Red Sea MAX 250 65-gallon Reef Aquarium System

Full feature coral reef aquarium system for ultimate "plug & play" convenience. The Red Sea MAX 250 includes carefully selected high-end equipment to support even the most delicate stony (SPS) corals*. Reef aquarium enthusiasts will delight in the generous 65-gallon capacity glass aquarium for expanded aquascaping possibilities and species selection. Seamlessly matched components ensure reliable performance and are hidden from view for a bold aquarium presentation.

Timer-controlled reef lighting system boasts 234 total watts of brilliant T-5 fluorescent (three 39W 10,000°K & three x39W Actinic) lighting. Eight blue LEDs lend spectacular nighttime views of your underwater realm. Four-stage filtration employs mechanical, chemical and biological filtration plus protein skimming. Two circulation pumps, one rated at 320 gph and the other at 640 gph provide outstanding water movement for thriving corals. At nearly twice the size of the Red Sea MAX 130D, the impressive Red Sea MAX 250 will double your reef-keeping experience. The Red Sea MAX 250 aquarium measures 38" x 21" x 26" high. Red Sea MAX 250 System includes Red Sea MAX Totem 250 Cabinet Stand.

* Very shallow water species of Acropora corals may require additional lighting.

Downloadable Red Sea MAX 250 Instruction Manual
(Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader 4.0 or later - get it here for free)

Red Sea MAX Totem 250 Cabinet Stand
This stylish stand is the perfect way to showcase your Red Sea MAX. Ample cabinet space easily accommodates additional aquarium equipment-even a compact aquarium chiller. Large opening in back allows easy access for equipment maintenance. Above the chiller compartment is a removable, multi-position upper shelf for the convenient storage of foodstuffs, test kits, supplements and other aquarium essentials. Contemporary design and solid wood construction ensure years of dependable use. Minimal assembly required. Measures 38" x 21" x 32" high.

Downloadable Totem Cabinet Installation Guide PDF
(Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader 4.0 or later - get it here for free)

Downloadable Red Sea MAX 250 Tech Sheet PDF (Please note: Starter Kit is no longer available) and Red Sea MAX 250 Quick Reference Chart.
(Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader 4.0 or later - get it here for free)

Please click on "More Information" for specifications.

• 234W T-5 linear fluorescent lamps
• 117W 10,000K (three 39W) / 117W Actinic (three x39W)
• Electronic Ballast
• High Polish Textured Aluminum Reflector
• 8 Blue LED Moonlights
• Fan-cooled Hood for Extended Life of Electronic Components
• High Transparency, Polished Lens

MAX 250 filtration & circulation unit:

• Accessory Kit (inlet/outlet ports)
• Adjustable Height Surface Skimmer
• 320 gph Circulation Pump With Adjustable Direction Outlet
• Compartment for Accessory Pump
• Thermostat Controlled Heater
• Mechanical Filter Sponge
• Adjustable Protein Skimmer with a Turbo Aspiration Pump
• Highly Porous Ceramic Biological Filter Media
• Activated Carbon Chemical Filter Media
• Cartridge for Fine (water polishing) Filter Material
• Sponge Bubble Trap
• 640 gph Circulation Pump with Adjustable Direction Outlet

Hood control panel

• 24 hour programmable lighting timer with integral on/off/auto switch
• On/off switch for moonlights

Main control panel

• Conveniently positioned water-proof power switches for all aquarium components.

Power center

• Five individually switched power outlets with splash cover for all aquarium components.
• Single power cord

Technical Specification
Dimensions (LxWxH): 38" x 21" x 26.2"
Total water volume: 65 gallons
Glass thickness: 0.4"
Cabinet (LxWxH): 38" x 21" x 32"
Lighting: 6 x 39W T-5 Linear
Lighting: 10,000K 117W Total (3 x39W)
Lighting: Actinic 117W Total (3 x39W)
Lighting: 8 Blue LED
Lighting timer: Analog
Hood opening: 3 positions
Circulation Pumps: 1 x 320 gph & 1 x 640 gph
Skimmer water throughput: 240 gph
Skimmer max Air flow: 80 gph
Heater Wattage: 200W
Biological Filtration (active surface area): 1,200 sq ft/gal
Activated Carbon: 400g (14 oz)
Power center: 5 outlets
Water Cooling Fans: Dual fan unit

Red Sea MAX 250 Temperature Control

For optimum conditions, a reef aquarium should be maintained at a stable water temperature in the range of 24-28°C / 76-82°F (the stability of the temperature being more important than the exact value). Slightly higher temperatures can be tolerated for short periods of time as long as the change in temperature is steady and not sudden.

Most reef-keepers consider the installation of a chiller to be a basic necessity as a safeguard against sudden increases in temperature. Given the cost of livestock, Red Sea recommends installing a chiller as a safeguard against sudden increases in temperature.

The MAX is a closed top aquarium which significantly reduces the natural evaporation of water; however, it also reduces the cooling effect that is a natural part of the evaporation process. The water cooling fans located at the back of the aquarium can be used to induce evaporation cooling of the aquarium water. However, to be effective, the water level in the filter compartment must be maintained between the minimum and optimum levels (i.e. 6-7 notches down from the top of the viewing window).

With the correct water level and the water cooling fans operating 24/7, the MAX water temperature will increase approximately 4°C above room temperature. In a well ventilated room with a stable ambient temperature of approximately 22°C it should be possible to maintain the water temperature within the required range by using the water cooling fans however above this temperature a chiller may be necessary. In ambient temperatures of 23°C and above a chiller of at least 1/6HP should be used.

Directions:

1. Ensure the aquarium heater/thermostat has been set to 26°C and is working properly (refer to the manual for details).
2. Ensure the dual water-cooling fans at the rear of the aquarium are operating properly.
3. Check that the filter foams are not pushed down on to the pumps, as this can restrict the flow of water, leading to overheating of the pumps.
4. Use the fine-filter cartridge ONLY for short periods in order to 'polish' the water. The cartridge contains a fine-weave pad which will block quickly if left in constant use, resulting in a restriction in water flow to the filter.
5. Using the water level viewing window on the left hand side of the aquarium, set the aquarium so the water level in the filter compartment is between 6-7 notches from the top of the window. This is easily achieved as follows:
   • Ensure the aquarium is filled to the recommended level.
   • Raise the filter shutter to its highest position.
   • Wait 2-3 minutes while the water level in the filter compartment stabilizes and note the level in water level viewing window.

• If the water level in the filter is higher than 6-7 notches from the top, you should remove some water from the main aquarium in small amounts until the desired level is achieved.
• If the water level in the filter is lower than 6-7 notches from the top, you should add water to the main aquarium in small amounts until the desired level is achieved.
• In neither case should you use the shutter position in order to adjust the water level in the filter.
• The aquarium water level should be monitored daily in order to evaluate, and if necessary top off the MAX to replace water lost due to evaporation. This will both maximize the effectiveness of the filter, and help to maintain a stable temperature.
• If you are away from the aquarium for more than 24 hours, you may need to lower the shutter slightly to allow for evaporation. Please note, however, that this will reduce the water-cooling effect slightly and may increase overall water temperature by approx 1°C.
• If, as is recommended, you add a chiller then a unit of approx 1/6Hp is ideal.
• If a chiller is installed, the water level in the filter compartment should be raised to 3-4 notches below the top as this will reduce the water loss due to evaporation.