Red Sea Max 130D User manual

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

1
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.

5
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

8
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

9
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

10
3 Parts Diagrams
Red Sea MAX
Figure 2: Max parts - front view
Figure 3: Max parts - rear view
Hood Pins
Cooling Fan Vent
Chiller Vent
ank Base
Control Panel
Power Center
Smoked Glass Divide
Adjustable Surface Skimmer
Heater ChamberFilter Media Chamber & Pumps
Cable Channels
Outlet Nozzle
Hood Support Channel
ank Rim
Front Panel
(Folded Back)
Work Surface Skimmer Panel
Lighting Control Panel
Lighting imer
Hood Cooling Vent
Control Panel Switches
Skimmer Collection Cup
Heater

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User Manual
4 Max Setup
he Red Sea MAX reef system comprises the following:
Figure 4: MAX contents
Location
he first step in setting up the MAX is to choose a suitable location.
he location should be decided upon in advance because, once
filled with substrate, rocks and water, the aquarium must not be
moved. Consider the following parameters when choosing the
location.
Tank weig t and support
he tank weighs about 200kg / 440lbs when filled with water,
Reef Base and live rock. If you choose not to use the MAX Cabinet,
consider this weight when selecting an alternative aquarium
support or stand. If the support you choose is not designed
specifically as an aquarium stand, ensure that it can both withstand
the weight and that it remains balanced and level; it should also
be constructed from a material that is splash proof.
he MAX, like all glass aquaria, may crack if subjected to sudden
movement as a result of uneven water pressure on the glass
walls.
1 light tubes x 2
circulation pumps x 2
3 skimmer collection cup
4 heater
5 carbon filter
6 biological filter
7 protein skimmer
8 mechanical filter (coarse)
9 protein skimmer pump

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Red Sea MAX
Accessibility
When choosing a location, ensure that you have enough room
to raise the main aquarium hood and remove the skimmer
collection cup for regular maintenance. Make sure you can reach
the power center switches located at the rear right side of the
MAX and that the power center can be removed from its niche.
Ensure that the area surrounding the aquarium is waterproof and
consider moving away anything that water might damage.
NO E If you plan to use a water chiller, ensure that there is
at least 10cm / 4" of clearance behind the MAX to
allow for sufficient air circulation and easy installation
of the Accessory Kit.
Room temperature
Site selection is important for correct temperature maintenance.
We recommend that you keep the ambient room temperature
a comfortable and stable 22°C / 72°F. Avoid placing the tank in
front of an air conditioner, heating vents or direct sunlight.
A well ventilated room with moderate light is the best place to
position the aquarium.
Unpacking the aquarium
Please read this section carefully before proceeding. Note that
the empty aquarium weighs approximately 25kg / 55lbs; two
people are required to lift it.
To unpack t e aquarium
1. Remove the protective packaging from around the hood.
2. Remove the hinge pins from either side of the hood opening
and set aside.
3. Holding your hand under the hood from the middle of the
opening, lift the hood and gently place it aside for later
assembly.
4. Remove the light tubes, cardboard box and packaging materials
from inside the tank.
5. With one person positioned at either side of the tank, grasp
the aquarium's top rim and lift it gently out of the box and
onto a flat surface.
6. Open the inner cardboard box and remove all of the parts.
7. Read the Pre-operating instructions

13
User Manual
5 Pre-operating instructions
Before installing a new aquarium it is advisable to inspect it for
leaks to make sure that no damage has occurred during transport.
o check for leaks
1. Fill the tank to the bottom of the inner rim with fresh water.
Wait for 15 minutes and inspect for any signs of leakage.
2. Siphon the water from the tank to empty it.
NO E Do not try to move the aquarium with any
water inside
Assembly
Biological filter material
1. Rinse the biological filter
material in its mesh bag
under running water.
2. Insert and push the bag to
the bottom of the filter
media chamber at the back-
left corner of the MAX.
Figure 5: Biological filter material
Carbon filter material
1. Wash the carbon filter material under running water several
times to remove residual dust.
2. Insert it into the biological filter chamber, coming to rest on
top of the biological filter material.
NO E During the first 3 days after set-up the carbon may
float and release air bubbles that were trapped inside
its pores. It is recommended to soak it in water for
24- 72 hr. before usage.
Figure 6: Carbon filter

