Used Red Sea Max S-650 Build

[W31Olds]

Caleb, impellers are not the issue. The housing itself can develop a crack so if you suspect a problem toss it. I replaced 2 of mine with an orlushy DC pump that has worked great for the past year. I'd have to look, but they are easy to retrofit as long as you have the oem bulkhead parts which from your pics looks like you do. As far as your seams go, mine has seam guards on the inside left and right front vertical panels but none at the rear. Post some additional pics. Judging from the stand, your Tank is probably a few years older than mine which date wise is likely before Red Sea had any seal issues. I would not be concerned because the design of these Tanks is totally different than any of the current failure prone models. I would search the forums and internet for S650 Failures. You could attempt to contact Red Sea but not likely they would share failure data on this model. But worth a try. These used to appear used on FB Marketplace in my area quite a bit and not once was one ever advertised as a leaker.

 

[Caleb123]

When shining a light on the worst area of concern, I can press from the other side and see it push toward the glass. Almost like it’s not attached to the glass good. However, it is only at the edge of the silicon seam. My thought is more along the lines of someone being a little too careless with a glass scraper than a seam beginning to fail… but I do not know that for sure. I may do a little more thinking and a little more research on it before I proceed with the build to stay on the safe side.

 

[Caleb123]

This is what most of the spots in the seams do when pressed on. Like there is water or air trapped underneath.

 

[UncommonSense]

I can press from the other side and see it push toward the glass. Almost like it’s not attached to the glass good. However, it is only at the edge of the silicon seam. My thought is more along the lines of someone being a little too careless with a glass scraper than a seam beginning to fail…

So just the silicone on the interior of the tank is questionable then?

No obvious bubbles or anything weird in the actual glass:glass silicone seam?

If so, you can just lay new beads of silicone on the interior in place of the worn out ones; assuming you clean the old interior silicone out thoroughly! (I recommend masking for clean lines, and using 95%+ isopropyl alcohol scrub to get the glass bonding surfaces extremely clean… don’t use acetone!)

 

[W31Olds]

I take it there are no seam guards on that model. Mine has plastic strips inside vertically in those areas. Doesn't look like much of a problem after viewing your video. You could reseal but I would research it thoroughly because you don't want to compromise the seal into the glass.

 

[Caleb123]

I’m not much of a DIYer so I’d likely rehome the tank before attempting to reseal it this model does not have vertical seam guards on it. I did look at the seams more specifically on the glass to glass area and I don’t see anything that would be of concern. I’ve gotten a couple of other opinions as well, and the general consensus is that while it is always a possibility, these tanks generally were very solid and did not develop leaks often.

I’m still considering my next step. My main concern now is my sanity! Although I have already purchased a Hydros X4 controller, and will be able to use leak detectors with it.

 

[W31Olds]

Caleb, the leak detector are a good idea but from what I've seen when the Red Sea Tanks have problems they go fast. My advice on the tank itself would not be based so much on the seals but on the condition of the glass. If the glass is in poor condition in the viewing areas inside and out I would replace the tank. I was lucky that the Tank I bought was professionally maintained and had only a few minor scratches on the inside and 1 2-inch scratch on the outside. I polished the outside one out and it is undetectable but polishing glass is a real pain. Since your model has no seam guards I would reseal the 4 vertical inside seams. If you rehome the Tank, you could reuse the stand but the Tank itself is an odd size so a custom replacement ($$$$) would be the cleanest and you would need to do some DYI mods anyway.

 

[Caleb123]

Caleb, the leak detector are a good idea but from what I've seen when the Red Sea Tanks have problems they go fast. My advice on the tank itself would not be based so much on the seals but on the condition of the glass. If the glass is in poor condition in the viewing areas inside and out I would replace the tank. I was lucky that the Tank I bought was professionally maintained and had only a few minor scratches on the inside and 1 2-inch scratch on the outside. I polished the outside one out and it is undetectable but polishing glass is a real pain. Since your model has no seam guards I would reseal the 4 vertical inside seams. If you rehome the Tank, you could reuse the stand but the Tank itself is an odd size so a custom replacement ($$$$) would be the cleanest and you would need to do some DYI mods anyway.

Well, the glass I would say is in decent condition considering the age. All corners are in perfect shape. There are some light scratches here and there. Mostly toward the sandbed area. There are also some weird tiny chips in the front pane that I didn’t notice until I got the tank home. I did have to haul it home on an open trailer down the interstate about 1.5hrs. So I’m wondering if it didn’t get hit by some gravel or some other debris in the road.

 

[Caleb123]

Hard to catch the tiny chips but you can see them in this picture.

 

[UncommonSense]

Hard to catch the tiny chips but you can see them in this picture.

Those are tiny, and on the short pane; I’d still run it if not worried about the minor cosmetic imperfections!

