Red Sea Max 250

[brian]

I have been thinking about upgrading my tank lately. Then two nights ago my fiancée called me while I was on a trip because my Tunze water level alarm was going off. Seems my CPR overflow failed again and this time I am away so I cant fix it until I get back. I walked her through shutting all the sump components off while keeping the PHs running. With all the traveling I do I was thinking about getting a simpler system that would be more "foolproof". That is why I was thinking about the Red Sea Max 250. However, I have read a lot of bad press about them. One of my main concerns is that many say they are loud. I was wondering if anyone has any experience with these that could offer a first hand account.

Brian

 

[acroholic]

Hey Brian,
Red Sea just relased a new Max 500 (116 gallon) you may want to look at. Pure Reef in Alpharetta has a Max 250 they just set up in the store, so you can see for yourself how loud it is. I think they are quiet, however.

Link:

 

[brian]

Thanks, I'll stop by Pure Reef to see.

 

[weaglereefer]

I think any fully enclosed system that has proper ventilation/fans will be kinda loud.

I thought the Aqualifter pumps prevent the CPR overflows from failing?

 

[brian]

Aqualifters are supposed to prevent them from failing but they clog after a few months of use. I have used them on my tank for almost four years now and have found that I need to clean the overflow about every six months. I also need to replace the airline tubing about every month and replace the pumps about every year to year and a half. Even with all that I have had three failures in the four years where the pumps gave out and got clogged. The first time I was home to catch it. After that I installed the water level alarm and it stopped the other two floods.

 

[misu]

I have a RSM250 and yes the hood fans can get a bit loud but a 150 sunpod would be similar.

They just upgraded the pumps to Sicce and that solved some overheating and skimmer problems, other than it's already too small for me I don't have any issues.

Feel free to ask any questions.

The RSM500 that was just announced won't be "foolproof" since it has a sump underneath, I went with the 250 for exactly the same reason.

 

[brian]

Misu,
Thanks for the reply. Do you have any issues with the skimmer? That is the other thing I have read mixed reviews about. When you say the fans can get a little loud... do you have any way to quantify that? Do they disturb you when watching TV or a movie? Are they as loud a a computer, or a window air condition vent... Do you have any issues with not running a refugium? This would be the first tank I have done without one.

Thanks, just trying to make an informed purchase.
Brian

 

[misu]

The skimmer had issues but after over one year and 3 impellers RSM decided to replace my pump even out of warranty, so far the new one is ok
The ski mer will overflow if you don't watch the water level but that's not really an issue

I don't think the fans are that loud but then again I watch tv after 7pm when the lights are off, big computer fans is probably close

I have cheato in one of the chambers with a small led light on top and that's growing like crazy full of pods and stars

My plans are to switch to an all led setup and that will take care of the heat and noise issue but even with stock lights I had great success with sps and even a clam that's mid level in the tank

 

[misu]

Tried to pm this but your box is full, maybe you should become a member first


Here's another tought, for the price of the rsm get with chris@fish scales a sponsor here and he can build you something on the same principle in a larger size and you can use your equipment


I'm close to doing the same thing, One day I'll stop by your store chris and run a few ideas by you, so far A few experts think it will work and you can build it for me better than any off the shelf thing

 

[brian]

Misu,
Sorry cleaned the inbox out. Should be good now. What LED light are you using for the cheato? When you mention something similar at fish scales do you mean something with the equipment in the back or under the tank in a sump?

B