Looking to get a Red Sea 650 S

[fishboys]

So do any of you have the current model? If so, say I was your best friend would you talk me into it or out of buying it?

I am aware that a new skimmer would be in order as well as a reactor and a chiller if needed.

$6000.00 for a plug and play 150 gallon display w/25 sump thoughts?

I do look forward to your replies.

 

[fishboys]

Did I put this in the wrong spot or is it something that we don't discuss here? My apologizes either way?

 

[MCooper]

Didn't know this tank existed

 

[fishboys]

I would post a link but am not sure if its allowed or if they are a sponsor.

 

[dragon99]

Most people prefer to pick and choose their components (especially at that size tank) so there may not be anyone running one here.

I have a Red Sea Reefer 350, and based on my experience so far I think you'd be happy.

 

[Mark Shelly]

This model isn't too old. You can find a thread on the Red Sea Reefer series, but not the S max. I was wondering the same. One reason it may not be as popular, from my perspective, is that it doesn't appear ideal for a refugium. But it may be great for someone who needs a chiller. Since it appears may people upgrade to larger tanks, a series like the reefer allows them to work up using existing equipment without as much initial cost. That is what I might do. And some of the beginning reef keepers who bought them have had typical new-tank problems. There is a learning curve to reef keeping, an I am not there yet. I would love to see a thread on this series (Such as "Show me your Red Sea Max" as I want to know more, but since I don't have one, I won't start it.

 

[MCooper]

Go with a reefer! I have a reefer 450 and LOVE IT!

 

[bsstover]

I have the 650. I bought it about 4-5 years ago because I like the plug and play design. However, over the years I have ended up replacing most of the components (skimmer, lights, pumps, etc). You can check out my page. Ultimately I love the tank and design. If you're not very comfortable with reefing and all the components I'd highly recommend it. Especially now that they come with hydra lights. If you have experience then I'd probably recommend building your own setup. In retrospect for the money I invested in this I could have pieced a much larger system together ( we all know that when you buy a 150g eventually you want a 300g)

 

[fishboys]

I pulled the trigger, I am wondering if I will need to buy more rock, my current tank is a 44 gallon tank with a 40 breeder for my sump.

I am getting pretty excited. Thanks for any and all help.

 

[Adam G]

You will have to let us know how you like it. I have a Red Sea Reefer 525xl and am really impressed with the quality of the tank and stand. I think that you are really going to like your new tank.

In regards to needing more rock it is up to you. Two purposes for live rock: filtration and decoration. With minimalist aquascapes being my preference a 44gal loaded with live rock would be enough for me to build my aquascape with a 650 liter tank. However, with a minimal aquascape I would definitely have some other source of denitrification. There are lots of options for this other than live rock (algae turf scrubber, bio pellets, live rock or rubble in your sump, etc) Live rock is an excellent area for your denitrifying bacteria to live and 2lbs of live rock per gallon was the accepted solution for a reef tank. With all of the other means of housing bacteria or nutrient export before it becomes hazardous waste to our animals you now have some options.

So the short answer is yes it could be enough if you have other means of filtration. If you are going to skim and rely on live rock for your means of filtration a minimum of 150lbs for your size tank is what I would recommend.

 

[fishboys]

The tank is 175 gallon total w/25 gallons of that being the sump.

 

[Adam G]

Ok, so a pound of gallon with supplemental filtration would be a decent starting point. But again, people are using less and less live rock and more and more other means of filtration. I have 90lbs in my 110g and am thinking of removing about half once my refugium really takes hold. I also have a very efficient skimmer and do not feed heavy. So you will have to experiment and see what works for you.

 

[fishboys]

Ok, so a pound of gallon with supplemental filtration would be a decent starting point. But again, people are using less and less live rock and more and more other means of filtration. I have 90lbs in my 110g and am thinking of removing about half once my refugium really takes hold. I also have a very efficient skimmer and do not feed heavy. So you will have to experiment and see what works for you.

I was thinking of buying 100 lbs to start. All man made live rock. Try to rid myself of all pests. I have maybe 25 lbs clean live rock in my sump. Lots of sponges and no pests so I might use that in my new sump? I purchased a new skimmer as the one that comes stock is weak and then I bought a new reactor plus one more QD mp40 so that will give me two. The lighting is enough as is everything else I can think of. ?