Red Sea MAX User manual

Contents
Preface............................................................................................................ 1
Introduction .................................................................................................... 2
Lighting ............................................................................................................................2
Water Movement and Circulation ..................................................................................3
Temperature ....................................................................................................................3
Filtration...........................................................................................................................3
Safety.............................................................................................................. 5
MAX Setup ...................................................................................................... 7
Location............................................................................................................................7
Unpacking the Aquarium................................................................................................8
Pre-Operating Instructions ............................................................................. 9
Assembly .........................................................................................................................9
Preparing the Saltwater................................................................................................18
Mixing the Salt ..............................................................................................................19
Preparing the Substrate................................................................................................20
Live Rock........................................................................................................................20
Stocking the Tank..........................................................................................................22
Caring for the Reef ......................................................................................... 25
Daily Reef Care Procedures ..........................................................................................25
Weekly Reef Care ..........................................................................................................31
Monthly Reef Care: Water Changes .............................................................................35
Bimonthly or More Reef Care.......................................................................................36

List of Figures
Figure 1: Drip Loop .............................................................................................................5
Figure 2: MAX contents ......................................................................................................7
Figure 3: Biological filter ....................................................................................................9
Figure 4: Carbon filter.........................................................................................................9
Figure 5: Circulation pump.................................................................................................9
Figure 6: Installing circulation pumps ...............................................................................10
Figure 7: Heater ..................................................................................................................10
Figure 8: Threading the heater cord ................................................................................10
Figure 9: Protein skimmer parts........................................................................................11
Figure 10: Skimmer assembled.........................................................................................11
Figure 11: Inserting protein skimmer ...............................................................................12
Figure 12: Mechanical filtration material .........................................................................12
Figure 13: Inserting filter comb.........................................................................................12
Figure 14: Attaching and positioning filter shutter..........................................................13
Figure 15: Light tubes ........................................................................................................13
Figure 16: Inserting bulb....................................................................................................13
Figure 17: Positioning lighting control cover ...................................................................14
Figure 18: Positioning skimmer hood ...............................................................................14
Figure 19: Attaching the skimmer hood...........................................................................14
Figure 20: Securing the hood supports.............................................................................15
Figure 21: Lowering the hood ...........................................................................................15
Figure 22: Skimmer collection cup ....................................................................................15
Figure 23: Attaching the skimmer collection cup ............................................................15
Figure 24: Power center.....................................................................................................16
Figure 25: Removing the splash cover .............................................................................16
Figure 26: Replacing the splash cover ..............................................................................16
Figure 27: Inserting power center.....................................................................................17
Figure 28: Control panel.....................................................................................................17
Figure 29: Timer and switch ..............................................................................................17
Figure 30: Removing the splash cover .............................................................................17
Figure 31: Water circulation...............................................................................................21

Red Sea MAX User Manual
Preface
Congratulations on your purchase of the Red Sea MAX.
The unique and colorful underwater world of the coral reef
and its inhabitants has captivated mankind for ages. Since the
early years aquatic hobbyists have tried to duplicate this
wonderland in their own homes, focusing on the equipment
and technologies required to achieve this aim.
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.
This manual includes the set-up and operational instructions
for the MAX aquarium with a focus on how to establish and
maintain a healthy and successful reef aquarium.
We hope that you enjoy your MAX.
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Red Sea MAX User Manual
1 Introduction
The Red Sea MAX approach to the coral reef experience is to
replicate a natural marine environment as closely 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. The Red Sea MAX
provides a system that creates these conditions allowing you
to keep a thriving, healthy reef aquarium right in your own
home.
Lighting
Light is the primary energy source in a coral reef ecosystem.
Some of the reef organisms such as algae, phytoplankton and
zooxanthelae 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. These photosynthetic invertebrates harbor
symbiotic algae called zooxanthelae that consume the
nitrogenous components and carbon dioxide (CO2) from the
coral, converting it into nutrients and oxygen for the coral
itself. The spectrum of light is of paramount importance
because those wavelengths (color) of light found at the
natural depths of coral reefs maximize the ability of the
zooxanthelae to photosynthesize.
