Red Sea Max Owners Club
- Thread starter JohnL
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Thanks everyone. As for the return pump I have been looking at the Hydor SELTZ L30 Pump 320 gph from marine depot. I am just trying to keep things as simple as possible since I can't do much physical wise right now until I am all healed up from my surgery. I think this is the route I am going to go with a sump/fuge I had found a guy on ebay that actually lives close to me who custom makes hang on fuges and had thought about having him make one to fit on the back of my max by just removing the rear cover door and letting it hang off of there but was concerned about the weight and the fact that basically the kit he sells is just the plexiglass piece and tubing precut and I would have to glue it all together myself.
Reefmack
In Memoriam
Squille - that's a lot of rock! I was up to about 60 lbs. once, but that was after an initial 50 plus about 10 more that came in with corals attached to pieces of rock. Sounds like you may be in for a big cycle with that much uncured rock. Time to start measuring ammonia and nitrites, and then nitrates. Good luck & let us know how it goes.
Brent - thanks for jumping in with the return pump information. I was hoping you would. I'm copying & pasting & saving your comments in case I need the info. myself in the future.
Brent - thanks for jumping in with the return pump information. I was hoping you would. I'm copying & pasting & saving your comments in case I need the info. myself in the future.
Brent F
In Memoriam
If it looks good to you, it has enough rock.
The guideline is 1 - 1.5 lb per gallon. Live rock varies in density so a lb of one type will go further than a lb of another.
If you plan on adding corals already attached to rock starting with a little less than you want is a good idea. I bought one zoa colony that came on a 10 lb rock
The guideline is 1 - 1.5 lb per gallon. Live rock varies in density so a lb of one type will go further than a lb of another.
If you plan on adding corals already attached to rock starting with a little less than you want is a good idea. I bought one zoa colony that came on a 10 lb rock
DontXtripNfall
New member
So I plan to clean my RSM glass soon b/c I have guests coming over on sunday to watch the broadway show Wicked. I know that a metal spoon will do the trick with coraline and a rough "made for glass" sponge will get rid of the stuck on green algae. Does anyone know of certain brands of sponges that they use/recommend? Any tips on what not to do or helpful hints.. etc?
Hi all.
Ive been running the RSM for a week now.
So far, every day I've been adding a little of Biozyme .
Since day 4, I've add 6.5ml of every day. Two Little Fishes Sea Elements I turn off the skimmer for 30 minutes when I add this aditive.
I Have a few questions.
1.- Where it should be the water level on the skimmer.
At this time the water level is about 1/2" from the top of the skimmer body.
So far no foam at the collection cup.
2.- Microbubles
I did all the things that said in the RSM site about the microbubles, but I haven't been able to locate the problem.
The problemis for sure on the pumps side. The skimmer does not contribute at all.
How can I check if the pumps are working properly?
BTW, I have some Diatom Brown Alge since day 3, and now is seams to be all over the place.
Thank you
Ive been running the RSM for a week now.
So far, every day I've been adding a little of Biozyme .
Since day 4, I've add 6.5ml of every day. Two Little Fishes Sea Elements I turn off the skimmer for 30 minutes when I add this aditive.
I Have a few questions.
1.- Where it should be the water level on the skimmer.
At this time the water level is about 1/2" from the top of the skimmer body.
So far no foam at the collection cup.
2.- Microbubles
I did all the things that said in the RSM site about the microbubles, but I haven't been able to locate the problem.
The problemis for sure on the pumps side. The skimmer does not contribute at all.
How can I check if the pumps are working properly?
BTW, I have some Diatom Brown Alge since day 3, and now is seams to be all over the place.
Thank you
This post is so massive I have been going through it forever. I am trying to find the information that was post quite a while back about the pump mod using one maxi jet and tubing. If anyone can just send me the info it would be greatly appreciated. Also does anyone know a cheap place to order the totem stand in silver? I didn't get a stand when i bought my max I have it currently on a wrought iron/stone stand that I love but with my plans to add a sump/fuge I am thinking the stand would be much more visually appealing.
NaCl+H2O Fish
New member
Doing GREAT!
Doing GREAT!
"BTW, I have some Brown Diatom Algae since day 3, and now is seems to be all over the place."
Tank is cycling well from what I am reading from your post!:rollface:
A Brown Diatom Algae Bloom is a "Martha Stewart" Good Thing!
