msx 250 vs. cone

[sowellj]

I'm currently in the planning phase of setting up a 180 (figure ~ 240 total gallons). Originally, I was going to go w/the msx 250 but am having second thoughts. I plan on running a probiotic system so an oversized skimmer will be needed. So I guess the question is ... are the cone skimmer (all are around 900) worth the extra 500-600 dollars? Thanks in advance.

 

[jmjohnson]

For the extra money, you get a much better pump, and arguably a better design. Will both work? Yes. Do you "need" a cone? Probably not.

 

[tufacody]

My SWC 1A is skimming about 300 gallons and I couldn't be happier. I'd say its defintiely worth it.

 

[BNS77]

My buddy currently has the MSX 250. I just purchased a cone from Marine Solutions. It's going on 120, so I tell you how it compares to his.

 

[BlueStag]

We have similar sized tanks. I just picked up a SWX 1A Cone, and I can say from a performance perspective the answer is YES! The 250 1A is setting the standard higher for skimmers. From a money perspective, if you want a skimmer to skim like this. Than YES!

 

[sjm817]

As you posted, you are comparing a $380 skimmer to a $900 skimmer which is a huge difference. Both will skim very well. With the cone, you have the option of getting an Askoll pump which I really like. Its quiet, powerful and no fuss.

I did a DIY and put one on my MSX250 and it seems to work ok.

 

[GSMguy]

Ok, looks like it works very well Scott

 

[BlueStag]

Scott good point. Your skimmer is working very well.

 

[sjm817]

Thanks Nick and James. Yeah, I'm pretty happy with it. It skims like a beast.

Without getting into mods and all, the MSX250 with the Sicces is -IMO- the best performing skimmer you can get for the $. This sort of performance for under $400 was unheard of not too long ago. A cone skimmer is the latest thing. People have fantastic results with the ATB skimmers and now the SWCs as well. Its up to you if that is worth the extra $.

This was with running Sicce MW. Worked well too.

 

[sowellj]

thanks everyone for chiming in. I am still a ways away from pulling the trigger on anything and I am sure the data will continue to come in on the cone skimmer. I am trying to avoid buying something marginal, then a few months later spending more money on what I should have gotten in the first place.

 

[jmjohnson]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15023580#post15023580 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by sowellj
thanks everyone for chiming in. I am still a ways away from pulling the trigger on anything and I am sure the data will continue to come in on the cone skimmer. I am trying to avoid buying something marginal, then a few months later spending more money on what I should have gotten in the first place.

That is inevitable. No matter what you buy, a manufacturer will ALWAYS come out with something newer and better.