The intensity of the light is also important, though it is
impractical for a home aquarium to provide the high light
intensity present at natural reefs. As a general rule, a light
intensity of 1 watt per liter of water is sufficient for marine
invertebrates.
As with most other organisms, the fish and invertebrates
require both light and dark periods for healthy biological
functioning. The photoperiod needed for photosynthesis is 10-
12 hours.
The Red Sea MAX features a complete lighting system,
including two 55-watt T5 power compact fluorescent bulbs
with a high-polish, textured aluminum reflector, designed
specifically to attain the lighting requirements for a healthy
reef ecosystem. It provides 1 watt per liter of clear blue sky
color (10,000 K) 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 exquisite
fluorescent colors of the reef invertebrates. The lighting comes
with a built-in timer to ensure a consistent photoperiod and
moonlight periods to complete the natural environment.
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Red Sea MAX User Manual
3
Water movement and circulation
Water movement constitutes another critical physical
parameter in reef aquariums. The 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, promotes gas exchange and
improves enzyme action, as well as fuels metabolism,
respiration rates, calcification rates and photosynthesis rates.
At the same time, it provides proper flushing of mucus,
decreasing disease, and sedimentation damage.
Sufficient water movement helps maintain proper water
quality parameters. The turbulence "breaks" the water surface
to promote gas exchange (especially the removal of CO2) and
prevents the accumulation of bio-film, which reduces light
penetration. Good water currents eliminate stagnant areas
where decomposing organic matter will otherwise
accumulate.
The Red Sea MAX features two 550 lph (145 gph) circulation
pumps with adjustable direction outlets for sufficient water
movement, according to the desired aquascaping and
invertebrate positions.
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 ambient temperature conditions around an aquarium are
lower than the recommended temperature for a reef and the
fan-cooled hood of the MAX dissipates only a small amount of
heat; therefore, under such conditions, only a heater is
required.
In warmer climates, where the ambient temperature is above
the maximum recommended, a chiller should be added to the
system.
We strongly recommend maintaining a temperature range of
24-27°C (76-83°F), unless there is reason to do otherwise.
Filtration
Coral reefs develop and flourish only in ocean areas with clear,
unpolluted, sediment-free water that allows adequate light
penetration. Keeping the reef's delicate creatures in a closed
system requires special attention to the water quality by
maintaining parameters within the narrow range that supports
life. The 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.

Red Sea MAX User Manual
The Red Sea MAX features a 4-stage reef filtration system
driven by two 550 lph (145 gph) submersible pumps,
sufficient to circulate the entire water volume of the tank 10
times per hour. It is designed to prevent clogging and the
build-up of organics, maintaining the ideal water quality for a
reef aquarium. The system is comprised of the following:
A filtration system is made up of a number of elements, each
performing complimentary tasks.
The 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.
•Protein skimmer: The turbo air injector protein skimmer
provides a constant mixture of fine air bubbles (0.5-
0.8mm in diameter) and water, creating a thick, dry and
stable foam of partially dissolved organics. The MAX
skimmer filters the entire water volume of the tank
almost 4 times per hour
Mechanical filtration removes the large organic substances,
such as dead fish and plant matter, excess food, as well as
sediment from the water column, and moves it to a user-
accessible location.
Although the mechanical filtration system 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 and giving it a
yellowish hue. The chemical filtration action of active carbon
essentially acts as a large sponge, absorbing these impurities
from the water.
•Mechanical filtration: The mechanical filtration media
consist of double-stage sponges to trap coarse and fine
particles. Their position at the inlet of the filtration
provides easy access for routine cleaning.
•Activate carbon: The 4mm (0.15”) granulate activate
carbon is highly porous, phosphate-free charcoal. It
removes any DOCs for at least two months, depending on
the aquarium bio-load.