You haven't told us yet how your water is testing????
Keep in mind there is really nothing to "skim" without a bio-load... fish, snails, etc.... since your not feeding anything yet!
Time to start a modest "Clean Up Crew"! CUC!
How appropriate.... That I would recommend to YOU my favorite Algae Pigs!.... 4 - Mexican Turbo Snails to start working on the Brown Diatom Algae! IMHO... don't be "tempted" to do a CUC "package"!!!
GO SLOW and add as you go! Snails need enough to eat TOO! 
My other favorites are the sand stirring, detritus eating Nassarius Snails and the "I don't care where I eat.. in the sand or up on the glass" Cerith Snails! :lol:
Be careful with hermit crabs... or any crab! A couple of Emerald Crabs are generally well behaved, for crabs, and just algae pickers!
Just a few ideas....
Kent a.k.a. NaCl+H2O Fish
Doing GREAT!
Arreola -
"BTW, I have some Brown Diatom Algae since day 3, and now is seems to be all over the place."
Tank is cycling well from what I am reading from your post!:rollface:
A Brown Diatom Algae Bloom is a "Martha Stewart" Good Thing!
You haven't told us yet how your water is testing????
Keep in mind there is really nothing to "skim" without a bio-load... fish, snails, etc.... since your not feeding anything yet!
Time to start a modest "Clean Up Crew"! CUC!
How appropriate.... That I would recommend to YOU my favorite Algae Pigs!.... 4 - Mexican Turbo Snails to start working on the Brown Diatom Algae! IMHO... don't be "tempted" to do a CUC "package"!!!
GO SLOW and add as you go! Snails need enough to eat TOO! My other favorites are the sand stirring, detritus eating Nassarius Snails and the "I don't care where I eat.. in the sand or up on the glass" Cerith Snails! :lol:Be careful with hermit crabs... or any crab! A couple of Emerald Crabs are generally well behaved, for crabs, and just algae pickers!
Just a few ideas....
Kent a.k.a. NaCl+H2O Fish
NaCl+H2O Fish - so far the here are the readings
SG - 1.023
PH - 8.3
Nitrate - 30 (+-)
Nitrite - 0.1
Ammonia - 0.25
ALK - 2.1
I do not have a very acurate testing kit, just the one that came with the RSM Sarter Kit.
So nothig to skimm = no foam.
I will try to cut the black foam to 2" to see if I can correct the microbubles.
Thank you
SG - 1.023
PH - 8.3
Nitrate - 30 (+-)
Nitrite - 0.1
Ammonia - 0.25
ALK - 2.1
I do not have a very acurate testing kit, just the one that came with the RSM Sarter Kit.
So nothig to skimm = no foam.
I will try to cut the black foam to 2" to see if I can correct the microbubles.
Thank you
Reefmack
In Memoriam
DontXtripNfall - Don't you have a mag scraper for the regular green algae? If it's only green algae in the corners a handle type sponge like this might be better than a spoon for the corners (be sure to get one for glass - the sponge will be harder).
For tough green algae a SS bladed Kent type or razor bladed scraper would do the job. Razor better for coralline, or the tablespoon for coralline in the corners - just my opinions on what works best for me.
Arreola It's been so long since I used the RSM skimmer that I can't help much with your questions, but maybe someone else can offer some pointers on the water level. Keep in mind that skimmers can take a week or more to "break in" and in a new tank you may not have enough bio-load to skim anything. The bubbles should also diminish some as the skimmer gets enough bio-load to start skimming. Wait a few more days before worrying about it too much. On the 2 pumps be sure that the bottom pieces are on tight - they can separate or fall off pretty easily. The diatom algae in normal, and ugly, and will eventually start going away, possibly replaced by green hair algae - another pain to put up with. I wouldn't run your lights more than 6 hours for a while - the diatom loves light and you may have noticed it's less in the morning and worse after the lights have been on all day.
brycek - here's a link to the Maxijet mod:
Maxijet Mod
Can't help you with the totem cabinet - just search on the net for the Red Sea Max tank & check out the dealers & prices. Keep in mind there's only so much space in the RSM cabinet and a lot of the sumps/fuges commonly available may be too big to fit in it. Also keep in mind the height needed for any skimmer you might put in the sump, and how much clearance is needed above it to remove the cup. If I could do it over I would have put my tank on a larger cabinet. Too late now. The dimensions of the RSM cabinet are 24" high (without the shelf in), very close to 22" wide, and 18" deep.
