MTC skimmer club!

[Vinny Kreyling]

The description of water circulation is correct. Make sure the black tubes are connected to the ventures (2) or water will flow out on a shut down.
A picture of the back of the unit will tell us the story of where the water enters & exits.

 

[rottloverr]

Actually, if you could post pictures from each side that would be very helpful. I haven't used a venturi skimmer (I've been using an eShopps needle wheel for a while) in a long time. But, hopefully, my old brain will be able to figure this out with you in case you can't find a manual.

Pictures as requested, I did find some more parts that I will post pictures. I can't find connections for the 2 opens on the rear picture. But at least I know that one is coming from the sump and the other is the feed back to the sump. I've looked all over the place for the manual but still no luck. I sent a PM to ca1ore because he mentioned he might have one in another thread I read so I hoping he still has it and replies.

I can't thank everyone enough for all the help with this. My stress level of having to tell the wife we need to buy another skimmer is going down. =) Here is the sump, left is a large reservoir where overflow will be plumbed and where the fleece roller will be, middle is the baffle for heater(s) and (2) Vectra L2's (1) dedicated for return and 2nd possibly feeding the skimmer, 30 g frag tank and calcium reactor and then another large reservoir where I was hoping to make it a refugium, we'll see. Comments?

Again thank you. If you want more pictures of whatever just ask and you shall receive.

 

[rottloverr]

I was also able to find this:
View attachment 32404765

Can’t find a manual though

Edit to add: not sure if it’s worth anything, but here’s the old contact info:

View attachment 32404769

 

[rottloverr]

Looking online, it appears yours would be an HSA if this reefbuilders article is accurate about manufacturing

Marine Technical Concepts MVX protein skimmer review | Reef Builders | The Reef and Saltwater Aquarium Blog

Marine Technical Concepts has been around for decades over which time they’ve become known for solid product design and build quality. They may not be the best known manufacturer in the hobby but they…

reefbuilders.com

I’m still looking to see if I can find a manual

They look similar but my receipt says:

I'm not sure of the time line for when HSA vs MKX vs Power Pro came out. You wouldn't believe how long I've been looking for a manual for this skimmer.

 

[griss]

Looks like a great start.

Oh, it's a BlueLine pump, I thought it was Panworld because it was yellow. I have forgotten about the BlueLines. Anyway, yes, that is definitely the recirculation pump.

As I suspect, the top fitting (green arrow) is to feed water TO the skimmer and the bottom fitting (yellow arrow) is to RETURN water to the sump. These fittings should be standard pvc fittings so, you should be able to get anything you need at a hardware store.

You installed the additional parts correctly. They're to "swirl" the water within the skimmer column.

Now, all we need to do is figure out the proper size pump (GPH) to feed the skimmer.

 

[rottloverr]

The description of water circulation is correct. Make sure the black tubes are connected to the ventures (2) or water will flow out on a shut down.
A picture of the back of the unit will tell us the story of where the water enters & exits.

That is good to know. Thank you Vinny.

 

[rottloverr]

I've been calling that number but it just rings a view times and then hangs up.

 

[rottloverr]

Looks like a great start.

Oh, it's a BlueLine pump, I thought it was Panworld because it was yellow. I have forgotten about the BlueLines. Anyway, yes, that is definitely the recirculation pump.

As I suspect, the top fitting (green arrow) is to feed water TO the skimmer and the bottom fitting (yellow arrow) is to RETURN water to the sump. These fittings should be standard pvc fittings so, you should be able to get anything you need at a hardware store.
View attachment 32404781

You installed the additional parts correctly. They're to "swirl" the water within the skimmer column.
View attachment 32404784

Now, all we need to do is figure out the proper size pump (GPH) to feed the skimmer.

Could I use some type of manifold on 1 of the Vectra L2 to feed to skimmer or should it be a dedicated pump?

 

[griss]

I saw your post on the other forum and I think your skimmer is similar in capacity to this one that says it needs 700 - 1000 gph feed rate.

Given that the Vectra L2 has a flow rate of up to 3100 gph, IMO a manifold would work fine for it. You'll just want to include a ball or gate valve between the pump and the skimmer to adjust the flow to you're not overflowing the skimmer.

 

[rottloverr]

I saw your post on the other forum and I think your skimmer is similar in capacity to this one that says it needs 700 - 1000 gph feed rate.
View attachment 32404785

Given that the Vectra L2 has a flow rate of up to 3100 gph, IMO a manifold would work fine for it. You'll just want to include a ball or gate valve between the pump and the skimmer to adjust the flow to you're not overflowing the skimmer.

Ok so maybe the Sicce Syncra Pro 4000 in that picture to feed the skimmer? Seems like having options is good. I already have a gate valve so either way I'm good.

Does that link work to the manual?

 

[griss]

The Sicce Syncra Pro 4000 should work fine. I’ve used Sicce pumps and they’re very reliable, IMO.

Here’s a link to the MRC Pro-III skimmer manual.

 

[Vinny Kreyling]

MTC has been out of business for some time, one of the guys passed.
I would use either the Blue Line or Iwaki 55 model.