Red Sea Max 250 What Do You Think?

[sprinklerman500]

Im looking to down size from my 150 gallon aga RR cause of how big it is!(Thanks To My Wife)I have a friend who is thinking about trading me his rsm250.Its a bit diffirent from what im used to but looks great!It comes with lots of extras!Im needing your thoughts on this rsm250,ty Chris

 

[hnguyen]

I'm running one right now and it's pretty neat. I always loved the way it looked but I was never a fan of T5 lighting at first. But after a few months of having it, it's starting to grow on me. A few things to keep on mind about the tank.

There's no way for you to run the system without a chiller. When I was cycling the tank, I would tuen the lights on fir maybe 3-4 hours and the water got to about 86 degrees.

The skimmer is a PITA in at first and I almost wanted to take it out and burn it to he$$. After maybe weeks of playing with it I finally got it to work without spitting out a trillion bubbles into the DT. I still get micro bubbles here and there but nothin compares to how it was.

Other then those facts, I like the tank. Everything is all in one and if you don't add any new toys to the tank, you can run the whole system off of one outlet. (that was really cool)

I keep up with my wc change so my corals and fish are healthy and happy. Coral color is great with the new ATI bulbs I have in there.


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[rskillz]

A good buddy of mine here on ARC (reeferman) ran one for years. He had SPS growing out the wazoo. There is no doubt the setup is capable of supporting just about anything. With that said, it tends to run hot (need a chiller), has a so-so skimmer, and doesn't have the greatest T5 reflectors.

 

[sprinklerman500]

Thanks for the input,it sounds pretty sweet.The tank comes with a 1/10 hp chiller.The skimmer has just been upgraded with a Deltec MC500,Geissmanns bulbs and led blue stunners.

 

[hnguyen]

Sounds like a good deal. Almost the same as my set up minus the upgraded skimmer. I wanted to keep the tank looking stock so I didn't upgrade the skimmer. Most upgraded skimmers required mods to the hood and I didn't want to do that. But be warned!! The new red sea 500 is coming out VERY soon and it is sweeeeeeeeeeet!!!!! I saw it and I'm loving it!!!


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[rskillz]

sprinklerman500;693554 wrote: Thanks for the input,it sounds pretty sweet.The tank comes with a 1/10 hp chiller.The skimmer has just been upgraded with a Deltec MC500,Geissmanns bulbs and led blue stunners.

Awesome. If the price is right--grab it!

 

[siavashv]

I have been running one for about 8 months. I like it. Although it has lots of limitations, for an all in one, I don't think much compares. But everybody's comments on here are true. You can't run it without a chiller unless you keep your house at like 68 in the summer. And even then wit the closed lid, the 6 T5's are just waaaay too hot.

The fact that it doesn't have a sump is kind of a downer because doing things like chillers, calcium reactors, and the like are very cumbersome. It is the first tank I've ever had so it is perfect for learning about the hobby. But I think if I stay with the hobby and move to a bigger residence, I will most definitely get something with a sump. But it is a beautiful tank.

I have a few threads where I have shown things that I have done like a calcium reactor, but it's tough. And Hoang is right, the skimmer is a major PITA.

Regards,
Sia

 

[reeferman]

great aio setup and you would be well ahead of the curve with the deltec and chiller,i say do it!

 

[sprinklerman500]

Thanks for the input!It seems just like what im looking for.I will be trading my 150 gallon aga with dual center overflows and matching stand canopy thats only been running for 8 or 9 months,30 gallon custum sump refuge with all plumbing,return pump,aqua medic blue skimmer,48" 6 bulb t5 light with leds.So its kind of hard to trade straight up besides hes got lots of new stuff.I think Im gonna do it?

 

[hnguyen]

That's not a bad trade. To be honest. Do you think you can sale your system now to get enough money for a new res sea max with those upgrades? If not then it's a good deal. If yes then you can trade plus cash. It also depends on the age and condition of his tank as well. You have to take all that Into consideration when trading. Only you can make that decision since your the one that has seen both systems.


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[sprinklerman500]

Any thoughts?

 

[db366]

I know your downsizing but man these will make you drool...

 

[codsack]

I've got the RSM 130D and I love it. I've done several upgrades to it. I upgraded the skimmer to the Tunze 9002 and put in a media rack. I've replaced the pumps and installed a LED kit in the stock canopy. With the T5's my temps were always around 81, but with the LED's I'm usually around 79. I may not have a sump, but my Tank is in my bedroom and you can't even hear it. I like my tank, but as you can see, I've changed everything on it that can be changed. That being said, I could have just done a custom build.

 

[sprinklerman500]

The new models look great!Thanks for the input its helped out alot.