Clearance behind Red Sea S-400/S-500?

[nag2139]

Hi all --

I'm brand new to the hobby and considering purchasing either a S-400 or S-500. The manual says that you need at least 6" of clearance behind the aquarium to allow for maintenance. Does anyone know if this is strictly necessary? I live in a relatively small apartment so if I could get away with even 3" of clearance in between the back of the tank and my wall it could very well be the deciding factor as to whether or not I can fit this tank!

Thanks all.

 

[HankstankXXL750 Verified Sponsor]

This is a 525 with 4 1/2” clearance. Makes it harder to plug and unplug things on the back, but if you can mount a power strip toward each end so you can reach them you can get away with that. Don’t know if it’s enough to help. But saves you 1 1/2”.

 

[nag2139]

This is a 525 with 4 1/2” clearance. Makes it harder to plug and unplug things on the back, but if you can mount a power strip toward each end so you can reach them you can get away with that. Don’t know if it’s enough to help. But saves you 1 1/2”.

Thanks very much for this! Seems like, if I absolutely need to, I could even make do with maybe 3" of clearance behind the tank (if it means the difference between being able to fit an S series and not being able to fit it)!?

 

[HankstankXXL750 Verified Sponsor]

If you plan to, make sure you get everything organized on the back of the stand before you fill it. Also make sure you can get to it. Like if you want your light transformers off the floor, maybe heavy duty Velcro power strips could maybe go in the cabinet but I don’t like them being there because of the moisture.

You could place them on the ends too. Not that they would be as visually pleasing, but I would put up with the cords to have the tank.

Also don’t put them on the back and then shift the tank as close to the wall as you can, because then if you have an issue you can’t unplug them.