
BlueLine 40HDX main system pump BlueLine 30HDX skimmer pump |
This system utilizes external pumps and external protein skimmer. |
| Looks just like above but skimmer is in sumps left input chamber. | LF1-150S (with in-sump skimmer) |
Aquariums up to 72" long or 180 gallons | Sump size 30" x 14" x 14" Overall system length is 48" with system pump. |
BlueLine
40HDX main system pump MagDrive 9 skimmer pump |
This system utilizes an external system pump and an in-sump skimmer and skimmer pump. |
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LF1-200 | Aquariums up to 84" long or 200 gallons | Sump size 35" x 14" x 14" Overall system length is 68" with system pump located as shown in photo. |
BlueLine
40HDX main system pump BlueLIne 30HDX skimmer pump |
This
system utilizes external pumps and external protein skimmer. Dual inputs: one on each rear corner. Dual inputs reduce noise, splash, and bubbles. |
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LF1-200S Berlin System with in-sump skimmer, optional Media Reactors LF1-200S with optional LifeReefugium |
Aquariums up to 84" long or 200 gallons | Sump size 37" x 14" x 14" Main system pump can be mounted on either end of the sump or in front of the sump. |
BlueLine
40HDX main system pump MagDrive 9 skimmer pump |
This system utilizes an external system pump and an in-sump skimmer and skimmer pump. Dual inputs: one on each rear corner. Dual inputs reduce noise, splash, and bubbles. |
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LF1-300 note: photo is of an older build. Changes are black ABS covers and inputs to the sump are on top, not on back. |
Aquariums up to 96" long or 300 gallons | Sump size 40" x 14" x 14" Overall system length is 60" |
BlueLine 40HDX main system pump BlueLine 30HDX skimmer pump |
This system utilizes external pumps and external protein skimmer. Dual inputs: one on each rear corner. Dual inputs reduce noise, splash, and bubbles. |
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LF1-300S Berlin System with in-sump skimmer, optional Media Reactors LF1-300S with optional LifeReefugium |
Aquariums up to 96" long or 300 gallons | 40" x 14"
x 14" Overall system length is 40" with main system pump located in front of sump. |
BlueLine
40HDX main system pump MagDrive 9 skimmer pump |
This system utilizes an external system pump and an in-sump skimmer and skimmer pump. Dual inputs: one on each rear corner. Dual inputs reduce noise, splash, and bubbles. |
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Custom Berlin Sumps See examples here: Custom |
Do you want a special sump for your protein skimmer or do you have a design that you would like to have built? | Your sump design will be reviewed for any potential problem areas and the design will be agreed upon before starting. | Your custom sump build will be given the same attention to detail in both design and fabrication that goes into every Lifereef product. | You can take a look at just a few of the custom sump projects that have been expertly designed and built by Jeff at this link:Custom Showcase |
