Another Skimmer thread (MSX)

[Katmanblue]

I've done a fair amount of research and am leaning toward the MSX200 because of the reviews, the company rep and the fact that it should fit in my sump. My last remaining issue is: if I'm someone who needs to consistently refer to Plumbing for Idiots or Reefkeeping for Idiots--how easy is this skimmer to use and set up. I really want a user-friendly skimmer that wont require a lot of mods and tricks to use, basically looking for a plug n play type deal. The Vertex line seemed to be that, but they are too tall for my set-up.

Thanks in advance

 

[GSMguy]

As long as the sump water level is below 8" you will be fine.

There is no plumbing needed.

 

[Katmanblue]

And as far as modifications, such as redoing mesh or replacing tubing, etc...??

thx!

 

[cobbobby]

You mean as long as the sump water is 8-10" in the skimmer area your good? They work best in 10" water. And i'd pass on the mesh and use a pinwheel. Mesh sucks : ) I'd replace the tubing with some good stuff from lowe's.

 

[HighlandReef]

tagging along

 

[Katmanblue]

Thanks for replies!

 

[USC-fan]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15470954#post15470954 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Katmanblue
And as far as modifications, such as redoing mesh or replacing tubing, etc...??

thx!

I would go ahead with bigger airline tubing and get the large purple Pinwheel. but its an $36 ship upgrade but i think its worth it.

http://www.reefspecialty.com/Protei..._64/p407/ATB-Sicce-Pinwheel/product_info.html

 

[cobbobby]

In 10" water the msx pw is pulling 30-32scfh, the ppw pulls 34-36scfh but has a hard time starting. They are generally quiet as can be though, so it may be worth 36bux. Key is running those skimmers is 10" water level.

 

[Katmanblue]

Someone said the only dumb questions are the ones not asked so here goes. What does a pinwheel do and what do I do with it (goes in skimmer or pump??)

 

[HighlandReef]

a pinwheel is exactly that a wheel with a bunch of pins sticking out on what they call needle wheel pumps, they are for the skimmer pumps
it chops up the air/water and makes a bunch of fine bubbles...without getting too techi

 

[Katmanblue]

not to be too obtuse (too late, I know)....but does it just attach to the pump? inside the pump? any install instructions?

 

[Hal]

The pinwheel is the impeller. If you were to do the mod yourself, you'd pull out the stock impeller and insert your new pinwheel/needlewheel. MSX will generally do it for you if they have the parts on hand and you ask them to do so. However I don't think they stock/sell the purple pinwheel.

Do a search on "purple pinwheel" or "PPW". They're having some cracking issues right now.

 

[Katmanblue]

thanks Hal, and everyone else that responded. That helps a lot--ordering the MSX200 today with the standard factory pw. My skimmer compartment in the sump is 11" and I have plenty of room to fit it and still raise it an inch of the bottom if necessary.

 

[HighlandReef]

reefspecialty has the purple pinwheels and they are a sponsor

 

[Katmanblue]

nothing good happens fast....skimmer ordered from Marine Solutions (RC sponsor ), but wont get it till Wed..... <sigh>

 

[scott11]

i have heard of issues with the PPW. If you want easy- just run the stock pinwheel. Thats what I do, never have any start-up issues and it skims well. I would advise a thicker air hose.

 

[Katmanblue]

that's what I decided to do after more reading on the web/reviews. Keeping the stock pw, upgrading tubing.

 

[Txcowboy22]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15476431#post15476431 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Katmanblue
thanks Hal, and everyone else that responded. That helps a lot--ordering the MSX200 today with the standard factory pw. My skimmer compartment in the sump is 11" and I have plenty of room to fit it and still raise it an inch of the bottom if necessary.

I would set it at 11''. I had my msx in 11'' and it skimmed great!