Red Sea Max 130D User manual

www.redseafish.com
Red Sea MAX 130D
The Complete Reef System
USER MANUAL

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Contents
Preface ......................................................................................... 3
Introduction
............................................................................1-7
Lighting..........................................................................................4
Water movement and circulation.................................................4
emperature..................................................................................5
Filtration.........................................................................................5
Livestock........................................................................................6
Safety ...................................................................................... 2-9
Parts diagrams................................................................................10
MAX Setup .......................................................................... 11-12
Location........................................................................................11
Unpacking the aquarium.............................................................12
Pre-operating instructions ............................................. 13-37
Assembly......................................................................................13
Preparing the saltwater..............................................................26
Adjusting the protein skimmer...................................................30
Preparing the substrate..............................................................31
Live rock.......................................................................................33
Stocking the tank.........................................................................34
Quick reference setup chart.......................................................36
Caring for t e reef ........................................................... 38-50
Daily reef care procedures..........................................................38
Weekly reef care.............................................................................44
Monthly reef care: water changes...............................................49
Bimonthly or longer-term care...................................................49
Troubles ooting ............................................................... 51-52
Setup................................................................................................51
echnical issues.............................................................................52

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List of figures
Figure 1: Drip Loop........................................................................7
Figure 2: MAX parts - front view without hood..........................10
Figure 3: MAX parts - rear view...................................................10
Figure 4: MAX contents...............................................................10
Figure 5: Biological filter material...............................................13
Figure 6: Carbon filter..................................................................13
Figure 7: Circulation pump..................................................................13
Figure 8: Installing the circulation pumps.................................14
Figure 9: Heater...........................................................................14
Figure 10: Inserting the heater....................................................15
Figure 11: Protein skimmer parts................................................15
Figure 12: Skimmer assembled..................................................16
Figure 13: Inserting the protein skimmer.........................................16
Figure 14: Mechanical filtration...................................................16
Figure 15: Attaching the integrated over-flow box......................17
Figure 16: Attaching and positioning the filter shutter...............17
Figure 17: Light tubes..................................................................17
Figure 18: Inserting the light tubes.................................................18
Figure 19: Positioning the lighting control panel...............................18
Figure 20: Positioning the skimmer panel.................................19
Figure 21: Attaching the skimmer panel....................................19
Figure 22: Securing the hood supports.................................19
Figure 23: Releasing the snap.................................................20
Figure 24: Opening the hood to upright position..................20
Figure 25: Lowering the hood...............................................20
Figure 26: Skimmer collection cup........................................21
Figure 27: Assembling the integrated foam adjuster..........21
Figure 28: Attaching the skimmer collection cup................21
Figure 29: Removing the splash cover..................................22
Figure 30: Power center.........................................................22
Figure 31: Inserting the power center...................................23
Figure 32: Control panel........................................................23
Figure 33: Removing the splash cover..................................23
Figure 34: Water enters through over-flow box..................28
Figure 35: Water flow through the Max filtration system .....29
Figure 36: Maximum water level .........................................29
Figure 37: Optimal water level.............................................29
Figure 38: Minimum water level...........................................29
Figure 39:
Make sure not to block the foam adjuster windows ....30
Figure 40:
Maximum and Minimum height for the foam adjuster ...31
Figure 41: Curing the live rock..............................................33

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Preface
Congratulations on your purchase of the Red Sea MAX.
he uniquely colorful and diverse underwater world of the coral
reef and its inhabitants has captivated man for ages.
Since the early years aquatic hobbyists have tried to duplicate
this wonderland in their homes, focusing on the equipment and
technologies required to achieve this.
Red Sea developed the MAX to provide a complete reef-ready
system so that from the beginning, you can focus on the aquarium's
inhabitants rather than the hardware.
his manual includes complete set-up and operational instructions
for the MAX aquarium including information on saltwater and
substrate preparation, cycling, rock curing, livestock selection
and long-term reef care.
We hope that you enjoy your MAX.
User Manual

