New MSX or used Vertex?

PDAlber · 08/24/2009, 06:04 PM

I'm planning on puchasing a skimmer for my 90 gallon mixed reef. The question is, do I go with a used MSX 160 or a new Vertex IN100? Both are in the $200 range. Both will fit in my sump. I don't want to spend much more money and I don't have room for anything bigger. Which one should I get?

FoxyFace · 08/24/2009, 08:48 PM

I just bought a Vertex 180 skimmer about 3 weeks ago. I really like it. Super easy to maintain and set. I don't like to monkey around with stuff all the time.

ellevan11 · 08/24/2009, 09:22 PM

Both are great skimmers. I have had a vertex for about a month now and i am really happy with it. You cant really make a bad choice here. Depending on your bioload, the MSX is rated for a larger system, so think about that.

stever07 · 08/24/2009, 09:27 PM

I have the IN-100. In my opinion nothing can compare in the pricerange. Skimmed right out of the box.

flame goby · 08/24/2009, 11:14 PM

I've had a MSX 200 on my larger tank and a vertex 80 on my current 65 gal tank and have to say the vertex is easier to maintain as said earlier. I have 2 full skimmer cups each week and with the msx it was very comparable. I dont really think you can go wrong at all. Toughest part is pulling the trigger, but when you do, dont look back at all either way.

Mr. Thingdoer · 08/24/2009, 11:57 PM

I don't have experience with the MSX, but would definitely recommend the Vertex

tpenn187 · 08/25/2009, 06:15 AM

i have no experience with the vertex, but they seem nice. i have used msx and octo extreme, and i just upgraded and went with another octo extreme. they are really nice skimmers and i would recommend them to anyone.

dwilly · 08/25/2009, 09:10 AM

I have the Vertex IN 100 on my 75 and I love it! Very quiet and easy to set up and use. I had the original Octopus 200 and it was a lot of work and very inconsistent. If you are looking at the original 160, not the extreme, the Vertex kills it. Also, you have to consider any potential issues with it being used. The customer service on the Vertex is great (I bought mine from premium aquatics) and it has a 1 year warranty.

Amoore311 · 08/25/2009, 10:19 AM

Here's my MSX 160's productions on my 90 Gallon after 3 days.

And this is the typical amount of neck turd I get in the same amount of time:

ryshark · 08/25/2009, 10:30 AM

Am I suposed to be wearing gloves when I touch that"turd" stuff? I'm sure both of those skimmers would be good. I would rather buy new if the choice was mine.

Amoore311 · 08/25/2009, 11:23 AM

I always where gloves, who knows what kind of nasty garbage is in that skimmer crap. Wouldn't want any of that getting into an open cut or anything.

08/24/2009, 06:04 PM	#1
PDAlber Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Boynton Beach, FL Posts: 504	New MSX or used Vertex? I'm planning on puchasing a skimmer for my 90 gallon mixed reef. The question is, do I go with a used MSX 160 or a new Vertex IN100? Both are in the $200 range. Both will fit in my sump. I don't want to spend much more money and I don't have room for anything bigger. Which one should I get?

08/24/2009, 08:48 PM	#2
FoxyFace Registered Member Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 52	Vertex skimmer I just bought a Vertex 180 skimmer about 3 weeks ago. I really like it. Super easy to maintain and set. I don't like to monkey around with stuff all the time.

08/24/2009, 11:57 PM	#6
Mr. Thingdoer Don't ban me bro Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 955	I don't have experience with the MSX, but would definitely recommend the Vertex __________________ "I will see you there, or I will see you on another time" Current Tank Info: In progress: 57G DB EDGE, Maxspect Gyre 130, Trigger Sys Ruby 30, Reef Octopus INT110

08/25/2009, 09:10 AM	#8
dwilly Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Palatine, Illinois Posts: 475	I have the Vertex IN 100 on my 75 and I love it! Very quiet and easy to set up and use. I had the original Octopus 200 and it was a lot of work and very inconsistent. If you are looking at the original 160, not the extreme, the Vertex kills it. Also, you have to consider any potential issues with it being used. The customer service on the Vertex is great (I bought mine from premium aquatics) and it has a 1 year warranty. __________________ A little learning is a dangerous thing, but a lot of ignorance is just as bad. Bob Edwards Current Tank Info: 75 gl reef w/ 30 gl sump, Vertex In 100, 6 x 54w T5, 10 gl nano

08/25/2009, 10:19 AM	#9
Amoore311 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Ulster County, NY Posts: 2,521	Here's my MSX 160's productions on my 90 Gallon after 3 days. And this is the typical amount of neck turd I get in the same amount of time: __________________ 30 Gallon FOWLR 2004-2006 90 Gallon LPS Reef 2006-2008 180 Gallon SPS Reef 2008-20012 100 Gallon Custom Rimless Mixed Reef 2012-2014 29 Gallon Biocube Reef! Current Current Tank Info: 29 Gallon Biocube, StevesLED Upgrade, Neptune Apex

08/24/2009, 09:22 PM	#3
ellevan11 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Santa Barbara, CA Posts: 92	Both are great skimmers. I have had a vertex for about a month now and i am really happy with it. You cant really make a bad choice here. Depending on your bioload, the MSX is rated for a larger system, so think about that.

08/24/2009, 09:27 PM	#4
stever07 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Toronto Posts: 5	I have the IN-100. In my opinion nothing can compare in the pricerange. Skimmed right out of the box.

08/24/2009, 11:14 PM	#5
flame goby Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 307	I've had a MSX 200 on my larger tank and a vertex 80 on my current 65 gal tank and have to say the vertex is easier to maintain as said earlier. I have 2 full skimmer cups each week and with the msx it was very comparable. I dont really think you can go wrong at all. Toughest part is pulling the trigger, but when you do, dont look back at all either way.

08/25/2009, 06:15 AM	#7
tpenn187 Registered Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: central illinois Posts: 630	i have no experience with the vertex, but they seem nice. i have used msx and octo extreme, and i just upgraded and went with another octo extreme. they are really nice skimmers and i would recommend them to anyone.

08/25/2009, 10:30 AM	#10
ryshark Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: So. Cal. Posts: 2,169	Am I suposed to be wearing gloves when I touch that"turd" stuff? I'm sure both of those skimmers would be good. I would rather buy new if the choice was mine. __________________ 120-gallon starphire, SPS-tank, Aquamaxx CO-2 Skimmer, APEX Neptune Controller, 2x MP40w Vortechs, 2x Jebao WP25, Phoenix 175w Halides with T5 supplement, BRS Dosers.

08/25/2009, 11:23 AM	#11
Amoore311 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Ulster County, NY Posts: 2,521	I always where gloves, who knows what kind of nasty garbage is in that skimmer crap. Wouldn't want any of that getting into an open cut or anything. __________________ 30 Gallon FOWLR 2004-2006 90 Gallon LPS Reef 2006-2008 180 Gallon SPS Reef 2008-20012 100 Gallon Custom Rimless Mixed Reef 2012-2014 29 Gallon Biocube Reef! Current Current Tank Info: 29 Gallon Biocube, StevesLED Upgrade, Neptune Apex