EuroReef or MSX?

BigJay · 05/06/2008, 09:43 AM

If you had to choose between the MSX200 and the EuroReefRS180, what would you pick? Of all the skimmers I researched, those are my current favorites and they are roughly within the same price range (4-500.00).

The EuroReefs are built solid and work well without having to dink with them. They won't break if I drop the cup in the sink, and I can run ozone if I want to.

The MSX series probably performs a bit better, but you have to dink with the mesh mods once every so often. I'm not sure how this will run unattended, and I'm concerned about startup issues if I ham-fist the mesh mod.

I've never owned a skimmer, so I don't even know if they are in the same class performance-wise.

Any advice would be appreciated.

JRaquatics · 05/06/2008, 09:52 AM

Since you are new to skimmers I would suggest the Euro Reef RS 180, it will be easier to use and maintain. The MSX is a strong performer and is still a solid build, but the may have to tink with the mesh every now and then. If you feel confident in messing with the pump/mesh then go for the MSX. Either way it will be a learning experience for you.

Jim_S · 05/06/2008, 10:11 AM

There is really no doubt that the MSX is the more powerful of the two. They draw in a ton of air, and is probably quieter than the ER.

I'm just not a fan of mesh wheels and the sicce pumps they use. I will not buy a skimmer if it comes with those pumps.

Others love them though. A couple guys in my local club have them and are very happy with the results.

It all just a matter of preference.

skimmy · 05/06/2008, 11:01 AM

the euroreef rs-180 sucks big time...
because of the rustly loud pos gen -x 6000 pump they put on it.
unless you have the eheim upgrade then dont even bother.

so, yes, msx all the way baby.
save yourself some cash, headache, and enjoy some nice performance.

and btw, those skimmer bodies are both made in the same factory in china (honya shenizen) so one isnt going to be much stronger than another...
i wouldnt run ozone though your skimmer at all, or get a used pos skimmer to run your ozone through

GSMguy · 05/06/2008, 11:02 AM

MSX>>> ER RS series

GSMguy · 05/06/2008, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Jim_S
There is really no doubt that the MSX is the more powerful of the two. They draw in a ton of air, and is probably quieter than the ER.

I'm just not a fan of mesh wheels and the sicce pumps they use. I will not buy a skimmer if it comes with those pumps.

Others love them though. A couple guys in my local club have them and are very happy with the results.

It all just a matter of preference.

Jim, i would never own a sedra or genx powered skimmer (RS Series) they are much bigger pieces of crap than the Sicce in fact i dont love mesh but the Sicce is a good pump .

luke33 · 05/06/2008, 12:04 PM

The only way i'd run a ER over the msx is if i had to have an external recirc. For in sump use i'd go with the msx all the way. Yes you may have to mess with the mesh initially, but after you make a solid meshmod, that will take you 10min, you shouldn't have to mess with it for well over a year. In a year's time, the genx pump from the ER may have rusted and leaked stray voltage in your tank. I've owned 3 genx's and all three rusted.

SirToppemHat · 05/06/2008, 12:14 PM

Luke, is that your MSX200 in your gallery? I'd like to get one for my new 120, but my skimmer-side-sump footprint is only 11x16. I could remove one of the baffles but that would leave only the middle-raised one and the other bottom-flush one. Any thoughts Luke?

luke33 · 05/06/2008, 12:24 PM

No, thats a skimmer from a couple yrs back i modded. The msx200 will fit in that section. You just have to turn the standpipe a bit. I recirculated my msx200 so its a bit different than stock.

luke33 · 05/06/2008, 12:27 PM

In the last pic you can see how i have the standpipe turned in to make it a 10x13.5" footprint. HTH

kdblove_99 · 05/06/2008, 12:38 PM

I have owned a RS180 and now own a MSX 200.

I by far would take the MSX over the RS180 no doubt about it.

I dont think there is one thing i liked better about the ER. I guess i am the lucky one my pump has been plug and play since i got it

BigJay · 05/06/2008, 02:03 PM

Thanks for the feedback everyone, it sounds like the MSX200 is the way to go.

So hardly anyone has any stop and restart issues with the MSX? That's great if that's the case.

tygger · 05/06/2008, 02:06 PM

Does anyone have a pic of what the MSX mesh wheel?

kdblove_99 · 05/06/2008, 02:14 PM

Check out the MSX thread it has all kinds of pics

luke33 · 05/06/2008, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BigJay
Thanks for the feedback everyone, it sounds like the MSX200 is the way to go.

So hardly anyone has any stop and restart issues with the MSX? That's great if that's the case.

You only have startup issues if you want them. Meaning more mesh than recommended = startup probs. You can pull 4-50scfh fine without startup issues.