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1 Introduction
he Red Sea MAX approach to the coral reef experience is to
replicate a natural marine environment as faithfully as possible.
In the ocean coral reefs flourish only where specific physical
conditions prevail, such as sufficient light, adequate current,
stable temperature and water clarity. he Red Sea MAX provides
a system that creates these conditions allowing you to keep a
thriving, healthy reef aquarium in your own home.
Lighting
Light is the primary energy source in a coral reef ecosystem.
Some of the reef organisms such as macro-algae, phytoplankton
and zooxanthellae symbiotic algae convert the light into chemical
energy that other reef inhabitants consume in turn. Invertebrates,
such as corals and anemones, rely on sufficient light to promote
photosynthesis. hese photosynthetic invertebrates harbor
symbiotic algae called zooxanthellae that consume the nitrogenous
components and carbon dioxide (CO
2
) from the coral, converting
it into nutrients and oxygen for the coral itself. he spectrum of
light is of paramount importance because those wavelengths
(colors) of light found at the natural depths of reefs maximize
the ability of the zooxanthellae to photosynthesize.
he intensity of the light is also important, though it is impractical
for a home aquarium to provide the high light intensity present
in natural reefs. As a general rule, a light intensity of 1 watt per
liter of water is sufficient for marine invertebrates.
Red Sea MAX
As with most other organisms fish and invertebrates require both
light and dark periods for healthy biological functioning. he
photoperiod needed for photosynthesis is 10-12 hours.
he Red Sea MAX features a complete reef spec lighting system,
including 2 high-intensity, 55-watt 5 power compact, fluorescent
bulbs with a high-polish, textured aluminum reflector, designed
specifically to attain the lighting requirements for a healthy reef
ecosystem. he MAX provides a light intensity (lumens) of 11,600
lux of clear blue sky color (10,000K) with a 1:1 ratio to pure actinic
blue (420nm wavelength peak) to enhance the growth and health
of even the delicate stony corals (SPS) and duplicate the magnificent
fluorescent colors of the reef invertebrates. he lighting comes
with a built-in 24 hour timer to ensure a consistent photoperiod.
wo blue LED moonlights complete the
natural environment.
Water movement and circulation
Water movement constitutes another critical physical parameter
in reef aquaria. he extensive biological effects of currents,
specifically their role in transporting nutrients and oxygen, make
them crucial for static coral reef species. Water flow increases the
food supply, fuels metabolism, promotes gas exchange and
improves enzyme action and respiration, calcification and
photosynthesis rates. At the same time it provides proper flushing
of mucus, decreasing disease, and sedimentation damage.

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and stable 22°C / 72°F. In warmer climates, or where the ambient
room temperature is above the maximum recommended, use
the optional water cooling fan and/or add a chiller to the system.
Filtration
Coral reefs develop and flourish only in ocean areas with clear,
unpolluted and sediment-free water that allows adequate light
penetration. Keeping the reef's delicate creatures in a closed
system requires special attention to water quality, by maintaining
parameters within the narrow range that supports life. he
aquarium's main pollutant results from the decomposition of
organic matter in the ecosystem. An efficient filtration system
removes the coarse pollutants from the aquarium before they
are converted into toxic agents, which usually exist in a dissolved
form and are more difficult to remove.
A filtration system is made up of a number of elements, each
performing complimentary tasks.
he heart of a reef filtration system is the protein skimmer which
removes the vast majority of the wastes produced by the aquarium
inhabitants, as well as thoroughly oxygenating the water.
Mechanical filtration removes the large organic substances, such
as dead fish and plant matter, excess food and sediment from
the water column, and moves it to a user-accessible location.
User Manual
Sufficient water movement helps maintain proper water quality
parameters. he turbulence "breaks" the water surface to promote
gas exchange (especially the removal of CO
2
) and prevents the
accumulation of bio-film, which reduces light penetration. Good
water currents eliminate stagnant areas where decomposing
organic matter would otherwise accumulate.
Most corals available today on the market came from shallow
water with calm to moderate currents. For most soft corals and
LPS corals, turnover of the total water volume 10 times per hour
is ideal for them to flourish and thrive. Stronger currents may in
fact depress their extension.
he Red Sea MAX, features two 550 lph / 145 gph circulation
pumps with adjustable nozzles. he water flow provides sufficient
water movement for most invertebrates positioning and any
desired aquascaping layout.
Temperature
Reef inhabitants are used to very stable temperature conditions
which may vary slowly within a fairly narrow range. Since the
organisms' metabolic rates change with temperature, it is essential
to avoid any sudden or dramatic changes. Most of the corals and
invertebrates originate from the tropical equator regions, where
the water temperature varies between 25 - 30°C, with an average
of 27°C.
We recommended that you keep the aquarium temp. on 26-27°C
with an ambient room temperature at a comfortable

