Red Sea Max aquarium

J

Jay Young

New member
Hi there,

I was just after some general feedback. My fiance bought me a biOrb this year for my birthday (yes, yes I know, it's not the ideal environment for tropical fish, but he wasn't to know). Anyway, as a youngster I kept many tanks of both tropical and freshwater fish. As my man has now re-activated my long lost hobby, I am now seriously thinking about venturing into some sort of reef setup.

Considering the plethora of tanks and equipment I've been studying on the internet of late, I thought that perhaps a "Red Sea Max" (all in one job) would perhaps suit me to begin with. Mainly due to the convenience of the whole set-up. And the ease of accessing equipment etc.

I would appreciate any feedback about this model whether good or bad. Is this just another gimmick per se (like the biOrb) or have experienced aquarists found it cheaper/more convenient/practical etc to purchase something larger and start from scratch?

I am all ears.

Many thanks,

Jay Young
 
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Really just depends on what you want and what you're looking to get out of your tank. One of the biggest problems "newbies" have is starting small and then upgrading very quickly, thus throwing away a lot of money.

Personally I like the Nano tank all-in-ones bc they are cute and fun. But for the money you can usually do it much better buying a 20g high or something and using a retro kit. You will still be limited in nanos however on what you can keep.

As for all-in-ones, I've heard good things about Red Sea Max vs bio cubes and nano cubes. JBJ has a new MH version coming out that's the latest rave, and def something to look at before you buy.

Goodluck!
 
if you like nanos and wanna save on upgrading later, check out www.nanotuners.com

redsea max is good, but their skimmer is subpar, so it up to u really

as far as all in one kits go, i like the redsea one most, next would be oceanic biocubes, and old faithful JBJ nanocubes
 
Go for the RSM.

It's everything you need to get started and a good quality product that is worth every penny.

Good luck!
 
Well, folks tanks to all for the above information, although, I don't think I'd call the MAX a nano reef to be honest. I thought those things were smaller than my computer screen! However, compared to the size of most folks reef tanks, I suppose the MAX does resemble one. LOL.

Anyway, thanks to WinnipegDragon for the link to the blog. I shall keep an eye out for your new developments, Sir.

Keep those opinions coming though, they are much appreciated.

Jay x
 
You are quite right about it being a borderline-nano. It's really quite large, especially when you have it on the stand. It's a good 5'+ tall, and 2' square.

The best thing about the size of it is that it is very much a centre of attention when you walk into the room. A real showcase style tank.

Oh, and doing the log is no trouble at all. I've been looking forward to doing it since the idea of a reef tank dawned on my wife and I :)
 
The RSM fit my needs for space, and kept the other half happy without needing all of the external equipment hooked up, as with my FW tanks. the Prism skimmer is a bit finicky to tune in at times, but if I had it to do over again I'd still go with the RSM. Small enough to manage with minimum effort, but large enough to prevent the major swings that can happen with a really nano tank.

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And with the matching cabinet it looks nice in the family room!
 
Thanks again for the information. Just one thing though, the stand that comes with the RSM, is there any doors on it to access down below for things like storing your test kits/food etc?

Looks to me like it is just one solid unit it sits on. Correct me if I am wrong?

Jay x
 
The entire front is a door, and there is an adjustable shelf inside, plus the back is open for cabling/tubing, etc...

It's quite spacious inside. I have two buckets (one for this tank, one for my FW), scrubbers, test kits, 2 gravel vacs, refractometer and more all stored inside it.

It's a good stand.
 
Nope - the cabinet has one door and in that lower section is a shelf on top, and a big open space below the shelf. I keep my foods, test kits, etc. on the shelf, and larger items in the bottom section - my tubs of salt mix, tongs, etc. the bottom section is also big enough to put a small chiller in there if you wanted to. Here's a link to the cabinet & the Red Sea Max site:

http://www.redseamax.com/redseamax/Red_Sea_MAX_TotemCabinet.html

hope that helps.
 
Thanks for that guys. My appetite is now whetted! The only trouble now is convincing my man that I am socially inadequate for not possessing such kit.

However, what he doesn't know, is that I am going to max out my credit card very shortly! LOL.

Jay x
 
Hah! Better get a second credit card so you can max that one out on live rock, salt, test kits, fish, corals, miscellaneous odd & ends, etc., etc., etc.!!!
 
Timack,

You're not wrong there mate! Well, at the end of the day, my bloke only has himself to blame. He started all this you know. Obviously he neglected to do his homework on fishkeeping as an adiction. Mind you, one bonus of the RSM is that at least I could (possibly) train him to empty the skimmer once and a while if I am not there to do it in person. I'm sure he could manage that.

As for getting a second credit card, I've actually got 4, but what he doesn't know, won't hurt him! LOL. Keep this to yourself though.

Jay.
 
Funny! Yep - I'd think he could be trained on emptying the skimmer, Yes - fishkeeping is indeed an addiction, and in the case of reef tanks an expensive one. Just take the tank cost and multiply it by one or two and that's at least what it will be after adding live rock, corals, livestock & all the rest. But it sure is a lot more interesting & rewarding than freshwater (IMO). Shhhh on the other credit cards!
 
Hi timack,

Thanks for the reply.

I am, today, in an utter state of non-consolence, having euthanised two of my somewhat "bucked" guppy fry in a measure of vodka. Prior to this, they were either sat on the heater, or sat on an ornament in between feeding times. I obvioulsy realise that fish should be free-swimming and not lurking about per se. (They were not wearing hoodies or attracting asbos though, at the time of their demise). However, this was still a sad occasion for the fishkeeper, i.e., me.

I will probably get over it tomorrow.

Hence forthwith, and on to the more mature (if not snobbish) subject of reefkeeping.

Now where did I put that card?

Keep you posted.

Jay.
 
Very good! Might try that, but for now, just having a consolatory vodka and irn bru as a "wake" for Mr and Mrs "Buckle".

I feel a right sh*t tonight I have to say. It might be cruel to be kind, but that doesn't make me feel any better.

Cheers!

Jay x
 
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