Change my mind.

[05FLSTCI]

So I have a BNIB Fluval 13.5 the GF bought me. We've spent hours online comparing systems. We really like the classy look of the Red Sea Max Nano, it's an AIO system that seems to be a solid performer, we've also considered the IM Fusion Pro 2. Our dislikes with the Fluval 13.5 is that there's no matching stand, and everything we've come across looks kinda cheesy. No we're not snobs lol, just like things to flow and work good together.

What are the pros n cons of the RS Max Nano? Seems to be ready to go out of the box.

 

[Sean Clark]

This is easy; don't decide. Run both. More tanks = more better.

 

[05FLSTCI]

I guess maybe the question is, does it need upgrades right from the start like some of the others, and does the high price tag warrant the quality and construction, along with components? I know it'll need a heater, but just didn't want to drop $1200 plus and have start upgrading. Thanks.

 

[monkeyCmonkeyDo]

U can put the tank on a larger stand...
D

 

[homer1475]

IMO all red sea products are way overpriced.

 

[homer1475]

My 80G cube was a complete setup, only thing I needed to add was a heater, water, rock and lights. It was 1/2 the price of that red sea nano.

 

[05FLSTCI]

Seems like the RS is very expensive compared to similar models like the IM Fusion Pro 2 14, IM Desktop 20, or even the Waterbox 20. (We both like the Waterbox as well) We just want to make the right decision one time. My living space is on the small side so it's going to be one tank only.

Just seems there's more offers with the RS.

Thanks again.

 

[homer1475]

With red sea, your paying for the name.

Kind of like buying nike sneakers, or sketchers. Both work, both look good, both are comfortable, but one your paying for a name brand.

Buy what you like, it's going in your home afterall. Just keep in mind, 90% of red sea is marketing and hype.

 

[Noxsolaris]

With the waterbox 20 nano you get no sump and a 20g display with lighting

Red Sea nano. Larger display (34g) with sump and plumbing and lighting

My dad always says, you get what you pay for.

 

[homer1475]

With the waterbox 20 nano you get no sump and a 20g display with lighting

Red Sea nano. Larger display (34g) with sump and plumbing and lighting

My dad always says, you get what you pay for.

So an extra tank(sump) and lights are worth twice the price? Light is $229, and an sump is what another $100 if you go custom for a nano.

$1200 if you add a sump and the same light Vs $1500 for the red sea "setup". If looks over value is that important, then $300 difference isn't much.

 

[Noxsolaris]

So an extra tank(sump) and lights are worth twice the price? Light is $229, and an sump is what another $100 if you go custom for a nano.

$1200 if you add a sump and the same light Vs $1500 for the red sea "setup". If looks over value is that important, then $300 difference isn't much.

Depends on how much of your time and effort you are willing to put in. Convenience has a price as well. How many hours does it take to drill your tank for sump, route the piping, run to the store for extra parts you forgot the first time, etc. Your time has a value.

 

[homer1475]

Couple into that that red sea uses propitiatory sizing with their plumbing, and the fact you just can't run to the local hardware store to pickup a plumbing piece should something leak or break. That would factor into convenience, and your time too.

I'm not saying red sea tanks are bad, heck I almost bought one. Just pointing out some of the shortcomings and their hype.

 

[shwareefer]

Is this a first tank? Go bigger. Better stand (aluminum). Add an AI prime and a 150w heater and Bob's your uncle.

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[Duncan62]

IMO all red sea products are way overpriced.

Anything that says aquarium is overpriced. The reptile people have it worse. If you like it it's not over priced.

 

[05FLSTCI]

@shwareefer I don't have the option to go bigger or I'd go 40 or better, I had a 55 years ago with the Belgium method and loved it, my space is limited and at 20 gallons I'm over the complexes rule of 10.

The RS Max Nano, is $1225 BRS.

Max NANO Cube Complete Reef System (20 Gal)

Fully Equipped Plug & Play Nano AIO Aquarium System Rimless, ultra-clear glass Built-in AIO rear sump filtration system with all the bells and whistles Max Nano REEF-SPEC Protein Skimmer Surface skimmer with removable combs 225 Micron filter bag, sponges, and REEF-SPEC carbon 240GPH Sicce...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

I also know I save money with IM or Waterbox. Like I said, just want to it right the first time.
Thanks for all the replies.

 

[05FLSTCI]

@Duncan62 you should try riding a Harley

 

[Andresnyc93]

Go with Red Sea, the glass is much more reliable since is much thicker than most aquariums. I got the Reefer 170 and I couldn’t be happier with the quality of the aquarium glass and stand. Just plug and play

 

[05FLSTCI]

So between the GF and myself we've been kicking around the Cube and Peninsula style tanks today. Seems like everything other than RS MN 20 is out of stock. Trying to match up stands and tanks from different vendors. I stumbled upon this, and we were both WOW'd. Thoughts.