Red Sea / Max S-Series / Discussion

[2una]

I have a RedSea Max S-650 that I wish to add a chiller. I have read that it is recommended not to plumb it off of the manifold like the smaller tanks as the “pump is not strong enough”. Could I just install a larger pump and then be able to plumb off the manifold?

Run my chiller off the manifold also, using a Jebao DCP 10000 as the return pump.
Mine is the pre sock max S 650, manifold runs across the back wall from right to left.

 

[ibondy]

I run a dedicated pump on my chiller + UV. Easier to control the flow.

 

[GoVols]

@Frizzles7 @PanchoG @vangvace @2una @ibondy @Nobbygas and all others.

Thanks so much for all your input!

Hope you guys have a nice Christmas and a Happy New year!

 

[GoVols]

lol, Ooops... ;Eggonface


@SPR1968
Same to you!!

 

[SPR1968]

lol, Ooops... ;Eggonface


@SPR1968
Same to you!!

You to Freddie, best wishes!

 

[Frizzles7]

@Frizzles7 @PanchoG @vangvace @2una @ibondy @Nobbygas and all others.

Thanks so much for all your input!

Hope you guys have a nice Christmas and a Happy New year!

You too!!!!

 

[Bato367]

My "dream tank" is a Red Sea P500 or P600 but that may be several years out as that will require some minor remodeling and some significant financial prep and savings.

But, I've come across a used Max S-500 that was originally $1,800, but is now $1,200. Comes with everything original except lights and skimmer (does includes light mount).

I don't live nearby, so there is some travel time and cost to get it.

How do most people like their Max S? What lights do you recommend and since there are many flow pumps, do you need additional wavemakers?

Should I bite at that price?

 

[ibondy]

I love my RSM 650 and I bought it used as well. Lights are easy to get and original skimmer is a crap which you want to replace anyway. You can always negotiate the price, but typically they sell very fast. Decission is all yours.

 

[mdk16]

I have one of the original S-650’s and have been very pleased. I’ve made several modifications over the years. I assisted in designing the Steve’s LEDS retrofit kit for the original t5 hood. I recently pulled the retrofit kit out and placed it on the new rsm chassis to get them up higher while keeping the stock look.

The first thing I changed was the skimmer. I also ran a rodi line to the back chamber that I have on a timer with a series of solenoids for redundancy from auto top off.

I built a manifold for the back recirculating pumps and replaced the four pumps with one to reduce heat and less maintenance . This has worked out beautifully.

After 8 years the tank still looks like new. I would certainly buy one again.

 

[GoVols]

I have one of the original S-650’s and have been very pleased. I’ve made several modifications over the years. I assisted in designing the Steve’s LEDS retrofit kit for the original t5 hood. I recently pulled the retrofit kit out and placed it on the new rsm chassis to get them up higher while keeping the stock look.

The first thing I changed was the skimmer. I also ran a rodi line to the back chamber that I have on a timer with a series of solenoids for redundancy from auto top off.

I built a manifold for the back recirculating pumps and replaced the four pumps with one to reduce heat and less maintenance . This has worked out beautifully.

After 8 years the tank still looks like new. I would certainly buy one again.

Yeah,
That ole C-Skim has to go.

Still pushing the original t5 canopy, but tossed in 4 kessil A360X's into the two t5 bulb section.

Bought the melot metallic color which was clear coated like a car paint job. Not a scratch on this tank.

 

[GoVols]

My "dream tank" is a Red Sea P500 or P600 but that may be several years out as that will require some minor remodeling and some significant financial prep and savings.

But, I've come across a used Max S-500 that was originally $1,800, but is now $1,200. Comes with everything original except lights and skimmer (does includes light mount).

I don't live nearby, so there is some travel time and cost to get it.

How do most people like their Max S? What lights do you recommend and since there are many flow pumps, do you need additional wavemakers?

Should I bite at that price?

Yeah
They are super nice setups.

If it comes with the upgraded led bar, my local reef shop loves those new Red Sea Reefled 90's, but the AI hydras 26's were super nice as well.