The 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. Through
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 has been added to the filtration system.
•Biological media: The highly porous ceramic bio-media
provides enormous surface area (420m2/l) for nitrifying
bacteria colonization.
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Red Sea MAX User Manual
2 Safety
PLEASE READ AND FOLLOW ALL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
DANGER - To avoid possible electric shock, special care should
be taken since water is employed in the use of aquarium
equipment. 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: To 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. To 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. A "drip
loop" shown to the right, should be arranged by the user
for each cord connecting an aquarium appliance to a
receptacle.
The "drip loop" is the part of the
cord below the level of the
receptacle, or the connector. Use
an extension cord, if necessary, to
prevent water traveling along the
cord and coming into contact with
the receptacle. If the plug or
receptacle does get wet, DO NOT
unplug the cord. Disconnect the
fuse or circuit breaker that
supplies power to the appliance.
Then unplug the device and
examine for presence of water in
the receptacle.
Figure 1: Drip Loop
c. Close supervision is necessary when any appliance is
used by or near children.
d. To 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.
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Red Sea MAX User Manual
f. Do not use an appliance for other than intended use. The
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.
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.
j. If an extension cord is necessary, a cord with a proper
rating should be used. 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 will not be
tripped over or pulled.
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Red Sea MAX User Manual
3 MAX Setup
The Red Sea MAX aquarium system comprises the following:
Figure 2: MAX contents
1 Light bulbs 6 Carbon filter
2 Mechanical filter (fine) 7 Biological filter
3 Circulation pumps x 2 8 Protein skimmer
4 Skimmer collection cup 9 Mechanical filter (coarse)
5 Heater 10 Protein skimmer pump
Location
The first step in setting up the aquarium is to choose the
location. The 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 in choosing the location.
Tank weight and support
The tank weighs about 200 kg (440lbs) once full of water, reef
base and live rock. If choosing not to use the Red Sea MAX
stand, consider this weight when selecting the aquarium
support. If the support you choose is not designed as an
aquarium stand, ensure that it can withstand the weight, and
that it remains balanced and level. Red Sea MAX, like all glass
aquariums, may crack if subjected to sudden movement as a
result of uneven water pressure on the glass walls.
Accessibility
In choosing the location, be sure to consider the ability to
raise the hood and skimmer collection cup for regular
maintenance. Make sure that you can reach the power center
switches located at the rear on the right-hand side of the MAX
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Red Sea MAX User Manual
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Remove the light tubes, cardboard box and packaging
materials from inside the tank.
and that the power center can be removed from its niche. Be
certain that the area surrounding the aquarium is waterproof,
and consider moving away anything that water might
damage. 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.
Room temperature Open the inner cardboard box and remove all of the parts.
Read the Pre-Operating Instructions before assembling.
The site selection may affect proper temperature
maintenance. It is recommended to keep ambient
temperature within the same range as a healthy tank (24-
27°C / 76-83°F) to facilitate proper temperature parameters.
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);
therefore two people are required to move it.
To unpack the aquarium
Remove the protective packaging from around the hood.
Remove the hinge pins from either side of the hood
opening and set aside.
Holding your hand under the hood from the middle of the
opening, lift the hood and gently place it aside for later
assembly.
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Red Sea MAX User Manual
4 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.
1.
2.
Fill the tank to the bottom of the inner rim with fresh
water. Wait for 15 minutes and inspect for any signs of
leakage.
Siphon the water from the tank to empty it.
NOTE Do not try to move the aquarium with any water inside
Assembly
Biological filter material
1.
2.
Rinse the biological filter
material in its mesh bag
under running water.
Slide it all the way to the
bottom of the filter media
chamber at the back-left
corner of the aquarium.
Figure 3: Biological filter
material
Carbon filter material
1. Wash the carbon filter material
under running water several
times to remove residual dust.
2. Slide it into the biological filter
chamber, resting it on top of
the biological filter material.
