New Reef Marine Tank Decision

MarkS · May 8, 2017

Hi

I am looking to move to Marine from Freshwater tanks after many years.

I have been looking at the Red Sea Max S 400 due to ease of maintenance due to a disability I now have. How ever reading on the reviews the space I have either side for spot is not 30 cm on the right side, about 15cm. Also is noise a problem with these tanks.

If not Red Sea what are other recommendations for a tank? Any advice welcome.

I live in NZ.

TY Mark

sebastiaan1985 · May 8, 2017

Hi Mark,
what size of tank are you looking for? And what are you planning on keeping in the tank?
And maybe consider a custom build tank? (so you can adapt for ease of maintenance with your disability?)

Have never owned a RedSea tank, but think the Reefer series are nice and have seen some good looking tanks.

Good luck,
Sebastiaan

NickNiz · May 8, 2017

+1 on the reefer series... As far as Red Sea goes I feel like the S-series is overpriced for its somewhat outdated (~5 years old?) design. As a company they are amazing... I had an RSM 250 (the older one) and it was unparalleled in terms of quality. Look into their other tanks. You might find one that has the necessary dimensions for you. Most of their larger tanks come with sumps and topoffs, and they even came out with the new peninsula tank if you can't find a spot against the wall for it!

MarkS · May 8, 2017

Hi Thnaks.

Looking for about 250 - 400l tank, preference about 350. I need one that will be easy to manage, I can get my boys to help with any heavy lifting etc.

This was going to be my retirement plan moving on from tropical, but life has retired me 15 years earlier. I have plenty of time and a lot of tropical experience and "patience" to do it slowly. Any advice would be good.

NickNiz · May 8, 2017

@MarkS

Here is the link where you can compare Red Sea models as well as their dimensions... see what will fit in your space.
http://www.redseafish.com/aquarium-systems/

Otherwise, you could always order a custom or pre-made tank. I've never don't this (I've always used all-in-ones with the exception of a 55gal from Craigslist), but it opens up opportunities for customizing it so that you don't have to do as much maintenance.

Also another bit of advice... if you do go with an all-in-one, try to find one with LEDs. I had to sell my RSM250 because my chiller broke and I couldn't make the investment in a new one. the tank would get to hot tub levels due to the pumps and T5 lighting. The LED aquariums will also be much quieter because they run cooler and won't need as much active cooling from fans. Having hot lights and a chiller will result in a lot more noise.

sebastiaan1985 · May 8, 2017

Yes, proper LED's are a good way to go, really love my Radions.

Peninsula tanks from RedSea are nice as well, and lot of easy access for easy maintenance.
I would go for a tank with a sump, to hide equipment and less distraction in the tank.

Best bit of advice, saving money on buying cheap equipment will be far more expensive in the long run. So better take it slow and buy what you really want to use.
Made that mistake far too many times, so have learned from that and from now on, I only buy brands I really trust.