Jim_S · 05/06/2008, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by GSMguy
Jim, i would never own a sedra or genx powered skimmer (RS Series) they are much bigger pieces of crap than the Sicce in fact i dont love mesh but the Sicce is a good pump .

You know what they say opinions right

chewie · 05/06/2008, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by GSMguy
Jim, i would never own a sedra or genx powered skimmer (RS Series) they are much bigger pieces of crap than the Sicce in fact i dont love mesh but the Sicce is a good pump .

Have you used either skimmer?

GSMguy · 05/06/2008, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by chewie
Have you used either skimmer?

no, but i have seen enough first hand problems here on this board to know better than buying anything with a sedra/genx

they are pretty simple designs not something you really have to use to understand.

Jim_S · 05/06/2008, 02:26 PM

So you're saying that the sicce's don't have any problems?????

C'mon dude....

luke33 · 05/06/2008, 02:29 PM

Jim, the sicce's set up correctly don't have probs. Set them up wrong and your going to be one frustrated person.

The genx/sedra/king/ecoplus are pretty dummy proof

Sedra being the less rust bucket, king and eco being the worst and genx inbetween.

GSMguy · 05/06/2008, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Jim_S
So you're saying that the sicce's don't have any problems?????

C'mon dude....

C'Monn dude, Sicce pumps work fine on Tunze, ATI, ORCA, and MSX skimmers.

sometimes people mess up the mesh but they are good pumps

chewie · 05/06/2008, 02:35 PM

The Sicce's are relatively new to the skimmer niche. They haven't been without problems either. There's a few issues with the way they come in stock form from MSX. A little tinkering usually solves the issues.

To say the Sedras are a pile of crap without ever using one is a little over the line IMO. I have a Sedra 3500 that is 4+ years in service. Same impeller. No restart issues, no swollen magnet, no rust, and it is as quiet as my Eheim.

I'll cut you some slack on the gen-x though, I can't believe ER is still using them.

chewie · 05/06/2008, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by luke33
Jim, the sicce's set up correctly don't have probs. Set them up wrong and your going to be one frustrated person.

The genx/sedra/king/ecoplus are pretty dummy proof

Sedra being the less rust bucket, king and eco being the worst and genx inbetween.

Less rust bucket?

Show me a pic of 1 rusted Sedra.

kdblove_99 · 05/06/2008, 02:37 PM

I agree only issues i have seen on this board with siccis is when they r not meshed correctly

luke33 · 05/06/2008, 02:38 PM

Sicce's have been around for 2+ years fwiw. Sedra's have been hit or miss imo. The sedra and ko's will pull some good air but its not worth the problems they will cause along with noise. To each there own though as many things work for all of us differently.

05/06/2008, 09:43 AM	#1
BigJay Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Southlake, Texas Posts: 1,872	EuroReef or MSX? If you had to choose between the MSX200 and the EuroReefRS180, what would you pick? Of all the skimmers I researched, those are my current favorites and they are roughly within the same price range (4-500.00). The EuroReefs are built solid and work well without having to dink with them. They won't break if I drop the cup in the sink, and I can run ozone if I want to. The MSX series probably performs a bit better, but you have to dink with the mesh mods once every so often. I'm not sure how this will run unattended, and I'm concerned about startup issues if I ham-fist the mesh mod. I've never owned a skimmer, so I don't even know if they are in the same class performance-wise. Any advice would be appreciated. __________________ PBITAWA

05/06/2008, 10:11 AM	#3
Jim_S Timo Boll Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 5,333	There is really no doubt that the MSX is the more powerful of the two. They draw in a ton of air, and is probably quieter than the ER. I'm just not a fan of mesh wheels and the sicce pumps they use. I will not buy a skimmer if it comes with those pumps. Others love them though. A couple guys in my local club have them and are very happy with the results. It all just a matter of preference. __________________ We will survive in this world of competition, shooting guns and our ammunition... Bradley Nowell Current Tank Info: We're recreating the ocean in our livings rooms. With that said, I've had some ups and downs.

05/06/2008, 11:02 AM	#5
GSMguy Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Northern New Mexico Posts: 17,420	MSX>>> ER RS series __________________ Nick. Conehead. Shallow Reef club. Current Tank Info: 48"x27"x14" Envision Acrylic rimless, 6x39w ATi Sunpower, Custom ATB Deluxe Skimmer, 4x tunze nano stream,ATB flowstar 1500, ACJR, Tunze osmolator.