Figure 4: Carbon filter
Circulation pumps (x 2)
1.
2.
Disassemble and reassemble
the pumps, in order to
familiarize yourself with their
inner parts.
Position the first pump in the
filter media chamber with the
intake pipe pointing down and
the pump outlet inline with
the outermost hole in the
smoked glass wall.
Figure 5: Circulation pump
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Red Sea MAX User Manual
3. Insert the direction nozzle into the pump outlet through
the hole. Ensure that the two components are securely
attached so the pump does not move when you wiggle
the nozzle.
Figure 6: Installing circulation pumps
4.
5.
1.
2.
3.
Place the pump's electrical cord 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.
Repeat steps 1-4 for the second pump, attaching it to the
other nozzle through the remaining hole in the smoked
glass wall, and threading the cord through the middle cord
channel at the other end of the tank.
Heater
Inspect the heater for damage
or cracks.
Set the thermostat to
approximately 26°C (79°F).
Insert the heater into the small
heater chamber, which is
adjacent to the filter media
chamber.
Figure 7: Heater
4.
5.
Attach the heater securely to
the wall using the suction cup
provided.
Thread the heater cord
through the channel to the
other end of the tank,
threading it through the
innermost of the three
channels at the other end and
out through the cord access
hole.
Figure 8: Threading the
heater cord
Cable channel covers
With the three cables from the circulation pumps and heater
held in the cable channel, snap the left cable channel cover
first and then the right cable channel cover into position.
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Red Sea MAX User Manual
Protein skimmer
Figure 9: Protein skimmer parts
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Disassemble the skimmer pump and inspect the
components (impeller, impeller housing, inlet pipe,
bayonet connector, flow valve and air pipe).
Reassemble the pump, ensuring that the pieces are
securely attached, and that the inlet and outlet are
parallel.
Ensure that the double connectors are holding the cord
and air hose together.
Insert the outlet of the pump into
the inlet hole in the side of the
skimmer body (wetting the O–
ring will make it easier to
perform this operation). Make
sure that the pump is pushed in
fully.
Hold the assembled skimmer
above the skimmer chamber
with the pump side towards the
power center.
Notice the ribs on the front and
back of the skimmer.
Figure 10: Skimmer
assembled
6.
7.
Holding the pump air hose and power cord up out of the
tank, slide the skimmer assembly into the skimmer
chamber with the wide end down, lining up the skimmer
ribs with the vertical glass strips in the chamber. Bring the
skimmer to rest with the top of the skimmer in line with
the top of the aquarium frame. Make sure that there is no
pressure being put on the air line.
Thread the pump cord and hose through the cord access
hole, leaving the flow valve above the skimmer chamber.
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Red Sea MAX User Manual
Figure 11: Inserting protein skimmer
8.
1.
2.
The collection cup should be placed in position after the
hood has been attached (see below).
Mechanical filtration material
Slide the coarse black foam
vertically into the skimmer
chamber, bringing it to rest
on top of the skimmer
pump.
Place the fine white pad on
top of the black foam in
the chamber, whilst
ensuring that no pressure
Figure 12: Mechanical
filtration material
is put on the air line.
Filter comb and shutter
1. Slide the filter comb into position in the hole at the top of
the tank's back wall.
F
2. ttach the filter shutter to the ribs in the filter comb and
push it down to its lowest position.
igure 13: Inserting filter comb
A
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Red Sea MAX User Manual
Figure 14: Attaching and positioning filter shutter
Light tubes
NOTE Only use Red Sea Max lighting tubes. The hood is
designed for the special T5 tubes, which are smaller
than the regular T6 power compacts (biax).
1.
2.
Using the protective
packaging as a cushion,
place the hood upside down
on a level surface.
Remove the 8 plastic screws
from the light’s transparent
lens.
Figure 15: Light tubes
3.
4.
5.
Remove the lens and place in on a smooth surface to
prevent scratches.