For tough green algae a SS bladed Kent type or razor bladed scraper would do the job. Razor better for coralline, or the tablespoon for coralline in the corners - just my opinions on what works best for me.
Arreola It's been so long since I used the RSM skimmer that I can't help much with your questions, but maybe someone else can offer some pointers on the water level. Keep in mind that skimmers can take a week or more to "break in" and in a new tank you may not have enough bio-load to skim anything. The bubbles should also diminish some as the skimmer gets enough bio-load to start skimming. Wait a few more days before worrying about it too much. On the 2 pumps be sure that the bottom pieces are on tight - they can separate or fall off pretty easily. The diatom algae in normal, and ugly, and will eventually start going away, possibly replaced by green hair algae - another pain to put up with. I wouldn't run your lights more than 6 hours for a while - the diatom loves light and you may have noticed it's less in the morning and worse after the lights have been on all day.
brycek - here's a link to the Maxijet mod:
Maxijet Mod
Can't help you with the totem cabinet - just search on the net for the Red Sea Max tank & check out the dealers & prices. Keep in mind there's only so much space in the RSM cabinet and a lot of the sumps/fuges commonly available may be too big to fit in it. Also keep in mind the height needed for any skimmer you might put in the sump, and how much clearance is needed above it to remove the cup. If I could do it over I would have put my tank on a larger cabinet. Too late now. The dimensions of the RSM cabinet are 24" high (without the shelf in), very close to 22" wide, and 18" deep.
NaCl+H2O Fish
New member
MJ 1200 mod...
MJ 1200 mod...
But , here is another use of the MaxiJet 1200 to exchange out the right hand or interior stock pump and attach a Koralia Hydor-Flo. Originally posted by Y-DesygnGuy.... I have been very pleased with this mod EXCEPT having the MJ1200's 20W power draw (HEAT!) in the tanks water!
A piece of the RSM's black filter foam is used to wedge/press the 1200 forward and an 8" tubing extension is underneath the empty chamber to control micro bubbles and draw water from deeper in the back. The tubing is secured to the pump with a 12" cable/zip tie because of the tubings weight....
Here is the Koralia Hydor-Flo press fit onto the MJ1200's output...
Hydor Koralia 1 in the background.
Great Flow!
Kent a.k.a. NaCl+H2O Fish
MJ 1200 mod...
brycek - Not quite sure what you are looking to do????
But , here is another use of the MaxiJet 1200 to exchange out the right hand or interior stock pump and attach a Koralia Hydor-Flo. Originally posted by Y-DesygnGuy.... I have been very pleased with this mod EXCEPT having the MJ1200's 20W power draw (HEAT!) in the tanks water!
A piece of the RSM's black filter foam is used to wedge/press the 1200 forward and an 8" tubing extension is underneath the empty chamber to control micro bubbles and draw water from deeper in the back. The tubing is secured to the pump with a 12" cable/zip tie because of the tubings weight....
Here is the Koralia Hydor-Flo press fit onto the MJ1200's output...
Hydor Koralia 1 in the background.
Great Flow!
Kent a.k.a. NaCl+H2O Fish
DontXtripNfall
New member
Terry - I ordered the JBJ scraper a few days ago but it's ground shipping so I need a quick fix to make it somewhat more presentable. I have a Mag Float but that is only good for fresh algae on the glass. Every time I wipe the diatoms off with the Mag Float I feel like I'm in a Claritin D commercial. I don't have razors...
Reefmack
In Memoriam
DontXtripNfall - I've heard some use an old credit card to scrape off algae. Do you have any old credit cards, drivers licenses or similar stiff plastic cards around? I even get suitable fake ones in my junk mail at times. Any hardware stores close by? You might get a razor scraper there - not designed for tanks, but just rinse it off well when done or they'll corrode quickly. And don't cut yourself LOL!
Thanks everyone, all the help is greatly appreciated.