14
AB
CD
Red Sea MAX
Circulation pumps (x 2)
1. Disassemble and reassemble the pumps in order to familiarize
yourself with their inner parts.
2. Position the first pump in the filter media chamber with the
intake pipe pointing down. Push the pump outlet through the
left hole in the smoked glass wall (Fig. 8 A, B). Make sure the
rubber shock absorber sits on the outlet.
3. Screw the 3-part adjustable outlet nozzle onto the threaded
section of the pump outlet. Ensure that the two components
are firmly attached to either side of the smoked glass wall
(Fig.8 C)
4. Repeat steps 1-3 for the second pump, attaching it to the
second nozzle through the remaining hole in the smoked glass
wall (Fig 8 D)
Figure 8: Installing
the circulation
pumps
5. Fasten the pump's electrical cords through the cords clips
and place them in the cord channel that runs the length of
the aquarium's back rim, threading it through the outermost
cord channel at the other end of the aquarium and out through
the cord access hole.
Figure 7: Circulation pump
Heater
1. Inspect the heater for damage
or cracks.
2. Set the thermostat to 26°C /
78.8°F.
3. Insert the heater into the heater chamber, which is adjacent
to the filter media chamber.
Figure 9: Heater

15
User Manual
4. Attach the heater securely to the wall using the suction
cup provided.
5. hread the heater cord through the channel to the other end
of the tank, threading it through the innermost of the three
channels and out the other end through the cord access hole.
Cable channel cover
With the three cables from the circulation pumps and heater held
in place in the cable channel, snap close the cable channel cover.
Protein skimmer
Figure 10: Installing the channel cover Figure 11: Protein skimmer parts
Collection cup cover
Collection cup adjuster
O-ring
Collection cup
Skimmer body
Inlet pump
Pump

1. Disassemble the skimmer pump and inspect the components
(impeller, impeller housing, inlet pipe, bayonet connector,
flow valve and air pipe).
2. Reassemble the pump, ensuring that the pieces are securely
attached and that the inlet and outlet are parallel to one
another.
3. Ensure that the two double connectors are holding the power
cord and air hose together.
4. Insert the outlet of the pump into
the inlet hole on the side of the
skimmer body (wetting the Oring
will make it easier to perform this
operation). Make sure t at t e
pump is pus ed in fully.
5. Hold the assembled skimmer above
the skimmer chamber with the
pump side facing towards the power
center. Notice the ribs on the front
and back of the skimmer.
6. Holding the pump air hose and power cord up out of the tank,
carefully slide the skimmer assembly into the skimmer
chamber, wide end first, lining up the two slots that run the
length of the skimmer body with the glass ribs on the front
and back wall of the filtration chamber. Make sure that there
is no pressure being put on air line. (Fig.13)
16
Figure 13: Inserting the protein skimmer
With the skimmer in position in the
skimmer chamber, insert the coarse
black foam vertically along the right
side of the skimmer body, Make sure
that the truncated corner position is
to the right rear corner where the
skimmer pump cord and air line are
positioned.
7. hread the pump cord and hose through the cord access hole,
leaving the flow valve above the skimmer chamber.
8. he collection cup should be placed in position after the hood
has been attached (see later).
Mec anical filtration material

17
User Manual
Figure 15: Attaching the integrated over-flow box
Figure 16: Attaching and positioning the over-flow box
Over-flow box
1. Attach the Over-flow box to the filter comb by inserting the
teeth at the rear of the over-flow box into the slots located
towards the bottom of the filter comb. (Fig. 15)
2. Slide the over-flow box 1-2 cm (0.4-0.8 inches) in the upward
direction.

18
Hood
7. hread the hood's electrical cord through the cord access
8. Place the hood on top of the tank, lining up the cutout in
the hood with the protein skimmer chamber in the tank.
9. Make sure that the hood fits securely around the rim of the
tank; it may be necessary to adjust the position of the hood
supports to do this.
10. Place the lighting control panel onto the hood.
11. Hold the skimmer panel in the "open" position over the
skimmer chamber, lining up its hinge holes with those of
the hood.
Figure 19: Positioning the lighting control panel
hole in the top of the tank.

19
User Manual
12. Insert the hood pins that you removed for unpacking, attaching
both the skimmer panel and the lighting control panel to the
hood. he panels should open and close easily with the pins
securing the hinge.
Securing t e ood and switc ing
between t e 3 opening positions
13. Make sure you have the 2 upper hood support pins at the
ready and fold back the front of the hood.
14. With one hand, raise the hood approximately to a 30° angle
and hold it open in this position.
15. With your free hand, snap the upper and middle legs of the
hood supports together on both sides and position the hole
at the top of the upper leg in the recess provided in the hood.
Insert the upper support pins to connect the supports to the
hood (some force might be required) (Fig. 22). Do not use
any tools, like a pliers or hammer, to perform this operation.
If you experience difficulty, check the alignment of the pins
with the hole and try again.
16. o enable complete access to the filter compartment the hood
can be further opened to an almost vertical position. o release
the bottom leg of the hood support, from it's normal position
in the hood support channel, apply an outword pressure on
the middle leg as shown in fig 23. While supporting the hood
with one hand perform the same operation on the other side.
Raise the hood almost to the vertical position.
Figure 21: Attaching the skimmer panel
Figure 22: Securing the hood supports
Figure 20:
Positioning the
skimmer panel