chris122379
New Member
Does anyone have an opinion on the Red Sea Max S-Line complete plug and play system?
Plug and play systems
- Thread starter chris122379
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rlablan
Active Member
There are a few set up at some LFS around here.
They are nice looking but terribly expensive.
I will say that as far as plug and play systems go, this thing really is plug and play. This time around, they have thought of everything. The lights are all individually controlled and timed, all within the system. I think there is also a "timed wave maker".
I just think that the price is a little steep.
If money is no option, I would say go for it. It's easier than building your own system but much more expensive.
They are nice looking but terribly expensive.
I will say that as far as plug and play systems go, this thing really is plug and play. This time around, they have thought of everything. The lights are all individually controlled and timed, all within the system. I think there is also a "timed wave maker".
I just think that the price is a little steep.
If money is no option, I would say go for it. It's easier than building your own system but much more expensive.
chris122379
New Member
Thanks for the info. Do you know what livestock they are keeping in those tanks. I'm looking to have a variety of fish along with lr and coral. I am just wondering if the equipment ie. Lights filters etc. Are high end enough, and worth it. I used to have a 90 gal. tank years ago, and had alot of stuff in it. However i had alot of maintainence with it. I think it was due to my insufficient filters etc. I was a beginner then and now i want to have an awesome tank, with high end equipment.
rlablan
Active Member
They are running full reefs, though the size of fish is limited to smaller species.
To keep anything like a tang, one would need a 6ft tank. It's not about water volume, it's about length of tank for the tang to grow and live healthy... they need the length to swim.
I have seen nice looking corals in them, but things are like clams aren't kept in them, as the S line come standard with T5s. If you upgraded the lighting, I am sure you could keep things beyond basic corals. I think anything that can be kept under T5, you'll be good with.
I would say you could keep a really nice reef in this tank. I just would not recommend any fish that will get bigger than 4 inches
To keep anything like a tang, one would need a 6ft tank. It's not about water volume, it's about length of tank for the tang to grow and live healthy... they need the length to swim.
I have seen nice looking corals in them, but things are like clams aren't kept in them, as the S line come standard with T5s. If you upgraded the lighting, I am sure you could keep things beyond basic corals. I think anything that can be kept under T5, you'll be good with.
I would say you could keep a really nice reef in this tank. I just would not recommend any fish that will get bigger than 4 inches
chris122379
New Member
I'm not familar with super salty. Can you please elaborate. Also, does anyone know of any other plug and play systems that are better.
rlablan
Active Member
I don't know of any plug and play systems that are that size, only smaller nano systems.
I think there are always drawbacks on equipment but there is ALWAYS a way to change things. You can upgrade or customize anything.
I always think "wow, that's $$$" but then I buy my own tank and I am more than 4k deep into my tank and don't have some of the features that this has, like auto top off.
I regret not taking a closer look at the plug and play systems myself... I just would not be keeping tangs then, since this tank is short.
I think there are always drawbacks on equipment but there is ALWAYS a way to change things. You can upgrade or customize anything.
I always think "wow, that's $$$" but then I buy my own tank and I am more than 4k deep into my tank and don't have some of the features that this has, like auto top off.
I regret not taking a closer look at the plug and play systems myself... I just would not be keeping tangs then, since this tank is short.
chris122379
New Member
You can change or upgrade but for that price, I dont think you should have to upgrade anything. I just like the clean look of seeing no filters or anything hanging on the tank. Thats what drew my eye to this tank in the first place.
acrylic51
Active Member
Sorry for the slang....But "super salty" to me means overpriced......I understand what people see when they see "sleek".....I just don't see it......I guess some comes down to what your willing to tackle DIY, but the ATO.....Definitely not a selling point when you could get a lot nicer ATO IMO or you could go super simple and build your own.....Part of my logic is why pay "top dollar" for a product only to know there are drawbacks and limitations and to go months down the road and have to upgrade or change something out.....To me money not wisely spent......
Besides their plug & play systems what real high tech, or cutting edge commonly used equipment does RedSea produce or sell......Nothing that tops my mind to make me run out and buy them.....Skimmers aren't cutting edge, never have been....Lighting as mentioned is questionable.....So what are you really paying for in the end.....
Besides their plug & play systems what real high tech, or cutting edge commonly used equipment does RedSea produce or sell......Nothing that tops my mind to make me run out and buy them.....Skimmers aren't cutting edge, never have been....Lighting as mentioned is questionable.....So what are you really paying for in the end.....
acrylic51
Active Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris122379 http:///t/394889/plug-and-play-systems#post_3515349
You can change or upgrade but for that price, I dont think you should have to upgrade anything. I just like the clean look of seeing no filters or anything hanging on the tank. Thats what drew my eye to this tank in the first place.
A well thought out design or plan on a tank build would easily eliminate any of the clutter you don't want to see......
Originally Posted by Chris122379 http:///t/394889/plug-and-play-systems#post_3515349
You can change or upgrade but for that price, I dont think you should have to upgrade anything. I just like the clean look of seeing no filters or anything hanging on the tank. Thats what drew my eye to this tank in the first place.
