Which tank?
- Thread starter Reef_Obsessed
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Ol' Salty
New Member
If money is not a deciding factor, then go with the max. They are about the same tanks. Max is the fully loaded model. What size you thinking about? They are both nice looking tanks! To much up front price for me. I would love to purchase a new tank like those, but I find used tanks for steals and repurpose them.
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Reef_Obsessed
Active Member
I want to go big....say 100+ gallons. It certainly is a lot of money! I want to go new though...I live in Japan so finding something used would not be easy. I love the whole plug and play concept...they have a very neat/clean look and I don't think I'm skilled enough to accomplish that buying piece by piece. I have to think about it a lot more.
11cmortarman
Active Member
I personally like the reefer series. I just prefer the clean look of rimless.
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Reef_Obsessed
Active Member
I also love the rimless, but am afraid of the seams loosening. I may just be worrying about nothing, because I'm a big worry-wort!
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Reef_Obsessed
Active Member
Here's a thought now...if the Reefer XL 525 costs around $2500 and you still have to buy lights, protein skimmer, return pumps, etc., etc., wouldn't it be cheaper just to get the Max S Series that comes with all that for $4700 or is there something else to this?
11cmortarman
Active Member
2200$ will get you need in terms of lights, return pump, and protein skimmer that you want and not what the manufacture sends you. In my opinion you cant loose with either tank.
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Reef_Obsessed
Active Member
If I can get the Reefer with all the necessary equipment for the price of the Max, basically it would be a choice of which system I like better....I think I will go for the Reefer, because I would love to try the rimless
Antics
Valuable Member
If you’re considering getting a Reefer or Max S-series you really should ignore the cost of them because the price really isn’t relevant to the choice. In the size you’re talking about, you can make a pretty amazing aquarium out of anything given a $4,000 budget.
The Max-S series of Red Sea aquariums are geared toward people who enjoy the hobby but don’t particularly want to get their hands dirty so to speak. The systems are all in one, have been designed to support mixed reefs and provide everything a healthy aquarium needs. This is a great choice for someone who wants to buy fish and coral and feed their aquarium.
The Reefer series offered by Red Sea is specifically geared towards enthusiasts. Red Sea offers this line for people who want a beautiful rimless tank and stand but don’t want to pay the premium of custom work from various builders in the hobby. They offer low iron, thick glass, and black silicon with inserts to protect seams. The tanks look and feel very well built and I wouldn’t worry about Reefers having seam failure.
If you want to be able to research the exact lighting or skimmer or return pump or plumbing manifold and reactors, the Reefer is the obvious choice. If you don’t want to have the freedom to design the aquarium filtration or lighting, then go with the Max-S because your life will be much easier and you know you’re buying a complete product.
The price difference between them isn’t really relevant because it depends on your equipment goals. If you want all top end equipment then yeah, your aquarium is going to end up costing more than the similarly sized Max series. However, in that scenario the comparison is meaningless because you’re comparing stock mass production to borderline elitism equipment choices.
I personally own a Max aquarium but I am in the process of ordering and setting up a reefer as well. You can’t go wrong with either, but from personal experience I would 100% recommend the Reefer because of the aesthetic of rimless as well as having a lot more freedom in choosing what components to use for your lighting and filtration.
The Max-S series of Red Sea aquariums are geared toward people who enjoy the hobby but don’t particularly want to get their hands dirty so to speak. The systems are all in one, have been designed to support mixed reefs and provide everything a healthy aquarium needs. This is a great choice for someone who wants to buy fish and coral and feed their aquarium.
The Reefer series offered by Red Sea is specifically geared towards enthusiasts. Red Sea offers this line for people who want a beautiful rimless tank and stand but don’t want to pay the premium of custom work from various builders in the hobby. They offer low iron, thick glass, and black silicon with inserts to protect seams. The tanks look and feel very well built and I wouldn’t worry about Reefers having seam failure.
