Recommendations on a 30 - 40 gallon reef tank, all-in-one commercial set ups  10/6/08
Dear WetWebMedia Crew:
<Kevin>
I am getting back into having a marine aquarium as my kids are now beyond the "throw things in or at the tank" stage. My last tank was a 120-gallon reef tank that was thriving thanks to the information on your website and Bob Fenner's excellent "Conscientious Marine Aquarist" book, but I had to take it down and give to someone who could use it when my little boy started walking; big glass tanks and 2 year old throwing things were a concern! Now that both my boy and girl are beyond this stage, I am ready to start getting back into the hobby after a 5 year absence and show my kids how to take care of marine animals.
<Ahh!>
I am planning to start with a micro-reef and wanted to know your thoughts on the various all-in-one systems being sold, specifically the Red Sea Max 34 gallon and the Deep Sea Aquatics Neo-Nano products.
<These "units" have REALLY improved. Not so familiar with the latter line, but Red Sea's are very nice, complete, good, working gear>
I like what I have read about the Red Sea Max, but I am a big fan of having a separate sump and using the Aqua C EV series of skimmers, which the Neo-Nano would allow. If you feel there are other models of this category of tanks that I should look into, please let me know.
<Have just looked at Deep Sea's on the net, think this can be made to work... given your background in marines>
As for the bio-load, I plan to keep primarily invertebrates, with a couple of fish. I had good success with T. derasa and Squamosa clams, and would like to keep a T. Squamosa in the tank, with some smaller hard corals and snails. Fish would be gobies or blennies. i am a big fan of invertebrate tanks; I grew up in Hawaii and had several marine tanks with Cone shells, cowries, sea cucumbers and various other animals we caught on the reef flats east of Diamond Head.
<A beautiful spot... when the swell is down!>
Thanks in advance for your advice.
Kevin
<Welcome. Bob Fenner, a hu'i hou!>

Re: Recommendations on a 30 - 40 gallon reef tank  10/6/08
Bob:
<Kevin>
Thank you for the information.
<Welcome>
Now I just need to find a south Orange County/CA tropical fish store that carries these tanks!
Take care,
Kevin
<Mmm, I'd write the manufacturers through their websites... ask them whereabouts you can see, buy them. BobF>

All in one tank... Red Sea Max...   3/12/08
Hey crew..
<Rick>
Was wondering if anyone of you, or any of your readers had any experience with this "Max Tank" saltwater setup?
<Have seen it...>
There is a LOT to be suspicious about with this thing and it's only 34 gallons which is very small for saltwater, but while I wait for more space, was thinking this could make for a pretty cool nano tank.. if it's a good product of course. Here is the link..
http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/group/3973/product.web Thank you so
much for your time and this amazing site.
Rick
<IMO is a very nice unit altogether... Bigger, better than smaller such "all in ones". Bob Fenner>

Adequate lighting for an anemone
Red Sea Max (34 gallons), Enough lighting for an Anemone? - 1/31/08
Hello
<Hello Art, Brenda here>
After 40 years of maintaining freshwater aquariums I finally took the "plunge" and decided to try saltwater. The impetus behind this decision was the introduction of the "plug and play" self-contained Red Sea Max. I have had this unit for three weeks and am quite pleased with it, so far. In an effort to get up to speed, I read Fenner's book and found it superb. I have also been on your site many times and found it to be
both enjoyable and quite instructive.
<Good to hear!>
Yes my RSM tank (34 gals, including a 5 gal filtration area) currently has 40 lbs. of live rock and 80 lbs. (4 inches) of substrate. The unit has 2 55watt T5 power compacts including 10k actinic lighting (4 watts per gallon). Like many others, I have always been intrigued by the symbiotic relationship between clown fish and anemones and would want to include an anemone in the tank, sometime in the near future. Everything I read "seems" to suggest or at least is not clear to me, that this lighting is not adequate for an anemone. The Red Sea literature suggests otherwise. Therefore, I decided to ask the experts directly. Is this lighting adequate for an anemone (E. quadricolor perhaps)? Thank you. Keep up the great work. Art
<This lighting is at best border line. The watt per gallon rule is not a good rule of thumb to go by. This tank is nearly 20” deep. An anemone would have to remain high in the tank, and may need extra feedings to supplement the lack of lighting. Also this T-5 lighting does not have individual reflectors. Without individual reflectors, this lighting is comparable to PC. I personally would not keep an anemone in this tank. Your tank also needs to be an established environment before adding an anemone. This takes 6 months to a year. Brenda>

Re: Red Sea Max (34 gallons), Enough lighting for an Anemone? - 1/31/08
Hi Brenda,
<Good morning Art!>
Thank you for your immediate response.
<You are quite welcome!>
You confirmed what I feared was the case. Do you folks have an opinion as to this product (considering its small size) providing a viable environment for a mini reef? Assuming, of course, that one chooses the appropriate corals and invertebrates and maintains a light fish load.
<I do not have any personal experience with this product. However, looking at the specs I would say it is an average, possibly above average, all in one system. My main concern would be as to how well the skimmer produces. I do suggest keeping easier corals. Soft corals will do fine here. Mushrooms, Leather corals, Palys, Xenia, Kenya Tree, and Anthelia, to name a few will work here and still give you a beautiful display. These soft corals have also been known to be a substitute host for clownfish. So you may still be able to get your symbiotic relationship that you were hoping for.>
I must say that the "crew" is terrific and you all make this hobby so much more enjoyable and understandable.
<Thank you! It is always nice to hear positive feedback!>
I will make every effort to support the site.
<Great!>
Thanks again.
Art
<You’re welcome and good luck to you! Brenda>

Re Red Sea Max vs. C.A.D. Aquarium 1/25/08
Hi James,
<Hello Phil>
Thank you very much.
<You're welcome.>
I appreciate it. I was leaning towards the Max, I think I will go with it.
<Don't think you will be disappointed. James (Salty Dog)>
Phil