A well thought out design or plan on a tank build would easily eliminate any of the clutter you don't want to see......
chris122379
New Member
Thanks for your feedback. Its greatly appreciated. You definitely helped me make up my mind.
sweatervest13
Active Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by acrylic51 http:///t/394889/plug-and-play-systems#post_3515385
Sorry for the slang....But "super salty" to me means overpriced......I understand what people see when they see "sleek".....I just don't see it......I guess some comes down to what your willing to tackle DIY, but the ATO.....Definitely not a selling point when you could get a lot nicer ATO IMO or you could go super simple and build your own.....Part of my logic is why pay "top dollar" for a product only to know there are drawbacks and limitations and to go months down the road and have to upgrade or change something out.....To me money not wisely spent......
Besides their plug & play systems what real high tech, or cutting edge commonly used equipment does RedSea produce or sell......Nothing that tops my mind to make me run out and buy them.....Skimmers aren't cutting edge, never have been....Lighting as mentioned is questionable.....So what are you really paying for in the end.....
Great point!!!
I had not thought of it like this before. Thanks for pointing that out.
I think that Plug N Plays have their place in the hobby for sure. It allows a lot of beginners to get into the hobby and cut their teeth on salt. But the OP did say he was going for an "awesome tank with high end equipment". A well thought out build is probably the better way to go. Why spend big bucks on something that has a high end price but not high end quality??
Chris122379, what did you decide on getting???
Originally Posted by acrylic51 http:///t/394889/plug-and-play-systems#post_3515385
Sorry for the slang....But "super salty" to me means overpriced......I understand what people see when they see "sleek".....I just don't see it......I guess some comes down to what your willing to tackle DIY, but the ATO.....Definitely not a selling point when you could get a lot nicer ATO IMO or you could go super simple and build your own.....Part of my logic is why pay "top dollar" for a product only to know there are drawbacks and limitations and to go months down the road and have to upgrade or change something out.....To me money not wisely spent......
Besides their plug & play systems what real high tech, or cutting edge commonly used equipment does RedSea produce or sell......Nothing that tops my mind to make me run out and buy them.....Skimmers aren't cutting edge, never have been....Lighting as mentioned is questionable.....So what are you really paying for in the end.....
Great point!!!
I had not thought of it like this before. Thanks for pointing that out.
I think that Plug N Plays have their place in the hobby for sure. It allows a lot of beginners to get into the hobby and cut their teeth on salt. But the OP did say he was going for an "awesome tank with high end equipment". A well thought out build is probably the better way to go. Why spend big bucks on something that has a high end price but not high end quality??
Chris122379, what did you decide on getting???
chris122379
New Member
I decided that I have my work cut out for me. I am going to do alot of research, and put together my own reef system. I did it once before, so i can do it again. However, this time i plan on getting higher end equipment. Theres definitely alot to choose from. Im up for any suggestions
sweatervest13
Active Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris122379 http:///t/394889/plug-and-play-systems#post_3515456
I decided that I have my work cut out for me. I am going to do alot of research, and put together my own reef system. I did it once before, so i can do it again. However, this time i plan on getting higher end equipment. Theres definitely alot to choose from. Im up for any suggestions
Good choice!!
What size tank are you thinking? Are you going Reef, or FOWLR?
There is higher end equipment and super high end. For example Powerheads... You can get some Maxijets with the conversion to make them like the Koralia's. You could get Koralia's, a higher end PH then the Maxijets. Tunze and Ecotech make a lot higher end PH's. Same thing with skimmers. You can spend under $100.00 on a skimmer, or between $300 -$500, then there are some that are the price of a used car, LOL (not really but they can get up to a couple grand for the big boys).
Most of this will depend on your tank's size. You would not put a pair of MP40's in a 55g for example. A pair of those brand new cost just under $1000.00 (they are like $450.00 each). But a pair of MP10's would do well (about $225.00 each). Lots of choices out there for you.
Originally Posted by Chris122379 http:///t/394889/plug-and-play-systems#post_3515456
I decided that I have my work cut out for me. I am going to do alot of research, and put together my own reef system. I did it once before, so i can do it again. However, this time i plan on getting higher end equipment. Theres definitely alot to choose from. Im up for any suggestions
Good choice!!
What size tank are you thinking? Are you going Reef, or FOWLR?
There is higher end equipment and super high end. For example Powerheads... You can get some Maxijets with the conversion to make them like the Koralia's. You could get Koralia's, a higher end PH then the Maxijets. Tunze and Ecotech make a lot higher end PH's. Same thing with skimmers. You can spend under $100.00 on a skimmer, or between $300 -$500, then there are some that are the price of a used car, LOL (not really but they can get up to a couple grand for the big boys).