Reefmack, I think I have decided to go with a ten gallon set up and will be using the tunze nano doc 9002 skimmer when ever I get the thing...still on back order from marinedepot. here is a link to what i am considering
http://cgi.ebay.com/REFUGIUM-FILTER...hash=item170241750518&_trksid=p3286.m14.l1318
Reefmack, I think I have decided to go with a ten gallon set up and will be using the tunze nano doc 9002 skimmer when ever I get the thing...still on back order from marinedepot. here is a link to what i am considering
http://cgi.ebay.com/REFUGIUM-FILTER...hash=item170241750518&_trksid=p3286.m14.l1318
Reefmack
In Memoriam
brycek - I have a very similar sump/fuge kit for an old 10g tank I have. My kit is still in the box - I've yet to install the baffles. It's one of those plans on hold. Before you put the baffles in be sure you have enough room for the skimmer & whatever return pump you'll be using.
Before you put the baffles in be sure you have enough room for the skimmer & whatever return pump you'll be using.
NaCl+H2O Fish
New member
A Few Suggestions....
A Few Suggestions....
Yes.... no critters... nothing to skim! You can turn it off for now.
Keep in mind that these are MY OPINIONS!!!
Many have resulted from the GREAT ADVICE I have received here!!!! I believe you asked about some testing equipment previously???
The RSM starter kit has several good, useful things.... BUT for this "ana"l Biology Degree holder, the RSM hydrometer / thermometer is a toy!!! Invest in Reefmack's recommended digital thermometer ... pinpoint.
Also, I strongly recommend that you invest in a REFRACTOMETER to replace the RSM hydrometer! I am THRILLED with my RHS-10ATC refractometer! Less than $ 50.00 from a midwest internet site.... It adjusts for temperature and reads out in p.p.t. of salinity.... a bit finer scale Specific Gravity.
Test kits have been a spirited discussion here with members arguing for their personal favorite brand...
I wanted ease of use, a result that was clear to read and test ACCURACY! For me use the Seachem Marine Basic! Easy to use and yields a clear result. Not ALL tests will be easy for a given manufacturer! So for more "esoteric" tests, do research!
OK! The water parameters you posted suggest a tank that is mid-way through it's cycle..... Mine took 3 weeks to the DAY!!!
JUST MY OPINION....
I like to see 35p.p.t. ~= 1.0256 S.G. of salinity.
pH looks good at 8.3!
Calcium should be 420 - 450ppm.
Alk should be higher.... use something like Kent Marine Pro-Buffer dKH OR Kent Marine Purple Up
As Reefmack told me.... it is FREE AMMONIA that is most dangerous... No Ammonia is good!!!! ZERO is the best number!
Zero is also the best number for Nitrite and you Nitrate reading shows cycling tank!
IMO!!!! You RSM is looking very good and coming along just fine! :thumbsup:
Kent a.k.a. NaCl+H2O Fish
A Few Suggestions....
Arreola - It is all of OUR pleasure to help you get started!!!!
Yes.... no critters... nothing to skim! You can turn it off for now.
Keep in mind that these are MY OPINIONS!!!
Many have resulted from the GREAT ADVICE I have received here!!!!
I believe you asked about some testing equipment previously??? The RSM starter kit has several good, useful things.... BUT for this "ana"l Biology Degree holder, the RSM hydrometer / thermometer is a toy!!! Invest in Reefmack's recommended digital thermometer ... pinpoint.
Also, I strongly recommend that you invest in a REFRACTOMETER to replace the RSM hydrometer! I am THRILLED with my RHS-10ATC refractometer! Less than $ 50.00 from a midwest internet site.... It adjusts for temperature and reads out in p.p.t. of salinity.... a bit finer scale Specific Gravity.
Test kits have been a spirited discussion here with members arguing for their personal favorite brand...
I wanted ease of use, a result that was clear to read and test ACCURACY! For me use the Seachem Marine Basic! Easy to use and yields a clear result. Not ALL tests will be easy for a given manufacturer! So for more "esoteric" tests, do research!
OK! The water parameters you posted suggest a tank that is mid-way through it's cycle..... Mine took 3 weeks to the DAY!!!
JUST MY OPINION....
I like to see 35p.p.t. ~= 1.0256 S.G. of salinity.
pH looks good at 8.3!
Calcium should be 420 - 450ppm.
Alk should be higher.... use something like Kent Marine Pro-Buffer dKH OR Kent Marine Purple Up
As Reefmack told me.... it is FREE AMMONIA that is most dangerous... No Ammonia is good!!!! ZERO is the best number!
Zero is also the best number for Nitrite and you Nitrate reading shows cycling tank!
IMO!!!! You RSM is looking very good and coming along just fine! :thumbsup:
Kent a.k.a. NaCl+H2O Fish
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