Red Sea Max Opinions

[Bowin]

My wife and I were in the Critter a few weeks ago and as I explained to her the features of their dt she says to me "I like the cleaness of this more.". So then I told her the price of the system thinking surely it'd scare her away but her response was "I like it in white". This is when I became sure of the fact that she too is getting hooked. She is the most money conscious person I know so that fact alone has me wondering what has happened to my wife. She has mentioned the tank several times since that day. So now I'm curious to hear some of the pros and cons of the plug 'n play setup. I know I'd be losing out on the fun and satisfaction of building my own. Missing out on the excitement of equipment selection. Not being able to go as big as she has agreed to let me. So I'd like to hear opinions on whether the trade-offs are all worth it?

 

[Defective_Weeble]

When I was deciding on my next upgrade, I did a lot of looking at RSM tanks. What I found was that they are great systems, with caveats.

They tend to run pretty hot because of the enclosed system.
The lights are good, but could definitely be more efficient.
There are space/equipment limitations with the sump.
You could likely "clone" the look of an RSM with a glass tank and external sump for way less cash.

All that being said, if you want a dead-simple setup on a system that's proven to work extremely well, it's really hard to beat what Red Sea has done. Scott Morgan has some of the best color and coral growth that I've ever seen, and he's running a Max with (to the best of my memory) no modifications.

 

[Bowin]

When I was deciding on my next upgrade, I did a lot of looking at RSM tanks. What I found was that they are great systems, with caveats.

They tend to run pretty hot because of the enclosed system.
The lights are good, but could definitely be more efficient.
There are space/equipment limitations with the sump.
You could likely "clone" the look of an RSM with a glass tank and external sump for way less cash.

All that being said, if you want a dead-simple setup on a system that's proven to work extremely well, it's really hard to beat what Red Sea has done. Scott Morgan has some of the best color and coral growth that I've ever seen, and he's running a Max with (to the best of my memory) no modifications.

I've been thinking of posing my question to the forum for days now but finally decided to after reading your post on fb about lights. The lack of equipment space is something else I've been weighing but maybe something I can work around. These are good points you have brought up.

 

[Dowtish]

Having 10 T5's that close to the top of the tank a chiller is definitely in order just for peace of mind. If I were lucky enough to have one this is what I would do...

I would scrap the the skimmer for something better, add chiller, use ATI bulbs, add bio pellets and add more flow on the sides of the tank.

 

[Bowin]

Having 10 T5's that close to the top of the tank a chiller is definitely in order just for peace of mind. If I were lucky enough to have one this is what I would do...

I would scrap the the skimmer for something better, add chiller, use ATI bulbs, add bio pellets and add more flow on the sides of the tank.

Yeah, I saw some unfavorable reviews on the skimmer.

 

[CJ7]

I have the 65 Gal. the 6 t5 bulbs grow coral like crazy. I have great success with SPS and LPS. I have replaced bulbs with ATI bulbs. After adding an auto top off it stays very consistent in the skim rate. And yes a chiller is needed on these guys.

 

[CJ7]

Here is a FTS

 

[Bowin]

I have the 65 Gal. the 6 t5 bulbs grow coral like crazy. I have great success with SPS and LPS. I have replaced bulbs with ATI bulbs. After adding an auto top off it stays very consistent in the skim rate. And yes a chiller is needed on these guys.

I thought there was auto top off already included. Is that just in the S-series?

 

[JustinC]

So I got a used s650 about 6 weeks ago. The tank is still young but already have some thoughts. Got ati bulbs and really like them so far. A chiller is a must! I have my chiller set at 79 and still runs a cycle or two at night with just all the circulation pumps running. I am considering trying to turn the circulation pumps off and putting in a couple mp40s that I have and see what that does for heat. I did not like the skimmer, so I changed it out to an octopus xp3000 that I had. So far I love the tank! I would buy it again at this point.

 

[Bowin]

So I got a used s650 about 6 weeks ago. The tank is still young but already have some thoughts. Got ati bulbs and really like them so far. A chiller is a must! I have my chiller set at 79 and still runs a cycle or two at night with just all the circulation pumps running. I am considering trying to turn the circulation pumps off and putting in a couple mp40s that I have and see what that does for heat. I did not like the skimmer, so I changed it out to an octopus xp3000 that I had. So far I love the tank! I would buy it again at this point.

That's the one I'm looking at Justin. Nouane really likes it. If you don't mind, I'd like to come check it out sometime.

