34g "Red Sea Max" Nano

[Pace2100]

Guys,
I'm the "very beginner" - never had any tanks. However, recently, I got in love with coral and now planning on setting up my first reef tank. ...going through a different options, I was advised on 34gal "Red Sea Max" nano tank. Originally, going for a larger size tank I'm considering this option now. Can somebody give me a couple of advises:
a. Is this a good durable model and if nano is a reasonable option for "the beginner" reef tank with corals? beginners are usually advised on not less than 40-50gal.
b. At one of the forums (can't find it now) I saw a couple of post re needs of upgrading lights, etc. in nano tanks. Is it neccessary?
c. do you keep the top open so water doesn't get overheated? won't wish jump out?
d. Is chiller a must?

Thanks in advance!

 

[KathyC]

I have no experience with this particular nano but some people do upgrade the lights. It all depends on what kind of corals you plan to keep..SPS, softies...

If you upgrade to a MH light, you will probably need a chiller unless you run heavy A/C at a low temp.
There are many kinds of fish that will jump form a tank, some due to the small tank size, some becauae they are prone to jumping. So if you do leave it open, then yes, it should have a barrier over it.

As you mention, yes it is probably a better idea for a noobie to start off with a bigger system where the water parameters are easier to mantain..at least until you understand it all better

 

[basiab]

I started with a 10 gallon 5 years ago and it is still going. If you set up good maintenance procedures and always follow them it will not matter what size tank you have. But I would think over 30 gallons is safe enough for anyone.
Lighting depends on what you expect to keep. Clams, SPS, etc. So first decide what you want to keep and then find out what kind of lighting it needs.
Top open or not is discussed in many threads. Not all fish are jumpers. So again first decide which fish you want and make sure they can thrive in a 34. And even if you cover there are different ways to cover. Also without a cover there is more evaporation which means you have to keep adding plain water to replace it otherwise your salt concentration will get out of whack.
Usually a small fan directed over the top will work to keep the temp down in this area.

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

If you are looking for an all in one tank I would go with the current solana

 

[Pace2100]

Thanks a lot Guys for your advises. I'll do some more search on corrals.

 

[DontXtripNfall]

I have the RSM, The lights are doable but if you want SPS and clams then your probly wouldnt like the lights. Living in a high rise i get everyone elses heat in the winter so i bought a jbj chiller. Other than that the skimmer works well for me so my only complaints are the lights.

Welcome to MR

JD

 

[Sandyp1]

The Current Solana is I nice tank. I like the Red Sea also, but not in stock form. Check out Nanotuners.com they make and sell upgraded Red Sea Max,s. I personally have a 12 G JBJ w/upgraded lights and a 70g. I agree that if you keep a regular maintenance schedule, a nano can be a very successful and rewarding tank. ( Not to mention a lot less money ! ) Good luck !

 

[DontXtripNfall]

BTW RSM is making a newer bigger RSM... 250L = idk conversion for gallons but 130 = 34... with t5 lighting and a new digital timer... u should def look into that unless u mainly want sps and clams

 

[NYreefNoob]

the solana is a much nicer looking system and for the same money you get a mh

 

[Lenny718]

Welcome to MR .I had a Red Sea Max and If I did it over I would go with the Solana, more bang for your buck in my opinion.

 

[Dj Orion]

I would go with the Solana, more bang for your buck in my opinion.

I agree, the solana is a smarter design, and the hanging mh pendant looks like its right out of 2001 a space odyssey.