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Although mechanical filtration removes most of the fine organic
material, what remains begins to decompose. Some of these
organic particles, known as dissolved organic carbons (DOCs),
are too small to be picked up by the protein skimmer, causing
build-up in the water giving it a yellowish hue. he chemical
filtration action of active carbon essentially acts as a large chemical
sponge, absorbing these impurities from the water.
he last stage in the decomposition of organic matter is
mineralization, where bacteria convert organic matter into
inorganic materials, such as ammonia and ortho-phosphate,
which can be harmful to the aquarium inhabitants. hrough the
process of nitrification, a special species of nitrifying bacteria
converts toxic ammonia into less toxic nitrate. In order to provide
the bacteria with the large contact area and high flow rate it
needs to develop into a colony, biological filter media should be
part of the filtration system.
he Red Sea MAX features a 4-stage reef filtration system driven
by two 550lph / 145gph submersible pumps, sufficient to circulate
the entire water volume of the tank 10 times per hour. At the
entrance to the filtration system is a surface skimmer that takes
water from the aquarium water surface where the highest
concentration of waste materials is found. It is designed to prevent
clogging and the build-up of organics, maintaining the ideal
water quality for a reef aquarium. he system is comprised of
the following:
Red Sea MAX
 Protein skimmer: he turbo air injector protein skimmer
provides a constant mixture of fine air bubbles (0.5-0.8mm
in diameter) and water, creating thick and stable foam of
partially dissolved organics. he MAX skimmer filters the
entire water volume of the tank almost 4 times per hour with
air throughput of 150 l/h (40 gph)
 Mec anical filtration: he mechanical filtration media consists
of a sponge to trap coarse and fine particles. It is positioned
at the inlet of the filtration provide easy access.
 Activate carbon: he granular activate carbon is made from
highly porous, phosphate-free charcoal. It removes any DOCs
for at least two months, depending on the aquarium bio-
load.
 Biological media: he highly porous ceramic bio-media
provides a huge surface area - 420m
2
/l or 1,200 sq ft/gal
for nitrifying bacteria colonization.
Livestock
he following are basic guidelines regarding livestock selection
for the two main types of marine aquarium, Fish-Only and
Mini Reef, which combines reef fish with a multitude of reef
invertebrates such as anemones and corals. We recommend that
you refer to some of the many specialist fish and invertebrate
guides available in order to gain a more in-depth understanding
of the subject.

