Any Red Sea MAX-S owners out there?

brett559 · 10/26/2016, 10:05 AM

I've seen numerous Red Sea tanks in nearby LFS. I really like these tanks, especially the MAX-S. Here's a video if you haven't seen them:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92PDNPYKiDo

Something about these tanks - I love them. Not everyone likes the all-in-one tanks, but the MAX-S has a full sump, as opposed to an in-back sump. I love that little electrical control panel they have as well. The bracing as well as the light rack - just look really sleek and awesome (at least to me).

Anyone have these? They are not cheap - between $5,000 and $6,000. But I wonder if you were to price out a similar system (nice tank and stand, AI Hydra lights, sump, pumps, skimmer, ATO) how much more would the Res Sea be...

I'm not a tech junky, so the idea of a tank that has everything I need appeals to me. I researched the C-series a while back, and people said the rear filtration didn't work all that well. Thinking the full sump would negate that issue.

What do you all think about these tanks?

dburkart · 10/28/2016, 09:26 PM

I upgraded to a Red Sea Max S500 from a Red Sea 250 about six months ago. The S500 had been running for two years and the owner was getting out of the hobby. It was a great way to purchase the tank. I added my livestock to what was already there and started with new sand and scape. There was definitely a learning curve; sump, reactors, skimmer etc. It was all worth it. I would suggest looking on craigslist to see if you can find a used Max S series. The savings can be dramatic. They are a great aquarium.

Ron Reefman · 10/29/2016, 07:54 AM

I was looking at the Red Sea Reefer series and comparing it to the CADlight Artisan system. They look very similar. At first I didn't like the CADlight euro brace compared to the Red Sea rimless. But a host of other issues pushed me to the CADlight as it was considerably less expensive, especially when you consider it comes with a DC12000 return pump and a skimmer added on. I like the bigger sump that doesn't fit close up to the sides of the stand like the Red Sea either. So I bought the CADlight. After fter 2 months I now love the euro brace. From the front you hardly notice it at all and when I work in the tank I have a rim that I can set stuff on and not drip water all over the place. Just for fun I added a kitchen cabinet and a home made 50g display refugium.

Half Vaped · 10/29/2016, 01:42 PM

I have an S-650 and though I love it, I might not buy another all-in-one in the future. It was my first "real" reef tank with a sump, after running my low-tech JBJ 28 Nano Cube for three years.

It looks great and has all the most vital equipment built-in, like the overflow, ATO, skimmer, powerheads, lights, etc. But the more I learn about the hobby, I kind of regret not being able to pick out my own lights, skimmer and pumps. If I were to do it again, with the knowledge I have now, I would have pieced together a bigger system myself and save a couple grand in the process. I still love what I have, though.

Since you like the look and aren't too into fancy equipment, I think you'll love it if the price doesn't bother you. Red Sea has outstanding customer service as well.

10/26/2016, 10:05 AM	#1
brett559 In Memoriam Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Visalia, CA Posts: 1,790	Any Red Sea MAX-S owners out there? I've seen numerous Red Sea tanks in nearby LFS. I really like these tanks, especially the MAX-S. Here's a video if you haven't seen them: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92PDNPYKiDo Something about these tanks - I love them. Not everyone likes the all-in-one tanks, but the MAX-S has a full sump, as opposed to an in-back sump. I love that little electrical control panel they have as well. The bracing as well as the light rack - just look really sleek and awesome (at least to me). Anyone have these? They are not cheap - between $5,000 and $6,000. But I wonder if you were to price out a similar system (nice tank and stand, AI Hydra lights, sump, pumps, skimmer, ATO) how much more would the Res Sea be... I'm not a tech junky, so the idea of a tank that has everything I need appeals to me. I researched the C-series a while back, and people said the rear filtration didn't work all that well. Thinking the full sump would negate that issue. What do you all think about these tanks? Last edited by brett559; 10/26/2016 at 10:22 AM.

10/28/2016, 09:26 PM	#2
dburkart Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 4	Red Sea Max S500 I upgraded to a Red Sea Max S500 from a Red Sea 250 about six months ago. The S500 had been running for two years and the owner was getting out of the hobby. It was a great way to purchase the tank. I added my livestock to what was already there and started with new sand and scape. There was definitely a learning curve; sump, reactors, skimmer etc. It was all worth it. I would suggest looking on craigslist to see if you can find a used Max S series. The savings can be dramatic. They are a great aquarium.

10/29/2016, 07:54 AM	#3
Ron Reefman Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Cape Coral, FL Posts: 10,431	I was looking at the Red Sea Reefer series and comparing it to the CADlight Artisan system. They look very similar. At first I didn't like the CADlight euro brace compared to the Red Sea rimless. But a host of other issues pushed me to the CADlight as it was considerably less expensive, especially when you consider it comes with a DC12000 return pump and a skimmer added on. I like the bigger sump that doesn't fit close up to the sides of the stand like the Red Sea either. So I bought the CADlight. After fter 2 months I now love the euro brace. From the front you hardly notice it at all and when I work in the tank I have a rim that I can set stuff on and not drip water all over the place. Just for fun I added a kitchen cabinet and a home made 50g display refugium. __________________ The good thing about science is that it's true whether or not you believe in it. (Neil deGrasse Tyson) Visit my build thread http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2593017

10/29/2016, 01:42 PM	#4
Half Vaped Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2016 Posts: 401	I have an S-650 and though I love it, I might not buy another all-in-one in the future. It was my first "real" reef tank with a sump, after running my low-tech JBJ 28 Nano Cube for three years. It looks great and has all the most vital equipment built-in, like the overflow, ATO, skimmer, powerheads, lights, etc. But the more I learn about the hobby, I kind of regret not being able to pick out my own lights, skimmer and pumps. If I were to do it again, with the knowledge I have now, I would have pieced together a bigger system myself and save a couple grand in the process. I still love what I have, though. Since you like the look and aren't too into fancy equipment, I think you'll love it if the price doesn't bother you. Red Sea has outstanding customer service as well.