Red Sea Max

[Shaggathai]

Redsea Max, is that as good as it looks? I hear complaints about the "lighting". "Oh geesh, it's just t5's.

It's just t5 pc's with somewhat I guess from pics, goddamn nice reflectors. That makes most of the light "where it's put".

So aside from the lighting "or wish it had it more lighting", how does the tank look for a plug and play system for someone new to saltwater and reef tanks? Does the flow system move water well (low, moderate, high?), and the skimmer handle a newbie stocking it like it's a guppy tank?

Is it plug and play enough, and quality enough, that you would recommend it to inexperianced family/friends (who live too far away for you to set up an uber system for). Curious what the experts opinions are now that it's been out for a bit.

 

[JennM]

I've seen one, but haven't tried one. IMO too rich for me.

Jenn

 

[rascole]

Just upgraded from a JBJ Aquapod to the Max. Huge difference, the Max is 10 times better, the skimmer is 10 times the size, lighting is more than enough, enough to require a chiller is the lights are on to long.

 

[JennM]

JBJ makes the "Nano Cube". Current USA makes the Aquapod, which, IMO is superior to the JBJ and I haven't tinkered with the Oceanic Biocube...

I just found the price of the Red Sea Max was a bit, ummm sticker shock for what you get.

A bigger tank is almost always easier to deal with than a larger one - so it's almost like comparing apples and bowling balls.

JMHO.

Jenn

 

[Anonymous]

Depending on the source of the apples, that may not be a bad comparisn Jenn :lol:

 

[JennM]

True enough Gresham. I actually thought the concept of the Max was a great one. I'm nust not a fan of their skimmers, particularly the Prizm but I'm glad they put the larger model on that tank. I do like the idea of one power cord to plug in, built-in heater, timer - saves money on peripheral purchases after the fact and you don't have to have a dozen cords plugged into the wall. Heck if you use Red Sea test kits there's even recesses in the hood flap so you can set your test tubes in them when you're testing.

No doubt they thought of just about everything - I just think that the price of the unit is a bit high for it to have broad appeal.

I'm always a bit leery of "latest technology" items until they've been around for a bit and users can give candid reviews.

The JBJ Nano Cube is a prime example - the concept was good, they sold like hotcakes - but the lighting was so-so, so they came up with a "Deluxe" model with more PC lighting - but then quality issues began - cracking etc., and getting warranty service on them is a pain, at least here it is.

So then Current came out with the Aquapod. Same concept, different configuration and more lighting options. I have no complaints about the one I've been running on the shop counter for a year or so. We tried the "Fission" skimmer they made for it (I think intended for use on the 24-g model) and it sucked - and I told Mike Lasky as such The thing I like about Current is they take user feedback seriously and they are always improving their products and warranty service is easy.

Red Sea I've had good experiences with, but again - I'm waiting for a while to see how people like that system, along with any technical issues, before I'm a "believer". I do like the amount of thought put into it, as I said... time will tell if it's worth the hefty price tag,

JMHO - for whatever it's worth.

Jenn

 

[rascole]

JBJ makes the "Nano Cube". Current USA makes the Aquapod

I had an Aquapod. Sorry for the little error. Don't be so picky because you said,

"A bigger tank is almost always easier to deal with than a larger one - so it's almost like comparing apples and bowling balls."

How does that make sense?

My MAX has been up for 2 weeks with a 1/10 HP chiller and it is a awesome. Can't wait for cycling to be done to get some fish. I have 30 lbs of live rock with room for at least 10 lbs or more. I added a submersible 9w UV powerhead.
I have noticed that the air valve for the skimmer needs to be turned down when using a external pump/chiller. The pump wants to pull the water out of the skimmer to fast and it will pull the fine bubbles out and into the tank.
I am using a Fluval 205 for a external pump for the added capacity and ease of access for more carbon.
I'll update when the inhabitants arrive.
JMHO.

Jenn