Place the lighting tubes in position by first inserting the
electrical connectors into their sockets and then pushing
the tubes into the metal
clips. A small amount of
force may be required to
push the tube through the
opening in the hood.
Replace the cover securely,
ensuring that the gasket
Figure 16: Inserting bulb
around its inner edge is properly positioned.
6. Replace the 8 screws. You are now ready to place the
hood on the aquarium.
NOTE After initial assembly, replacing the light tubes can be
performed with the hood attached to the aquarium.
To attach the hood
1.
2.
3.
4.
Thread the hood's electrical cord through the cord access
hole in the top of the tank.
Place the hood on top of the tank, lining up the cutout in
the hood with the protein skimmer chamber of the tank.
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.
Place the lighting control cover onto the hood.
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Red Sea MAX User Manual
6.
Figure 17: Positioning lighting control cover
5. Hold the skimmer cover in the "open" position over the
skimmer chamber, lining up its hinges with those of the
hood.
Figure 18: Positioning skimmer hood
Insert the hood pins that you removed for unpacking,
attaching both the skimmer cover and the lighting control
cover to the hood. The covers should open and close easily
with the pins securing the hinge.
Figure 19: Attaching the skimmer hood
To secure the hood supports
1.
2.
3.
Fold back the front of the hood.
With one hand, lift the open hood and support it.
With your free hand, straighten the hood supports on
either side of the hood and insert the support pins to
connect the supports to the hood as shown (some force
will be required). Do not use any tools (pliers or hammer)
to perform this operation. If you have difficulty, check the
alignment of the pins with the hole and try again.
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Red Sea MAX User Manual
Figure 20: Securing the hood supports
4. To lower the open hood, bend the supports out towards
the front of the aquarium.
Figure 21: Lowering the hood
NOTE To disassemble the hood from the aquarium, remove
the hood support pins by inserting the end of a small
screwdriver into the small recess in the head of the
pin. Thereafter, remove the hood pins from the hood
hinges at the back.
Skimmer collection cup
Figure 22: Skimmer collection cup
1.
2.
3.
4.
Assemble the collection cup with its lid.
Open the skimmer chamber cover in the hood.
Line up the hole in the cup bottom with the top of the
skimmer.
Attach the collection cup to the skimmer, with the cup
protruding in the direction of the filter media chamber.
Figure 23: Attaching the skimmer collection cup
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Red Sea MAX User Manual
Power center
Figure 24: Power center
1.
2.
Ensure that your hands are dry.
Remove the power center splash cover by sliding it away
from the power cord and lifting. Familiarize yourself with
how the splash cover locks in position.
Figure 25: Removing the splash cover
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Connect the cables from the various components to the
power center in the following order, placing the plugs in
the matching sockets:
Connect the circulation pumps in the two sockets #4 and
#5.
Connect the heater plug in socket #3.
Connect the skimmer plug in socket #2.
Connect the hood cord in socket #1.
Gather the component cables together and replace the
splash cover.
Figure 26: Replacing the splash cover
9. Insert the power center, narrow side in and component
power cords down, into the niche in the back right corner
of the aquarium. Use the lip at the bottom of the niche to
position the box properly.
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Red Sea MAX User Manual
Figure 27: Inserting power center
Open the control panel on
the outside of the power
center and make sure all
the switches are set to OFF
(“O” pressed down and the
“I” up).
Figure 28: Control panel
10.
Operating the lighting hood
Open the lighting control panel. You will see a timer and a
switch, that control the main T5 daylights and the LED
moonlights respectively.
Figure 29: Timer and switch
The timer has a protective transparent splash cover to protect
the system from water damage. Always dry your hands
before removing the splash cover. Make sure that it is always
replaced after adjusting the timer.
Figure 30: Removing the splash cover
The timer has a 3-position switch:
•I (ON position) – Daylights on, moonlights off
•O (OFF position – Daylights off, moonlights on
•Clock symbol – Automatically changes between the “I”
and “O” settings according to the preset of the timer.
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