If you want to be able to research the exact lighting or skimmer or return pump or plumbing manifold and reactors, the Reefer is the obvious choice. If you don’t want to have the freedom to design the aquarium filtration or lighting, then go with the Max-S because your life will be much easier and you know you’re buying a complete product.
The price difference between them isn’t really relevant because it depends on your equipment goals. If you want all top end equipment then yeah, your aquarium is going to end up costing more than the similarly sized Max series. However, in that scenario the comparison is meaningless because you’re comparing stock mass production to borderline elitism equipment choices.
I personally own a Max aquarium but I am in the process of ordering and setting up a reefer as well. You can’t go wrong with either, but from personal experience I would 100% recommend the Reefer because of the aesthetic of rimless as well as having a lot more freedom in choosing what components to use for your lighting and filtration.
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Reef_Obsessed
Active Member
Thank you so much for your well-written response. As you mentioned, with the Max,I love that I don't have to make the choices. I've had a little 20G, but no 'real' gear; therefore, my experience w/ skimmers, lights, and plumbing is minimal at best. I'm sure I can find the answers here with the many many good, experienced members! I am really swaying towards the Reefer. I love the sleek look of the rimless.
My stock ideas are this:
Tangs- Yellow-Eye Kole, Yellow and Purple
O. Clown or P. Clown
Blue Throat Trigger
Other smaller inhabitants
I am really fond of movement so soft corals, LPS are my favorites, but I would like to try my luck with some SPS as well.
Antics
Valuable Member
I think you would like the 425 XL (4 foot) or 525 XL (5 foot) tanks. The XL series is the same size length wise but they are a few inches wider and the sumps are slightly larger. Return pump, skimmer, reactors, and lighting can all be researched and discussed at length on these forums. People will love to give you their own opinions. I believe you said you were in Japan right now? I don't know how common saltwater fish stores are there but I imagine they will also have a good selection due to proximity of a lot of wholesalers. I'd check them out and see if you like LED or T5's more as far as lighting.
Check out this thread if you do choose to get a Reefer. It's full of information, pictures, and users who have similar aquariums and have tried lots of different ways to be successful. Hope it helps!
Check out this thread if you do choose to get a Reefer. It's full of information, pictures, and users who have similar aquariums and have tried lots of different ways to be successful. Hope it helps!
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Reef_Obsessed
Active Member
Yep, I'm in Japan. Any LFS are quite a drive so most of my stuff is going to have to be delivered. I visited one store a week ago to check out the live stock. They didn't have a huge selection but the quality was nice...ill attach some pics. Prices appear similar to the US. Thanks for the thread!
Antics
Valuable Member
I'm surprised there aren't more LFS in Japan. They're really close to most of our wholesalers in Fiji and the Phillipines. I'm assuming you work in Japan, are you paid in dollars or yen? I'm not sure on the current exchange rate but I figure it could make for a hidden discount!
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Reef_Obsessed
Active Member
Most of the big LFS are around Tokyo and Osaka. I'm no where near them. I'm in the north suburbs! I am paid in Yen and right now, the Yen is just a little more than the US dollar.
I like with the Max the powerboard is hidden away in what I believe is a lockable draw particular as have young kids but unfortunately in Aust was quoted a $6k (AUD) difference btwn the led s-series and that of a Reefer....sadly for me it made the decision for me.
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Reef_Obsessed
Active Member
Ok all...thanks for the ideas! The Red Sea Reefer it will be! I also love the rimless look and the price is far cheaper than the Max. I will begin looking into the necessary components to purchase with it! I will post my build, piece by piece, once I begin! It may be a while, but being prepared definitely boosts efficiency!
Slammedtoys
Community Member
Glad this post was started. I am in the same position in consideration of both tanks. I would like to buy the largest system they have but really only want to do a large FOWLR tank.
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Reef_Obsessed
Active Member
If you're not looking to build a reef tank, then a reefer is perfect for because you can pick any light you want...you don't have to worry about specific brands for coral. I would like to do a FOWLR, but I know soon after my tank was established, I would get the coral itch!
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Reef_Obsessed
Active Member
Oops, I meant to say, if you are looking to build a FOWLR
