Prenca, Thanks for your comments and opinions, and of course for being a much appreciated Max owner.
I was fortunate enough to attend the Interzoo trade show where the Max S-500 was shown for the first time. The over-whelming response from retailers, distributors and experienced reef-keepers who actually saw the system suggests that Red Sea may have produced a system which will meet the demands of many, if not all hobbyists.
We welcome the diversity of opinions into the aesthetics of an aquarium, and of course value for money is always subjective. However to ensure people leave forums with accurate information we should clear up some of the inaccurate comments in order to properly reflect the scientific reality behind the product.
Regarding the lighting, five years of research into coral physiology and the requirements of coral species in a reef aquarium, carried out by our team of scientists enables us to be completely confident that we have exactly the lighting system required for even the most demanding sps corals. As for the benefits (or otherwise) of LED lighting, we will reserve our comments for another time. Suffice to say that we have not simply assembled an aquarium and offered it for sale without very extensive testing into its suitability.
As to the "sub par internals", the entire system has been designed around the goal of enabling hobbyists of any level of experience to enjoy the beauty of a coral reef aquarium. I can speak from experience when I say that I know it performs brilliantly, and once you compare properly the specification it is unlikely that you will come close to achieving the same goal within a similar budget.
However, the aquarium isn’t even available to the public yet so perhaps we should reserve judgement until we see one.
In the meantime I will enjoy being fortunate enough to be able to see for myself the sps corals continuing to flourish in the prototype Max S-500's which have been running for many months, and which Red Sea continues to test on a long term basis. Happy reefkeeping to one and all.
Hi Steve,
First of all, thanks for taking your time to reply.
My real gripe with the RSM500 is, from what I can see, there isnt nothing new to the area. Doesnt bring a single inovation and well... that doesnt makes a difference.
And it could, it really could.
Lights : uses T5 which are used for years and years.
Pumps and Skimmer :nothing to brag about
AIO system : again, nothing new for big tanks : you have Deltec Aquariums, Aquamedic Tridacnas, etc etc BEFORE the RSM130 even was out...
Design : rectangular tank drilled with a cabinet and a sump. hardly new
While, like I said, the RSM130 was a great hit because it was a small, affordable and idiot proof tank, also had a fantastic design.
RSM250 followed on that perspective although I belive its less popular not only due to finantial reasons ( more expensive.. ) but also it starts to be quite comparable to a "normal" tank - the design is less impressive, the interals really limit what you can do, etc. Also what I can see from this forum and from people that I know that own a 250, the majority of them are previous 130 owners - so the 130 proved to be a little good tank and when they step up they go to the 250.
Now the RSM500. Honestly, I really fail to see the point.
I really think that RSM should make it stand out of the norm and being AIO and cheap isnt really enough, at least to me.
I wont be buing it because its AIO and cheap.
Even if you do not want to include LED lights because its a new technology and stil has much to prove, I can understand that. Sad , which I think would be a killer future - try to sell a tank light that gives a superb shimmer effect, costs peanuts to run, has MH kill lights and dont need replacing in 15 years... I think thats a lot of marketing selling points here... but ok, I'll give you that !
But still, there is SO much you could put in the tank to make it stand out and I belive that something that would be VERY attractive would be - automation.
A couple of probes and sensors, a wavemaker, all integrated in a LCD in the canopy, that would attract attention.
I could even live with the 10 x T5 lights, which are fine but again, its nothing spetacular, but they are fine and with the rest...
Integrated calcium reactor, integrated fresh water replenishment, integrated couple of probes and sensor... all in a stylish manner.. NOW THAT WILL BE SOMETHING too look at, if conveninent priced.
Also other thing to look at is, and again this is just my opinion, someone that will buy a 500liter tank is 99.9% likelly to be on online forums, etc etc.. and these forums have a buy and sell area, always.
I just happen to found a 1000l tank, with cabinet and sump, with a Aquamedic Baby 5000 skimmer ( hell of skimmer, owned one ) ...for 1500 euros...
New is new but... always makes you think !
Honestly, I just would like to see that RSM500 with something that stands out and unfortunally , with these specs its just another rectangular aquarium, drilled with bits and bobs that its nothing special.
