My Max 250

So let me get this straight not only does it have a built in filtration, you have the option to run a sump as well!? I have been trying to do research on this set up, but being able to run a sump without drilling may be what I am looking for! Thanks for the updates! How much more is the sump? PM if possible. Thanks!

 

the max 250 doesnt have a sump option, it has an accessory that allows for a chiller or a small external filter. you can diy a sump setup using that. you can see mine in the pictures above

 

Once I got the skimmer pump working after the 2nd replacement, all is good on RSM250! The Customer service rep Pinky over at RS was great! I have been VERY happy with the results. 2 months now with 80lbs live Kupang Rock with water conditions now perfect....Just await the corals next. Taking my time with the absolute best break in I can. Still awaiting an Algae bloom? Brown algae came and went with 3 of my snails getting VERY fat! ;D So far everything is clean as a whistle. Water changes every 2 weeks (15gal) with Catalina Bio Salt water with RO tops offs. I have a 1/4hp Oceanic chiller as well hooked into the system.

 

So, from what I understand, you had to replace the skimmer pump twice?
What was wrong with it? Mine works fine, I just get a lot of microbubbles, which I guess is normal.

 

I just got a new impeller from Pinky for my skimmer, the old one started making squeaky noises ....

 

Hello Guys, this is my first post on 3reef. I have had an RSM130 for two years now (the original). I know Pinky very well.... I've been through about 10 powerheads, several hood fans, a couple sets of T5 lights, etc... I almost never run my skimmer because it sucks and it causes a huge amount of micro bubbles to come out my powerheads and I can never get my temp below 82-84.

The RSM was my first tank ever, and I can't complain. It was a great starter-system. In two years, the only fish I ever lost was a Sally Lightfoot.

I am ready to move up to a larger tank and was seriously looking at the RSM250, but I've had a lot of problems with my RSM130.

There is no question that setup that Dufrense has is gorgeous. I'm extremely jealous! But it seems like you had to do a lot in order to make that happen... Do you believe the RSM250 is really all that great, or is there a better way to go? The thing that attracted me to the RSM in the first place was what I perceived to be a tremendous value, ergonomic, and nice looking.

I guess I'm just wondering if it is truly worth it? Or if there is a better alternative in that price point?

 

Well, sorry to hear about your 130 troubles... from what I've heard Red Sea improved the 130 a lot with their 130D. The 250 is an upgrade from the 130D so... I think there is a lot of improvement from the original 130 even though I've never had the 130.
The RSM250 skimmer works, yes, I do have microbubbles when I turn it on and off but after awhile they go away. I did add a sump and a fuge but I didn't have to. I could run my system without them quite efficiently. If I didn't have the sump I would still buy a couple of the Two Little Fishies (or any other brand) PhosBan reactors and run Phosban media in one and Purigen in other to keep both nitrates and phosphates in check.

You're wondering if it's worht it - well, it doesn't have an alternative. I don't know of another 65g system that looks that good. Yes, there are cheaper tanks that you can customize but they don't look as good and they're not plug-and-play. So, to answer you question, if you like the Red Sea look (the 250 looks like the 130 but is twice as wide) then the 250 is your system

 

I have no microbubbles in my 250, I use the skimmer all the time .... when it works ! About to call Pinky Monday to get another impeller (3rd one)

 

impeller for the skimmer pump? what happens to it? Mine refused to start once but I turned it on and off a few times and eventually it did

BTW, how's you xenia doing?

 

lol, my xenia is down to almost nothing yay !!! I have one rock left that has pulsing xenia, mushrooms and button polyps, once I sell that rock (hopefully soon) I should be 99% xenia free
and yes that's the problem with the impeller, it tries to spin but doesn't, just makes a buzzing noise. No matter how much I tried it wouldn't start