ASM vs MSX

[flame goby]

I currently have a ASM G3 on my 90 gal with 20 gal sump heavy bio load and was curious what people thought if the MSX 200 would outperform my current G3 ASM skimmer ? ANy advise would be greatly appreciated. My Current skimmer seems to skim ok but its al that I've ever owned so not sure if it really is good or not. Tank is about 2 years old.

Cheers !!

[kdblove_99]

MSX is alot better skimmer in every aspect IMO

[A sea K]

I agree with kdblove_99.
I've had both the ASM G-4+ and the MSX 200. IMO as kdblove stated the MSX is supperior in every aspect.

[flame goby]

so the msx 200 is better then the g4+ ? wow it should totally outdo my g3 then.
A sea K what size tank do you have yours running on ?

[xtm]

MSX has a more efficient Sicce pump and better built as far as materials are concerned. Due to the nature of the mesh wheel, they both can have startup problems.

[flame goby]

what type of start up problems? and any fix for the problems ?

[chevegan]

Originally posted by xtm
MSX has a more efficient Sicce pump and better built as far as materials are concerned. Due to the nature of the mesh wheel, they both can have startup problems.

I bought an MSX to replace my ASM. They come with BOTH pinwheel and mesh impellers.

Use the pinwheel, it's slightly less performance with waaay less headaches. The mesh can rub inside causing some start up issues sometimes. Not worth it IMO

[JBuffetReefer]

I had a G3 and replaced it with a MSX200. I like it more than the G3. It is easier to adjust the water level and not have to get your hands wet.

I haven't noticed a difference in performance between the MW and PW but alot of people swear by the MW. If the mesh isn't done right, it doesn't perform well and will not startup right, and these skimmers aren't typically meshed right from the company. Apparently the new MSX skimmers come with both so this isn't too big of a deal, however the sicce pump is not easy to take apart, which makes messing with the MW a pain in the butt.

Also keep in mind that the owners of MSX have day time jobs and aren't very responsive to phone calls and emails. This will suck if anything is wrong with the skimmer when you get it. It will probably take a week or two to get any replacement parts.

You will have a faster response on this forum with any questions than from them IME.

[flyyyguy]

Originally posted by JBuffetReefer
I It will probably take a week or two to get any replacement parts.

that sure beats the heck out of the "never" that some poor guys are getting out of that one very expensive skimmers support lately lol

[flame goby]

wel I pulled the trigger and ordered the 200 today. Glad to hear others have replaced there ASM's with the same version. Kinda justifies my decision

[A sea K]

Originally posted by flame goby
so the msx 200 is better then the g4+ ? wow it should totally outdo my g3 then.
A sea K what size tank do you have yours running on ?

Yes It should totally outdo the G-3
I had long since gotten rid of my ASM and was using an ER 8-3 on my system when all the raves started about the MSX skimmers. I decided to try one to see what the all the fuss was about but due to sump size restrictions I could only use the 200. I was impressed with the skimmer but it was not quite enough to handle my fairly heavy stocked 210 so I sold it and went back to my ER skimmer. I was so impressed with the Sicce pump that I use it now on my ER skimmer instead of the Eheim.

The factory mesh will almost certainly need to be re-done as is the case with most of these unless things have changed since March when I got mine. Last I was aware of the pinwheel was'nt capable of the same performance as the mesh but for your system I would certainly think the pinwheel version will be more than adequate and give a more relliable performance without the tedious task of fine tuning the mesh.

[flame goby]

thank you everyone for your help.