RSM (Red Sea Max) Owners Club

[Reefmack]

Hello all. I'm setting up this thread as a place for anyone owning (or considering) a Red Sea Max tank to post questions, concerns, and to share any tank modifications. Or, just to show us what you've done with your RSM tank in setting it up with LR, fish & critters. It's not limited to RSM owners so anyone should please feel free to post in this thread, as a lot of the issues with this tank may be related to other tanks and equipment. If you have an RSM and need some help on issues with it we will hopefully have enough owners stopping in here that we can share mods to the tank, and help each other in resolving problems. It seems like none of the all-in-one tanks are problem free, and the RSM is no exception.

There are also some new models of the RSM coming out. The 130D model (same 34g as the current tank) is supposed to be released this fall. It's basically the same as the current model, but with a possibly improved skimmer, digital rather than analog timer, and a surface skimmer type gate. It would be great for anyone getting the new 130D model to let us now how it performs. There's also a 250 model being released, first in Europe, that is a 66 gallon tank with what looks like an improved filtration/skimmer compartment in back (and a much higher price tag!).

I've had my RSM for close about 16 months, and I love the tank itself, and the matching cabinet I got, but have replaced a lot of the stock equipment to give me more options on skimmers, etc. While a lot of owners get good skimmer performance, many don't. I was one of those that got a skimmer that just didn't perform well.

In my case, I've replaced the stock enclosed hood with a Current Orbit raised hood with 150W HQI and T5 actinics to open up the back and allow me to run a HOB Remora Skimmer, dual cooling fans to eliminate the need for a chiller in my cool house, and an ATO unit to replace the water lost in evaporative cooling. My main reason for going with a raised hood was to open up the space over the back section to make it easier to replace the skimmer. The stock lights are very underrated though, and I've seen several RSM owners successfully raising even SPS corals with the stock lighting.

I've also added a Koralia 1 pump to the right side of the tank to get some current on that side of the tank.

From what I've seen many owners are successful with adding just a Koralia powerhead, and running everything else stock.

I hope that's enough background to get a "Club" started. Some of my RSM friends that I've met in other forums wanted to get a club type thread started, and we checked out Reef Sanctuary and really liked this forum much more than any others. I'm guessing that there must be at least a few Reef Sanctuary members that are RSM owners.

I've been really impressed with the welcome that we have received, as well as the very friendly and very helpful staff. Thank you all for making me feel at home!

Here's the recent picture that I posted a couple days ago in the newcomers section:



The beginning 16 months ago:

[lcstorc]

Now that is a big difference. I love to see tanks progress so nicely.
I don't have a RSM so I will just check in and enjoy the pics.

[Reefmack]

Thanks much Icstorc - the tank has been through a lot of changes in corals and aquascaping. I guess I'm one of those that's never satisfied with their tank!

[MrsPeer]

Reefmack - Is that a blue linckia behind the Hydor Flo? I didn't realize you have one. How is its progress so far? Otherwise, the tank is looking great with all that coralline removed.

[Snelly40]

good thread, my dad just bought one, i'll have to tell him about this!

[Reefmack]

Snelly40 - we would love to have your dad join us! There will be a lot of combined experience with the RSM tank in this thread that could be helpful to your dad. I wish I had that available when I started my RSM.

Hi MrsPeer! I'm glad you found us! Yes - I've had the Linkia about a year now, but it's starting to get smaller - not a good sign. Most say the Linkia will only last 6 months to a year, especially in a small tank. I once got mine to eat a krill, but that hasn't worked since. I'm not sure anyone really knows what the Linkia eat - biofilm, sponge, or ? It wasn't the wisest choice, but my wife really wanted one, and anything that makes her appreciate the tank is worth the risk in keeping one alive. The serpent & brittle stars are a better choice, and the serpents are less prone to ever try to eat the fish. I've had a serpent longer than the Linkia and it has grown - great member of a CUC as they really help eat food that's fallen on the bottom. The only problem is that they tend to stay hidden till night. Maybe you've seen the beautiful red serpent that Kent has?

[MrsPeer]

Yeah, I saw his red serpent. When you mentioned serpent, I thought you meant the green serpent!

[Brent F]

I also have a RSM which has been running since December 2007. I did extensive mods to mine adding a sump and hooking two other tanks in with it for a 83 gallon total capacity.

Here's a picture of the custom sump I had built for inside the stand



Here's the overflow to tie the RSM in to the sump


And here's what is looks like now along with the clam tank that it shares a sump and skimmer with

[Reefmack]

Greens are typically considered possible fish eaters. The green brittle type - the ones with very spiky arms. Supposedly they can arch themselves over a cavern and grab fish that may sleep under them. No experience with them - just what I've read several times.

[Reefmack]

Brent F - thanks for finding us. I've always admired your setup!

[Frankie]

Nice aquariums guys. I look forward to seeing this thread grow.
Welcome to RS

[steveh]

Keep the Max posts coming! With regards to the Max 130D, this is indeed due to hit the USA very soon. It has several upgrades over and above the "Classic" Max, and we are updating the website over the next few weeks. The main changes are the really great new surface skimmer, and a fully adjustable protein skimmer with a neat adjustable neck height which can dramatically improve performance. The hood now opens fully to make maintenance simpler, the cable runs from the back of the tank rathe than the side, there's a water level indicator and a whole host of other smaller mods.

[Witfull]

woo hoo~

[Brent F]

Steveh, Thanks for the info on the 130D

I just saw there is a Red Sea sponsors forum. Should be a great place to get RSM questions answered.
http://www.reefsanctuary.com/forums/red-sea/

[Witfull]

Red Sea is our newest sponsor. we felt a vibration in the force...so Yoda said "members come if sponsor you will"