Skimmer, Lifereef vs MTC

hkgar

hkgar

Active member
I have pretty much decided on a Venturi style skimmer and am now debating between the Lifereef vs3-36 external and the MTC HSA-1000 (or the HSA-500).
Prices are $529 and $650. Neither include a pump but I believe I can use my Sicce 4.0 with either.

Anyone have any comparative data between these two?
 
You will need a pressure pump for the MTC. I have the VS3-36 and suggest more than a Sicce 4.0, if you want to stay with a Sicce go with a 5.0. I have a Fluval Seas SP4 ( 1800 gph) mated with a Mazzei 1078 venturi and I like the results

here is a link to the Life Reef Skimmer club and it has a lot of good info concerning Life Reef skimmers
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2399643
 
I have an MTC. If you want to compare this to LR you have to compare to MTC's venturi skimmer what you are looking at is a Beckett. The venturi performs better to me.

I have both a LR and MTC venturi skimmer and the MTC is better in performance, workmanship, and materials used.

I had their single venturi and now have their dual venturi. I'll post some pictures when I get to my computer.

I'm not saying LR is not good, I'm just saying that it is not as good.

Btw, you can take a look at a thread called "Bucking the skimmer trend" for some other info about the skimmer.
 
Here are assorted pictures. The skimmer height on this skimmer is 48". This is a recirculating dual mazzei venturi with a Blueline 40HD pump. I adjust a small feed pump to about 1.5 times the tank volume.

I took some pictures to illustrate the build quality and thickness of the materials. Acrylic is 3/8" as opposed to 1/4" (2/8") for Lifereef.

















 
ken6217 said:
Btw, you can take a look at a thread called "Bucking the skimmer trend" for some other info about the skimmer.
Click to expand...

Bah, the chap who started that thread doesn't know what he's talking about :lol: Got to go with one of those super-compact micro needle wheel skimmers that can handle 1,000 gallons ... while only consuming 10 watts.

In all seriousness, I'm with Ken - MTC make really nice stuff. I'm very happy with my venturi unit. As a prior owner of the HSA-1000, I too prefer the PowerPro venturi.
 
bayoupr said:
Never heard of a powerpro.
Click to expand...

Ah, sorry, I guess I'm 'dating' myself. 'PowerPro' was the name MTC gave to their initial venturi designs prior to releasing the HSA line. These newer venturi designs still use the same basic principles, just with better implementation of pump (Blueline versus the original QuietOne, aka, UnreliableOne) venturi and overall build quality.
 
ca1ore said:
Ah, sorry, I guess I'm 'dating' myself. 'PowerPro' was the name MTC gave to their initial venturi designs prior to releasing the HSA line. These newer venturi designs still use the same basic principles, just with better implementation of pump (Blueline versus the original QuietOne, aka, UnreliableOne) venturi and overall build quality.
Click to expand...

Didn't PeeWee Herman do that? :D
 
Maybe in the old days that was what it was. It is a mazzei. Take a look at the pictures above.
Click to expand...

I know what a mazzei looks like, that's what I use. But there is a PowerPro venturi and its sold for hot tubs. I was wondering what the difference was between the two.
 
bayoupr said:
I know what a mazzei looks like, that's what I use. But there is a PowerPro venturi and its sold for hot tubs. I was wondering what the difference was between the two.
Click to expand...

Wrong company then. Powerpro venturi for hot tubs has nothing to do with MTC skimmers.

I had one of their earlier Power Pro skimmers around 1994 and it was a mazzei back then but with a Quiet One pump.
 
Wrong company then. Powerpro venturi for hot tubs has nothing to do with MTC skimmers.
Click to expand...

I was confused. I thought that a one time MTC used this type and was trying to figure out the difference between the two.
 
I have 3 questions

1. I looked on th MTC site and there is no option for a venturi skimmer, Is that something they offer?

2 Do you have any pictures of the skimmer on your system in use besides the close up shots of the collection cup/neck you have posted

3. What Mazzei injectors are you using?
 
azjohnny said:
I have 3 questions

1. I looked on th MTC site and there is no option for a venturi skimmer, Is that something they offer?

2 Do you have any pictures of the skimmer on your system in use besides the close up shots of the collection cup/neck you have posted

3. What Mazzei injectors are you using?
Click to expand...

I don't know why they didn't list it on their website. I had spoken to them in the Spring and asked if they still make this skimmer and they said they do. They said they are planning on updating their website once once they come out with some smaller single venturi models.

I don't know what model Mazzei venturi's they are other than that they are 3/4".

Here is a pic. Fits well between the tank and bookcase. :)

 
azjohnny said:
Do you have any pictures of the skimmer on your system
Click to expand...

Same skimmer as in Ken's pictures with the exception that I had MTC make me a longer body.



Fed one of those New Era feeding rings just before taking the photo - kills foam production for about an hour.
 
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