New tank!!

[andrew]

http://reefbuilders.com/2011/10/12/red-sea-max-s-400-500-650/

Were looking at getting one of these. The red sea 500. need opinions on what you guys think. Its a set up were everything comes with it, and i mean everything The sump, pumps, protein skimmer, lights, even ATO. I was a little leery on the things cause i know how some packages can be. Please check this out and give me some feedback on what you guys think? Ive been reefing now since i was 15 and now im 17 and some, so 2 1/2 years and I know the right equipment to get for a tank and what to look for. I would like some advice though on the lights( 10,54 watt t5HO) and the protein skimmer it comes with. Im also thinking I could probably do everything myself and set it a tank up cheaper, but just as nice. Has anyone used these before, any problem you see?

 

[lpsouth1978@msn.com]

I have never used the Red Sea Max aquariums. I would try and get everything on my own and set up a similar design. The thing you are really getting with that setup is the styling. It would be VERY difficult tho get the styling of that system, putting it together on your own.

As for the equipment that it comes with, The lighting (10 - 54 watt T5's) would be a good lighting choice, assuming that they used good reflectors. However, I have yet to find a stock skimmer that is up to the job. I think that the AIO systems are generally made to handle the minimum. If you are keeping any sensitive corals, or a heavy bioload, that skimmer would probably need to be replaced.

My advise... Go with a custom setup that way you can control the design and equipment quality. For the ~$4500 you would spend on the Red Sea Max S500 you could build yourself a KILLER system.

Whatever you decide, GOOD LUCK.

 

[kmellon]

I have been watching these systems since they were announced and i have a 130. a few of the issues i have with the 130 are resolved in the S series. Open top, heavy duty skimmer, nice layout, connections for accessories to include a space for a chiller. The lighting, although t5, is an awesome concept. Anyone here able to flip their lights out of the way and both not blind yourself and yet still have light to work in the tank and be able to get into the space? I would love to see them add the ability to utilize a controller though.

I chose to try and piece the equipment together for a 120 with starfire glass (s series has similar). I might save myself some money, but I started this process about a month ago and still don't have everything i need, primarily because i am trying to pick up used parts and roll from paycheck to paycheck. If i would have bought everything new, i would be up and running but not that far off from the price of a similar S series.

Will i think my system will look great when it is running? Yes. Will i have LED lighting? Yes. Will I have saved my self some money? Yes. Will I have a closed loop system? No. Will I have space for a chiller or ATO? No. But I just viewed one of these at Seascapes in Colorado Springs and it is really nice and running. Oh, by the way, i ended up with one of the C-Skim 1800's that i picked up cheap for my system.

If your are in the neighborhood, Check it out at seascapes aquatics on Academy in Colorado Springs. I'm sure someone has one up in Denver.

 

[andrew]

I like the tank and am looking at it, but I still still think the money we spend on that could be put to use and personally could make a better tank system than red sea business. What I would like is just the style, the sump, tank, ATO system, stand, and the plumbing and the pumps, not the lights or the protein skimmer.

 

[Lowenbrau]

How do you like the C-Skim?

 

[andrew]

lol just went there yesterday and saw the system, she promoting her stuuf corectly but the advice and information she gives is not what may be accurate

 

[Cake_Boss]

Holy price tag Batman!

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[matt.radich]

Holy price tag Batman!

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+1 to that haha

 

[jahmic]

Holy price tag Batman!

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Lol...the first comment in that link says it all. I'd much rather piece together a system at that price-tag.

 

[andrew]

im thinking i could do one even better and still save $500 or so. Has anyone heard about ATI t5 being pretty good for growing stonies. I was gonna go with that light system

 

[Dr.DiSilicate]

Ati t5 = great stony growth!

 

[kmellon]

Still waiting for a few more pieces, plumbing hook up, and then placement. I will pass along my thoughts on it in the future though.

How do you like the C-Skim?