I’m currently helping with another reseal and possibly reinforcement if you’re curious what goes into it? —

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/second-hand-tank-seals-good-or-not.1116176/#post-13663821

 

[W31Olds]

I see 2 scratches in the pic and the small (rock chips) on the front pane which make me pause. Rehome this one, get another Tank or use it it as a QT tank (1/4 full) or to store RODI.

 

[Caleb123]

I see 2 scratches in the pic and the small (rock chips) on the front pane which make me pause. Rehome this one, get another Tank or use it it as a QT tank (1/4 full) or to store RODI.

Maybe a brand new tank is the way to go and try to save on second hand equipment instead of the tank itself!

 

[W31Olds]

Obviously, as Uncommon said those scratches and tiny rock chips are cosmetic in nature and you could certainly still enjoy the Tank. The seam seal for the 4 corners is fairly straight forward and I imagine there are videos on how to get the best result. I would Test it with water and would not be concerned about seal failure. All said and done, it all comes down to budget, reefing being one of the most expensive hobbies out there.

 

[Caleb123]

Obviously, as Uncommon said those scratches and tiny rock chips are cosmetic in nature and you could certainly still enjoy the Tank. The seam seal for the 4 corners is fairly straight forward and I imagine there are videos on how to get the best result. I would Test it with water and would not be concerned about seal failure. All said and done, it all comes down to budget, reefing being one of the most expensive hobbies out there.

It’s definitely an expensive hobby. My current budget is limited as we are trying to make sure our savings are in line before the baby arrives as well. I have decided to post the tank for sale locally. If I do not get any bites, I may end up deciding to proceed with the build. If it sells, I may just have to be a bit more patient in saving up for the next tank!

 

[UncommonSense]

It’s definitely an expensive hobby. My current budget is limited as we are trying to make sure our savings are in line before the baby arrives as well. I have decided to post the tank for sale locally. If I do not get any bites, I may end up deciding to proceed with the build. If it sells, I may just have to be a bit more patient in saving up for the next tank!

How confident would you feel drilling a generic rimmed tank for an overflow?

The rimmed tanks just seem to last for ages, and are much cheaper/often more readily available!

I know that’s how I got into a 180g; drilled the side pane and made mine a peninsula!

 

[Caleb123]

How confident would you feel drilling a generic rimmed tank for an overflow?

The rimmed tanks just seem to last for ages, and are much cheaper/often more readily available!

I know that’s how I got into a 180g; drilled the side pane and made mine a peninsula!

Ohhh I like that idea. A peninsula would actually work a bit better in my home. My only concern would be the stand. But my LFS could potentially help with that. I have looked at some overflows before but not in too much depth. Do they include the necessary bits etc. to drill it or do you have to source that on your own?

 

[UncommonSense]

My only concern would be the stand.

Stands are honestly super easy, especially if you have a LFS to help out, and some basic carpentry experience!

I have looked at some overflows before but not in too much depth. Do they include the necessary bits etc. to drill it or do you have to source that on your own?

I personally used a Synergy Reef Shadow overflow (v1, or V2) on my 180g…. It did come with a drill template to help me drill the two large holes it required!

I would not use this specific overflow ever again though… it’s made of very thin injection molded plastic, which definitely cracked and had to be repaired in several spots when I re-plumbed it from flexible tubing to hard PVC in my last remodel…

Drill templates are honestly easy though; you can make one out of a variety of different materials with a bit of patience and careful measuring!

The diamond abrasive hole saw was not included; I ordered mine from BRS (~$25), along with the shadow overflow(~$140 on sale)… — these hole saws cut via abrasion, and have a very short operational lifespan! (I more or less used up the majority of the ~2.5” diameter hole saw I order cutting two holes through 1/2” [technically 12mm/.460”] glass!)

There are many good glass drilling instruction guides out there too! (I’ve also helped out with several around here recently, if you’d like links?)

Possibly consider getting a cheap big box pet store 40g breeder or similar cheap rimmed tank (I got one recently for $65 to convert to a sump!) with 1/4” thick glass to use as a lab rat for drilling…— One big bulkhead hole right near the top and you’ve got yourself a frag tank!

 

[Caleb123]

Well, update… I decided to go ahead and fill it up to at least leak test it before I tried to sell it to someone else. It has been running full of fresh water for 4 days now. No leaks or signs of anything scary in the seams. In the meantime, I came across a used Waterbox Peninsula for sale.

I drove about 8 hrs in total to get it but it ended up being in really great shape for a used tank. I like the peninsula style better and got a white stand, which the wife likes better anyway.

Now to find a new home for the Red Sea!

 

[W31Olds]

Good deal Caleb. How large is your Waterbox? I didn't think that Red Sea would leak.

 

[Caleb123]

Good deal Caleb. How large is your Waterbox? I didn't think that Red Sea would leak.

Waterbox 4820 Peninsula. I think the Red Sea is a solid tank still. While I did buy it fairly reasonable to start, the amount of time and money I would have invested in it, I just don’t think I’d be satisfied due to the condition of the glass. All said and done, I should have been a touch more patient but I ended up with a tank I’m happy with