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Fis -only
he main focus of this type of tank is the fish. You should carefully
study the unique characteristics of each species before deciding
what and how many to stock. Your chief concerns should include
full size at maturity; dominance and competition with other
species; aggressiveness toward other members of the same
species or towards other species; social behavior (solitary, in
couples or schools) and feeding requirements. Since a fish-only
tank is not required to support delicate invertebrates, which are
vulnerable to even slight changes in water parameters, the total
biomass can be greater than that of a mini reef set-up. Species
diversity can include types that would not be suitable for a mini
reef set up due to competitiveness with invertebrates (feeding
on corals, molluscs or crustaceans).
We recommend that the beginner hobbyist should populate the
tank with the hardiest species available, especially during the
first six months of tank maturation. his group includes the
Damselfish (Pomacentridae, including clownfish), Cardinalfishes
(Apogonidae), Blennies (Blenniidae) and Fairy Basslets
(Grammidae). After you have gained experience with these
species and better understand marine fish feeding requirements
and behavior, you can progress to more demanding species such
as Dwarf angels (Centropygiidae), Hawkfishes (Cirrihitidae), Sea
basses (Serranidae) and Dragonets (Callionymidae).
Given the dimensions of the MAX, we do not recommend that
you keep angs (Acanthuridae), rigger fishes (Balistoididae),
large angelfishes (Pomachanthidae) or butterfly fishes
(Chaetodontidae) , due to their size and behavioral habits.
Mini reef
he main focus of a mini reef is the invertebrates, especially
corals and anemones. he role of the fish is secondary as they
complete the reef ecosystem picture. he most important aspect
in choosing fish is their compatibility with or aggressiveness
toward delicate invertebrates. Since the "free swimming" space
in a mini reef tank, with it corals and live rocks, is less than that
of a fish-only tank, the total number of fish inhabiting it will be
less. We recommend that you keep fish from the smaller species;
most of the species listed in the previous section are also suitable
for mini reef set-ups. In long-term tests, the MAX has proven
capable of supporting all soft corals (Sarcophyton sp., Lobophytum
sp., Sinularia sp., Xenia; Cladiella sp., etc.), all LPSs (Large Polyp
Scleractinia, like Euphyllia sp., Plerogyra sp., Nemenzophyllia sp.,
rachphyllia sp., Caulestra sp., etc.), some SPSs (Small Polyp
Scleractinia, such as Stylophora sp. and Seriatopora), sea anemones,
all types of crustacean (cleaner shrimps, peppermint shrimps,
hermit crabs, scarlet hermit crabs), sea stars and giant clams
( ridacna sp.).
User Manual

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Red Sea MAX
Safety
PLEASE READ AND FOLLOW ALL SAFE Y INS RUC IONS
DANGER: o avoid possible electric shock, special care should be
taken when handling a wet aquarium. For each of the following
situations, do not attempt repairs yourself; return the appliance
to an authorized service facility for service or discard the appliance.
WARNING: o guard against injury, basic safety precautions should
be observed, including the following:
a. Do not operate any appliance if it has a damaged cord or
plug, if it is malfunctioning, or if it is dropped or damaged
in any manner.
b. o avoid the possibility of the appliance plug or receptacle
getting wet, position the aquarium stand and tank to one
side of a wall mounted receptacle to prevent water from
dripping onto the receptacle or plug. You should create a
"drip loop"(see Figure 1) for each cord connecting an aquarium
appliance to a receptacle. he "drip loop" is that part of the
cord below the level of the receptacle, or the connector. Use
an extension cord, if necessary, to prevent water travelling
along the cord and coming into contact with the receptacle.
If the plug or receptacle does get wet, DO NO unplug the
cord. Disconnect the fuse or circuit breaker that supplies
power to the appliance. hen unplug the device and examine
for presence of water in the receptacle.
Figure 1: Drip Loop

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c. Close supervision is necessary when any appliance is used
by or near children.
d. o avoid injury, do not contact moving parts.
e. Always unplug an appliance from an outlet when not in use,
before putting on or taking off parts, and before cleaning.
Never pull the cord itself to remove the plug from the outlet.
Grasp the plug and pull to disconnect.
f. Do not use an appliance for anything other than its intended
use. he use of attachments not recommended or sold by the
appliance manufacturer may cause an unsafe condition.
g. Do not install or store the appliance where it will be exposed
to the weather or to temperatures below freezing point.
h. Make sure an appliance mounted on a tank is securely installed
before operating it.
i. Read and observe all the important notices on the appliance.
NO E A cord rated for less amperes or watts than the appliance
rating may overheat. Care should be taken to arrange the
cord so that it cannot be tripped over or pulled accidentally.
User Manual