Help choose- ATI 200 BM or MSX

j4mypets · 01/24/2009, 07:45 AM

For my 180- FOWLR med to heavy bioload ( also in case we ever decide to turn to reef)

I have done so much reading and was going to go with the MSX but have fears after reading about all the start up problems and the mesh and pinwheels mods.

We are new to the whole sump and skimming, so I am afraid if we had start up probs and things we need to modify, we wouldn't know how to fix them.

Does the ATI have the same issues?

Also please let me know where the best place to purchase is for both.

Thank you!!!

johnnyblaze313 · 01/24/2009, 07:55 AM

They have the exact same pump so yes if someone is having issues with the msx there going to have issues with the ati.

A properly meshed sicce should have 0 startup issues also the pinwheels definitely shouldn't have startup issues at all.

j4mypets · 01/24/2009, 07:59 AM

johnnyblaze- I don't think I was aware they had the same pump- thanks for letting me know that.

So if thats the case I should just stick with the MSX needlewheel.
Its cheaper.

Anybody know who has the best price on them?

Logzor · 01/24/2009, 09:29 AM

Marine solutions sells them. They are a local sponsor to our reef club and are very good people. I think they are pretty competitive on price and they have the best service around if you have any skimmer related question.

BLANKENSHIP76 · 01/24/2009, 09:39 AM

ATI does a much better mod on the pumps and the volutes are completely different.

I have had both skimmers and the ATI is modded much better and the sicce pump will not rewuire any tinkering with ATI, however with MSX I had to "tinker" with the pump regularly yo get it started.

However once running they perform about the same. I can't stand having to mess with pumps, so ATI was a good choice for me, but for the $200 difference MSX is a better value.

viggen · 01/24/2009, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Logzor
Marine solutions sells them. They are a local sponsor to our reef club and are very good people. I think they are pretty competitive on price and they have the best service around if you have any skimmer related question.

they are not a sponsor of my local club

..... I prefer buying elsewhere even though they are 5 minutes from my house.

I will spare you the details

Logzor · 01/24/2009, 10:50 AM

This person is asking for advice.....

kerem · 01/25/2009, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by j4mypets
For my 180- FOWLR med to heavy bioload ( also in case we ever decide to turn to reef)

I have done so much reading and was going to go with the MSX but have fears after reading about all the start up problems and the mesh and pinwheels mods.

We are new to the whole sump and skimming, so I am afraid if we had start up probs and things we need to modify, we wouldn't know how to fix them.

Does the ATI have the same issues?

Also please let me know where the best place to purchase is for both.

Thank you!!!

fyi, ATI does not use sicce pumps anymore.

http://www.atiaquaristik.com/index.php?id=92,0,0,1,0,0

they started to use eheim pumps a little while ago after many complaints with the sicce pumps.

ask your vendor if they have received the new versions.

Fitchguy · 01/25/2009, 12:53 PM

i have a bubblemaster 250 that is a year old that I would sell you for $600. If you are interested. I am upgrading to a 450 gallon and was trying to find a Reeflo Orca. Let me know

01/24/2009, 07:45 AM	#1
j4mypets Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Maine Posts: 452	Help choose- ATI 200 BM or MSX For my 180- FOWLR med to heavy bioload ( also in case we ever decide to turn to reef) I have done so much reading and was going to go with the MSX but have fears after reading about all the start up problems and the mesh and pinwheels mods. We are new to the whole sump and skimming, so I am afraid if we had start up probs and things we need to modify, we wouldn't know how to fix them. Does the ATI have the same issues? Also please let me know where the best place to purchase is for both. Thank you!!!

01/24/2009, 10:50 AM	#7
Logzor Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Kenwood, Ohio Posts: 4,073	This person is asking for advice..... Last edited by Logzor; 01/24/2009 at 11:01 AM.

01/25/2009, 12:53 PM	#9
Fitchguy Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Huntington Beach, California Posts: 689	i have a bubblemaster 250 that is a year old that I would sell you for $600. If you are interested. I am upgrading to a 450 gallon and was trying to find a Reeflo Orca. Let me know __________________ Go Big or Go Home!! "Hard Work Pays Off Later, Procrastination Pays off Right Now!"--Thomas Jefferson Current Tank Info: After a big loss in the Hobby, Trying to slowly get back into it!

01/24/2009, 07:55 AM	#2
johnnyblaze313 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Detroit, MI Posts: 420	They have the exact same pump so yes if someone is having issues with the msx there going to have issues with the ati. A properly meshed sicce should have 0 startup issues also the pinwheels definitely shouldn't have startup issues at all.

01/24/2009, 07:59 AM	#3
j4mypets Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Maine Posts: 452	johnnyblaze- I don't think I was aware they had the same pump- thanks for letting me know that. So if thats the case I should just stick with the MSX needlewheel. Its cheaper. Anybody know who has the best price on them?

01/24/2009, 09:29 AM	#4
Logzor Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Kenwood, Ohio Posts: 4,073	Marine solutions sells them. They are a local sponsor to our reef club and are very good people. I think they are pretty competitive on price and they have the best service around if you have any skimmer related question.

01/24/2009, 09:39 AM	#5
BLANKENSHIP76 Moved On Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Indianapolis Posts: 827	ATI does a much better mod on the pumps and the volutes are completely different. I have had both skimmers and the ATI is modded much better and the sicce pump will not rewuire any tinkering with ATI, however with MSX I had to "tinker" with the pump regularly yo get it started. However once running they perform about the same. I can't stand having to mess with pumps, so ATI was a good choice for me, but for the $200 difference MSX is a better value.