Pushing a Reefwave 25 for extra length flow, but wished I would have gone with the RW 45.

To be honest:
Don't buy a setup before looking it over in person and make sure to do a leak test.

 

[Bato367]

I love my RSM 650 and I bought it used as well. Lights are easy to get and original skimmer is a crap which you want to replace anyway. You can always negotiate the price, but typically they sell very fast. Decission is all yours.

Thank you, I think I may spring for it. Yea I heard the C-Skim isnt worth keeping anyways. Not sure what they had in it.

 

[Bato367]

I have one of the original S-650’s and have been very pleased. I’ve made several modifications over the years. I assisted in designing the Steve’s LEDS retrofit kit for the original t5 hood. I recently pulled the retrofit kit out and placed it on the new rsm chassis to get them up higher while keeping the stock look.

The first thing I changed was the skimmer. I also ran a rodi line to the back chamber that I have on a timer with a series of solenoids for redundancy from auto top off.

I built a manifold for the back recirculating pumps and replaced the four pumps with one to reduce heat and less maintenance . This has worked out beautifully.

After 8 years the tank still looks like new. I would certainly buy one again.

Awesome, I had an older Max E130 a few years ago that I pimped out with some NanoBox LED's. Wished I kept it but was too busy at that time to give it proper attention.

I thought about this same thing! I think 1 pump would work wonders to reduce power consumption, noise and lots of heat...

 

[Bato367]

It is newer so it does come with the LED bar. They were running AI Hydras(?) I believe. Think it even includes 1 or 2 Red Sea ReefWaves if I am seeing clear in the photo. Waiting on a phone call to discuss and arrange a meeting. Good point, a simple leak test with even a bucket of water would be a great idea. It was running days ago, owner wanted out of hobby.

If I buy it, I am planning on a RSK 600 skimmer and either ReefLED 90, 160's or AI Hydras. Not sure how many of the 160's would do the trick? I am guessing 3 of the 90's or Hydras is required.

 

[Bato367]

Just curious what year did Red Sea switch from the S-500 T-5 models to the "LED" models? Is that when they did away with the mechanical timers in the electrical panel?

 

[GoVols]

Just curious what year did Red Sea switch from the S-500 T-5 models to the "LED" models? Is that when they did away with the mechanical timers in the electrical panel?

About the Spring of 2015 for the US.

Yes,
So my 2013 has the timers, they are still accurate.

 

[Bato367]

About the Spring of 2015 for the US.

Yes,
So my 2013 has the timers, they are still accurate.

Awesome, thank you. The S-500 that I am looking at Monday must be older than spring of 2015 then, but it does have the Red Sea LED light mount.

 

[GoVols]

Awesome, thank you. The S-500 that I am looking at Monday must be older than spring of 2015 then, but it does have the Red Sea LED light mount.

I bought the led bar later on too but went back to the original canopy.

If it does not feel right or watertight, then take a pass.

Good luck!!

 

[Bato367]

I bought the led bar later on too but went back to the original canopy.

If it does not feel right or watertight, then take a pass.

Good luck!!

I passed. For that price plus added cost to get it, I decided it was best to just wait and get what I want in a few years. Back to my monster Evo 13.5 build! haha.

 

[vangvace]

I have one of the original S-650’s and have been very pleased. I’ve made several modifications over the years. I assisted in designing the Steve’s LEDS retrofit kit for the original t5 hood. I recently pulled the retrofit kit out and placed it on the new rsm chassis to get them up higher while keeping the stock look.

The first thing I changed was the skimmer. I also ran a rodi line to the back chamber that I have on a timer with a series of solenoids for redundancy from auto top off.

I built a manifold for the back recirculating pumps and replaced the four pumps with one to reduce heat and less maintenance . This has worked out beautifully.

After 8 years the tank still looks like new. I would certainly buy one again.

That manifold is interesting. Could you provide some more information about plumbing size and pump used?

I am going to take the center strip of the power center out and add a fan to blow air into the box to help cool all of the power bricks I have in there.