Most of this will depend on your tank's size. You would not put a pair of MP40's in a 55g for example. A pair of those brand new cost just under $1000.00 (they are like $450.00 each). But a pair of MP10's would do well (about $225.00 each). Lots of choices out there for you.
chris122379
New Member
I'm thinking i would probably go with another 90 gal. tank. Im also thinking of spending around 3000.00 on tank and equipment. I definetly want to go reef again. I want to get lighting good enough for all types of coral. Last time i waz limited because I bought PC lighting. Although in my opinion i think i had a pretty awesome tank. I wish i had pics to show you. However last time my filters were not that good so i was doing about 20 percent water changes, once a week. I would like to avoid that this time. Btw i had a 90 gal tank then too.
rlablan
Active Member
Instead of running filters, why not run a sump setup?
I, personally, don't care for running reefs with filters. The filter cartridges get gunked up too quickly.
I like the set up of a filter sock much better.
I will admit that the "filtered" tanks are a lot quieter than sump set ups (most of the time).
I, personally, don't care for running reefs with filters. The filter cartridges get gunked up too quickly.
I like the set up of a filter sock much better.
I will admit that the "filtered" tanks are a lot quieter than sump set ups (most of the time).
acrylic51
Active Member
Sorry didn't mean to be a "kill joy"......I do believe that plug and play have their places, but the whole idea is to get the "best" for your money spent.....That being said, I think Rlablan and Sweatervest both made good points......A well thought out and executed plan and system will go a long way.......
A $3000.00 budget seems rather limiting though when you mention "high end" & "awesome".....Not saying it can't be done, but your going to have to be rather thrifty and handy to pull it off.....LEDs alone could set you back easily $1000.....So you have $2000 left.....Skimmer your easily looking between $250-$400 IMO.....Buy once and do it wisely is what I'm suggesting....Buying used from someone that's upgrading to a bigger tank is a real plus.....Same goes for pumps and such......As far a PH's.....I think there were a couple good mentions, but there might be a new player in the game, for PH's......Time will tell if they pan out, but check out the Jebo PH's.....they seem to be making a big splash around the world......I've owned both Vortech and Tunze.....Personally using Tunze on my new setup.....Can't justify Vortech's price and for what.......
.....Everyone touts no cords....BS.......they have a cord it's just outside the tank......Everyone says wireless.....their not......the cords outside the tank........Another so called plus is customer service.....My personal dealing is they suck when you spend $775.00 per pump @ 3......Shouldn't have much issues.....And take a look around at the numerous complaints about noise, replacing wet sides.....And for that kind of money......That's great when the things are under warranty, but what happens when their not.......Tunzes have their issues as well, but when it comes to longevity, customer service.....Vortech record still doesn't match or compare and pumps are a bit cheaper as well.....Yes a cord, but silent.......
Draw up a list of dream items for your tank......must haves.....and straddling the fence items, and I'm sure we can put something together......
A $3000.00 budget seems rather limiting though when you mention "high end" & "awesome".....Not saying it can't be done, but your going to have to be rather thrifty and handy to pull it off.....LEDs alone could set you back easily $1000.....So you have $2000 left.....Skimmer your easily looking between $250-$400 IMO.....Buy once and do it wisely is what I'm suggesting....Buying used from someone that's upgrading to a bigger tank is a real plus.....Same goes for pumps and such......As far a PH's.....I think there were a couple good mentions, but there might be a new player in the game, for PH's......Time will tell if they pan out, but check out the Jebo PH's.....they seem to be making a big splash around the world......I've owned both Vortech and Tunze.....Personally using Tunze on my new setup.....Can't justify Vortech's price and for what.......
Draw up a list of dream items for your tank......must haves.....and straddling the fence items, and I'm sure we can put something together......
chris122379
New Member
I thought 3000 dollars was a decent amount. Considering i saw the plug and play for 3800. I figured that was a good price range. The red sea max doesnt seem like such a bad idea now. Idk what to do.
acrylic51
Active Member
Just me, but $3800 is like walking through a puddle.....I only say that because you stated "high end equipment"......That line doesn't offer that IMHO.....Nothing on that particular "plug & play" setup is "high end"....I refer back to 1 of my earlier posts.....Name something that puts RedSea at the top of the game in any equipment department.......Bottom line....It's not all about "high end" equipment....You can have the best money can buy, but if your not on the game all the gadgets won't mean beans......Just like saying you have the best lights money can buy.....Without all the other "key ingredients" lights won't matter.....
chris122379
New Member
I totally agree with that statement. You definitely have to be on top of your game when it comes to reef aquariums. I had one for a few years. When i did, my equipment was definitely not top of the line. I was diligent, in turn i had a pretty sick looking tank.Although i had to do water changes once a week, and always monitor my nitrates.They always seem to be high. Probably because of poor filtration. I'm guessing. That being said, i know red sea equipment is not top of the line. However i dont think its garbage either. The s-line series seems to me like it comes with pretty good stuff. Although you seem more knowledgable in the industry then i do. Basically what im now asking, is do you think with all the lighting, filtration, skimmer etc. that it comes with, I can have a well stocked reef aquarium? I kbow you said it would be more expensive to buy it, but i really like the clean look of the tank. Call me crazy. Idk