05/06/2008, 02:03 PM	#12
BigJay Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Southlake, Texas Posts: 1,872	Thanks for the feedback everyone, it sounds like the MSX200 is the way to go. So hardly anyone has any stop and restart issues with the MSX? That's great if that's the case. __________________ PBITAWA

05/06/2008, 02:06 PM	#13
tygger Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Northern VA Posts: 1,631	Does anyone have a pic of what the MSX mesh wheel? __________________ 15g Nano 72g reef + 29g sump/fuge

05/06/2008, 09:52 AM	#2
JRaquatics Awaiting Email Confirmation Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: On RC Posts: 3,609	Since you are new to skimmers I would suggest the Euro Reef RS 180, it will be easier to use and maintain. The MSX is a strong performer and is still a solid build, but the may have to tink with the mesh every now and then. If you feel confident in messing with the pump/mesh then go for the MSX. Either way it will be a learning experience for you.

05/06/2008, 11:01 AM	#4
skimmy T3am Zissou Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Galactic Sector ZZ9 Plural Z Alpha Posts: 1,123	the euroreef rs-180 sucks big time... because of the rustly loud pos gen -x 6000 pump they put on it. unless you have the eheim upgrade then dont even bother. so, yes, msx all the way baby. save yourself some cash, headache, and enjoy some nice performance. and btw, those skimmer bodies are both made in the same factory in china (honya shenizen) so one isnt going to be much stronger than another... i wouldnt run ozone though your skimmer at all, or get a used pos skimmer to run your ozone through

05/06/2008, 12:04 PM	#7
luke33 Moved On Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Indiana Posts: 8,375	The only way i'd run a ER over the msx is if i had to have an external recirc. For in sump use i'd go with the msx all the way. Yes you may have to mess with the mesh initially, but after you make a solid meshmod, that will take you 10min, you shouldn't have to mess with it for well over a year. In a year's time, the genx pump from the ER may have rusted and leaked stray voltage in your tank. I've owned 3 genx's and all three rusted.

05/06/2008, 12:14 PM	#8
SirToppemHat Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 472	Luke, is that your MSX200 in your gallery? I'd like to get one for my new 120, but my skimmer-side-sump footprint is only 11x16. I could remove one of the baffles but that would leave only the middle-raised one and the other bottom-flush one. Any thoughts Luke?

05/06/2008, 12:24 PM	#9
luke33 Moved On Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Indiana Posts: 8,375	No, thats a skimmer from a couple yrs back i modded. The msx200 will fit in that section. You just have to turn the standpipe a bit. I recirculated my msx200 so its a bit different than stock.

05/06/2008, 12:27 PM	#10
luke33 Moved On Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Indiana Posts: 8,375	In the last pic you can see how i have the standpipe turned in to make it a 10x13.5" footprint. HTH

05/06/2008, 12:38 PM	#11
kdblove_99 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Frederick,CO Posts: 8,683	I have owned a RS180 and now own a MSX 200. I by far would take the MSX over the RS180 no doubt about it. I dont think there is one thing i liked better about the ER. I guess i am the lucky one my pump has been plug and play since i got it

05/06/2008, 02:14 PM	#14
kdblove_99 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Frederick,CO Posts: 8,683	Check out the MSX thread it has all kinds of pics

05/06/2008, 02:26 PM	#19
Jim_S Timo Boll Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 5,333	So you're saying that the sicce's don't have any problems????? C'mon dude.... __________________ We will survive in this world of competition, shooting guns and our ammunition... Bradley Nowell Current Tank Info: We're recreating the ocean in our livings rooms. With that said, I've had some ups and downs.

05/06/2008, 02:29 PM	#20
luke33 Moved On Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Indiana Posts: 8,375	Jim, the sicce's set up correctly don't have probs. Set them up wrong and your going to be one frustrated person. The genx/sedra/king/ecoplus are pretty dummy proof Sedra being the less rust bucket, king and eco being the worst and genx inbetween.

05/06/2008, 02:35 PM	#22
chewie Registered Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: Portland OR Posts: 1,170	The Sicce's are relatively new to the skimmer niche. They haven't been without problems either. There's a few issues with the way they come in stock form from MSX. A little tinkering usually solves the issues. To say the Sedras are a pile of crap without ever using one is a little over the line IMO. I have a Sedra 3500 that is 4+ years in service. Same impeller. No restart issues, no swollen magnet, no rust, and it is as quiet as my Eheim. I'll cut you some slack on the gen-x though, I can't believe ER is still using them.

05/06/2008, 02:37 PM	#24
kdblove_99 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Frederick,CO Posts: 8,683	I agree only issues i have seen on this board with siccis is when they r not meshed correctly

05/06/2008, 02:38 PM	#25
luke33 Moved On Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Indiana Posts: 8,375	Sicce's have been around for 2+ years fwiw. Sedra's have been hit or miss imo. The sedra and ko's will pull some good air but its not worth the problems they will cause along with noise. To each there own though as many things work for all of us differently.