 

[sluicebox]

My wife and I were in the Critter a few weeks ago and as I explained to her the features of their dt she says to me "I like the cleaness of this more.". So then I told her the price of the system thinking surely it'd scare her away but her response was "I like it in white". This is when I became sure of the fact that she too is getting hooked. She is the most money conscious person I know so that fact alone has me wondering what has happened to my wife. She has mentioned the tank several times since that day. So now I'm curious to hear some of the pros and cons of the plug 'n play setup. I know I'd be losing out on the fun and satisfaction of building my own. Missing out on the excitement of equipment selection. Not being able to go as big as she has agreed to let me. So I'd like to hear opinions on whether the trade-offs are all worth it?

I'm the one who sold his RSM S-650 to Justin C. I'm glad he is happy with the tank and all the critters included in the deal. He got a really good deal on it used. In fact, he totally took advantage of a senior citizen.:bigsmile: Only joking Justin.

Any way, if you are young and can maneuver in the limited space, I'd say go for it with consideration of all the downsides already identified earlier. RSM is soon offering an LED option so if you upgrade to that option, you might not have to have the chiller which would be a good savings in initial costs, as well as, operating costs for bulb replacement and electricity.

But, if you are getting some age on you, like me, you could have a better system with a sump room and separate tank for similar $. That's what I did and now I can get to all the equipment without back aches, shoulder injuries, and a lot of foul language.

My wife initially liked the RSM system too. But, she really got tired of me spilling small amounts of water on her hardwood floors when working on the tank and using her kitchen sink to clean the skimme. Now that the tank is out of her den and in my mancave with the sump in the garage, she is really much happier and will enjoy the tank when it gets fully operational.

 

[Bowin]

I'm the one who sold his RSM S-650 to Justin C. I'm glad he is happy with the tank and all the critters included in the deal. He got a really good deal on it used. In fact, he totally took advantage of a senior citizen.:bigsmile: Only joking Justin.

Any way, if you are young and can maneuver in the limited space, I'd say go for it with consideration of all the downsides already identified earlier. RSM is soon offering an LED option so if you upgrade to that option, you might not have to have the chiller which would be a good savings in initial costs, as well as, operating costs for bulb replacement and electricity.

But, if you are getting some age on you, like me, you could have a better system with a sump room and separate tank for similar $. That's what I did and now I can get to all the equipment without back aches, shoulder injuries, and a lot of foul language.

My wife initially liked the RSM system too. But, she really got tired of me spilling small amounts of water on her hardwood floors when working on the tank and using her kitchen sink to clean the skimme. Now that the tank is out of her den and in my mancave with the sump in the garage, she is really much happier and will enjoy the tank when it gets fully operational.

This is good info. I was watching videos on retro fitting leds to then last night. I really like the sound of the optional ones instead. I'm in the mid age range, having been Justin's martial art teacher when he was a little boy. That being said, I'm flexible but aging...LOL. Thank you for taking the time to give your experience. I'm getting a lot of good things to consider.

 

[JustinC]

Ya sure thing, you can see what I've done and dig into it if you want. I'll probably put the powerheads in this week to see how hot it runs without the extra power hungry pumps going. I'll hollar at ya after I get them running so you can see both with powerheads or just internal pumps in the tank

 

[Bowin]

Ya sure thing, you can see what I've done and dig into it if you want. I'll probably put the powerheads in this week to see how hot it runs without the extra power hungry pumps going. I'll hollar at ya after I get them running so you can see both with powerheads or just internal pumps in the tank

Good deal!

 

[Acro]

They have another new one coming out with a sump and leds. I'd wait to be honest.

 

[Bowin]

They have another new one coming out with a sump and leds. I'd wait to be honest.

It wouldn't be until some time in 2015 that I make a move on my next tank. I can't justify spending that kind of money when I've got a baby coming in November. I'm researching ahead of time to decide if I want this or a 180.

 

[bknapp]

Those tanks are nice but, I enjoy the actual planning and building too much to do a AIO tank.

 

[Bowin]

Those tanks are nice but, I enjoy the actual planning and building too much to do a AIO tank.

That's one of the trade offs I've been thinking of. One of the things I love about the hobby is putting things together and making it work. Learning how to do things and making things work is an exciting part (like when you helped setup my lifereef overflow). Picking equipment is fun as well. This is a big part of why I'm asking for opinions from those with more experience. I really was thinking 180 all the way (especially with having seen you and Jay's tanks) but my wife's response to the RSM has made me a little curious. I want a "Tang tank" so that is weighing highly in my decision making also. Wondering if a 150 is gonna let me house the type of community of livestock that I'm hoping to have. I really want to plan this far ahead in advance so that I get exactly what I want this time.

Those tanks are nice but, I enjoy the actual planning and building too much to do a AIO tank.