Your opinions please-Red Sea Reefer, or Max S?

Discussion in 'Fish Tank Brands and Kits' started by 2manycars, Feb 23, 2015.

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  1. 2manycars

    2manycars Astrea Snail

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    I had ordered a Red Sea Reefer tank 450, which are held up in California. I have been looking at the owners manual on line and it appears the base is made of pressed wood and assembled in the same manner as those cheap put-it -together yourself furniture that looks good, is inexpensive but never seems to hold up well. I am probably going to cancel my order, since I have some concerns as to the longevity of the base which is an integral part of the tank.The other more expensive option I am considering is to order a Red Sea Max S-400 tank. I like the build quality and the all in one set-up. I am not sure about the lights, but I can live with them until I can afford some better LEDS. The company said they "may" have an LED option by the end of the year, and they "may" offer it as an add-on to those who already own their tanks.

    Are there other semi-complete tanks available? I like the plug and play concept even though I already own a nice protein skimmer.

    Thanks
     
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  3. AnotherMike

    AnotherMike Fire Worm

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    I have a rsm 650. The skimmer is crap and the only must do replacement. The t5 bulbs generate a lot of heat and you will almost certainly need a chiller so factor that cost in. Unless you want to ditch the hood, there are limited led retro fit options. Aside from that, I love the tank. The design is outstanding. Love the CTC overflow, built in ato and the stand is simply stunning. Their customer service is top notch. I picked mine up soon after release and is over 2 years old and only had a few small issues that red sea took care of immediately.

    My issue with the 400 is the sump. Very small with little room for expansion. If you have the space and the coin try to stretch for the 500.


    Sorry, no help on any other AIO systems.
     
  4. chris adams

    chris adams Purple Tang

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    You should look at the Innovative Marine SR-120. It is not a kit system that includes the lights but it is a damn nice AIO. Then you buy the accessories you want. Innovative does make other products to fit in the back. You can create fuge right in the back also... Just give it a look and watch some videos.

    I have an Innovative 30 and a Red Sea 130D. I think they are both quality manufacturers.

    The innovative has been a build in progress always adding something.
    The Red Sea have had it since 2008. No leeks and still looks great..

    Personally I would much rather piece my system together instead of paying for something I will just end up upgrading. I think it saves money in the long run.

    Just my opinion but again Red Sea is a fine option.
     
  5. 2manycars

    2manycars Astrea Snail

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    I appreciate the replies I looked at the Innovative Marine but the 120 is 6 feet long. It really won't fit where I need it to go. I like the idea of my own equipment, but the RSM seems to be very quiet and well thought-out. I do hate the idea of paying 4K for a tank that I will need to replace the lights on every 6-9 months at a cost of $200. Th Reefer look since, but as I said it seems they cut some corners especially on the base.
     
  6. Kevin_E

    Kevin_E Giant Squid

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    Saw one in person about a year ago and camecaway very impressed. The T5s will treat you very well with proper bulbs. You'll them.
     
  7. AnotherMike

    AnotherMike Fire Worm

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    If you do Steves retro fit right off the bat you will most likely save yourself the need for a chiller. They retro replaces the 2 center t5 builds with leds. It keeps the hood intact and maintains the original look. The cost is equivalent to a chiller.

    Another option is to pull out the center t5 unit and drop in Kessils. This is what I did because Steves led retro wasn't out yet.

    I then run 2 pair of the t5s for just 4 hours a day for a led/t5 combo that is giving me great color and good growth. You can do the same with Steves.
     
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  9. 2manycars

    2manycars Astrea Snail

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    Where can I find the information on Steves retro for a Max S tank?
     
  10. AnotherMike

    AnotherMike Fire Worm

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