MTC skimmer club!

[aclinville]

Just like all other Clubs why not on mtc.
They are a great company who provides great customer service. My story is when I bought a used hsa 1000 skimmer and it needed some tlc. After calling the company and needing some parts he was very helpful and not to mention the quality build of their products. I'm looking to get the word out their if anybody else loves their products

 

[muttley000]

I have had a MTC HSA1000 up and running for a few weeks now and it is doing great. I had a broken gate valve and Jeff took care of me. I currently have it skimming about 375 gallons with another 250 coming on line by end of year. I am running an Iwaki Md55rlt pump on the set up.

 

[MisterP]

Who knows what the differences are between the MVX and the HSA250?

What ratings in gallons are these for?

 

[bayoupr]

The MVX is a Mazzei Venturi skimmer and the HSA250 is a beckett skimmer.

 

[MisterP]

Thanks. Forgive my ignorance but which is better or what would be one reason to go with one over the other?

 

[jason2459]

This club needs more posts, pictures, and videos. :beer:

 

[JWClark]

Interesting. I just found an MTC on craigslist--I think it is a HSA1000--for $150 but it needs a pump (and who knows if anything else).

Here is a pic. Does this look complete? I'm wondering about the pipe running up the middle--whether that is normal or not. No idea how old this is.

Thoughts?

 

[ca1ore]

It's a very old unit. Looks like the HSA1000 I owned close to 20 years ago. All depends on the price I suppose. It has the old style Beckett that was sealed in and could not be properly cleaned. MTC offered an injector retrofit kit that would be required for this unit. Main pipe running down the middle was not ideal (thus the external version on current models) but not a major problem.

Gate valve is missing, plus some plumbing, and the waste collector is DIY; otherwise looks complete. I'd be tempted for $150. Check MTC site for the cost of the injector kit ($100) and a good gate valve is going to be $45 or so.

 

[jason2459]

It looks really clean

 

[JWClark]

It's a very old unit. Looks like the HSA1000 I owned close to 20 years ago. All depends on the price I suppose. It has the old style Beckett that was sealed in and could not be properly cleaned. MTC offered an injector retrofit kit that would be required for this unit. Main pipe running down the middle was not ideal (thus the external version on current models) but not a major problem.

Gate valve is missing, plus some plumbing, and the waste collector is DIY; otherwise looks complete. I'd be tempted for $150. Check MTC site for the cost of the injector kit ($100) and a good gate valve is going to be $45 or so.

Thanks, I figured this out after posting. I also found an old ad by, I think, the same guy on our local club site asking $100 last year.

My main worry was the internal beckett and how much maintenance this would require--I have seen some of your other posts w/ your beast skimmer. I don't need it now but will have a 5-600gal total volume system (400gal display) when we build the retirement house 5-7 yrs from now.

I am going to pick up a pair of Sifiligoi XR-6 units though, would just need one more. Can't beat $400 each, including bulbs and ballasts, for never used units.

 

[ca1ore]

My main worry was the internal beckett and how much maintenance this would require.

Problem was you couldn't properly clean it - which is why MTC redesigned the injector assembly and made it available as a retrofit option.

 

[JWClark]

Problem was you couldn't properly clean it - which is why MTC redesigned the injector assembly and made it available as a retrofit option.

Yeah, think I'll wait for a newer one to come along. I have plenty of time to collect.

 

[jason2459]

I'm looking at the MVX and trying to figure out where I can wedge one in. What is the diameter of the lid?

 

[jason2459]

Guess I'll just have to buy one to get some pictures in this thread.

 

[moondoggy4]

^^^^ And use a tape measure as well. They look taller than 26''.

 

[twinreef]

Is this company still in business? I have called a bunch of times this pass week with no answer. I emailed them last week and still have not received an a response.

 

[jason2459]

I emailed a couple questions last week and haven't gotten a reply back yet. I figure they don't check email often and was going to call them soon.

 

[ca1ore]

They're a small, two-brother business that essentially makes to order (and has other interests). Calling by phone is best.

 

[jason2459]

They're a small, two-brother business that essentially makes to order (and has other interests). Calling by phone is best.

Yep, I wasn't to worried about not getting an email reply.

I keep going back and forth between getting the 36" and mount it beside the sump which would make the bottom of the skimmer below the bottom of the sump and the outlet to have to go up and over the side of the sump. I'd have to build a shelf for it to sit on and would take up room in my already tight sump room.

Or get the 30" and not have to do anything but put it in the sump. I've got just over 34" above the sump.

 

[Jayreefer]

I have a 28" clearance in my stand and am looking at the 26" MVX. If it will handle my 240 with 60 gal sump. It has a light bio load now but will ramp up to high with time.

Any idea on how they are rated for tank size?