Thanks Scott. Let me tell you, it's a learning curve figuring out editing video. I wanted to put music in the background to bring a little life in this video but couldn't figure it out after adding my voice over. I'll get better at ...
Hi Alvin, thanks for posting this video. What pump did you use for the return? I didn't realize that purchasing the Max E 260 with the sump upgrade meant that I needed to purchase an additional return pump. I want to make sure that whatever pump I buy fits the green tubing that comes with the aquarium. Thanks in advance.
Hi Victoria, I ended up getting the Syncra model 1.5 (www.saltwateraquarium.com/syncra-silent-pump-model-1-5-357-gph-6-ft-head-sicce/). I got mine from saltwateraquarium.com, since I've had a good experience with them and they price match, so look around for a good price if you decide that's what you want. I haven't had a chance to use mine yet because I haven't been able to make enough water for the tank with the RO system. I can give you an update as soon as I start using it - hopefully this afternoon.
Hi Eric and Victoria. My apologies for the late response. I guess it's kind of moot at this point. I'm sure you guys have your return pump by now lol. I went with the Reef Octopus VarioS-6 it's an excellent and supper quiet pump I literally don't hear it running and its powerful so I can add a manifold later down the line for different equipments I can control it with the Apex as well. Love this pump.
Excellent detailed video! Does the water sitting in the back filter compartment ever get to the point where you have to siphon and clean it? I just noticed with the water level so high back there the flow is reduced and organics could settle on the bottom. What is your experience after these years? I'm in the process of converting an old RSM 130.
Thanks for taking the time to walk us through your set up. I just purchase a RedSea E Max 260 with the sump upgrade as well. What protein skimmer are you thinking about running? & Are going to run a refugium? If so, any ideas on how you could set one up?
Alvin - thanks for taking the time to create this walk through, keep it up! Can someone share where you buy the sump upgrade? Or do you just piece together your own sump upgrade (for the max E-260) thanks!
One more, I'm tight on cash for this initial setup. Would it hurt to start my E-260 without the sump upgrade, and add it 3-4 months down the line after cycling?
Brandon Earman, Hi. Absolutely. And in fact you will be saving a big load of money. You have everything you need right from the box. But of course depending where you live you still might need a heater and or chiller. I got away with just small fans in my sump but you can use it blowing across the main tank. Also FYI. I strongly recommend building or buying a screen. You will absolutely wind up with a fish on the floor at some point as I did not taking the recommendation right away. BTW I also have been a little tight on the budget myself. I stayed with fresh water right from the start. The fish are less expensive and whatever mistakes I make won't be costley lol. And I have made a few and learned from it. I've been building my system bit by bit for my switch to a marine aquarium . So far I've added the following with more to come. A dual GFO & Carbon Reactor from BRS. The first cannister has filter floss in it and the second has carbon. The TUNZE ATO a must have IMO, you can use a bigger reservoir. A JBJ 1/5 HP chiller, got rid of the fans and also less evaporation. JBJ True Temp Digital Heater Controller 300 watt and the temp is spot on as well after calibration. And BTW if I haven't mentioned before, EVERYTHING is controlled in some form or fashion by my Neptune Apex Controller (from the lights down to the heater everything is plugged into it) Next and last on the list for the switch from freshwater to salt, I'm planning on getting the dosing equipment and the skimmer. Sorry for writing a book as a reply Again fell free if you have any other questions. Hopefully I'll get out another video in the near future with my current setup before my switch.
Thank you for this Alvin! I'm going to have to find a retailer that actually stocks some of these things so I can see one for real, but you've at least shown lots of details, which really helps me understand how things are put together. One question: given how the three pipes are inserted into the back section behind the display, if you use the sump is there any water in the back compartment at all? Also, does the sump give you any extra system volume of water over just the AIO?
Hi Reefgirl. Thank you for your comments. You are very welcome. To answer your questions. With the addition of the sump to the E 260 you will be increasing the water volume by approximately 12 extra gallons. As for the rear display sump. Around the 2 minute mark of my first video, you can see the rear sump in action. But in short. With or without the sump upgrade, the rear chamber in the DT is always filled with water. It's part of the filtration system. And water circulation for the DT. On my next video I'll be detailing the display tank and rear sump. Hope this was helpful. But please feel free to ask if you have additional questions. Happy Reefing...
Thanks for this info, it really helps. I'm thinking then, that the back chamber is a great place to put extra biological filtration material such as pond matrix - lots of space and in flowing water. Looking forward to the next video.
Thanks for this mate! i just got a red sea max e 170 and im eager to start:) i just wanna ask what do you recommend to fill the sump with water or the tank with water first?
Hi Bobby. I'm still in fresh water mode lol. You will have no choice but to move your skimmer down to the sump chamber because of the piping. It goes into the mid chamber where your skimmer is now.
Brilliant video Alvin. You were right that there wasn't much information out there at all about the upgraded sump- but now there is. Have you started to set it up as saltwater now?
hi I'm buying this tank in a couple weeks with the sump. as a beginner I would like to know wat I can put in it. and do I have to remove the Skimmer that's already built in. thanks
I just did this upgrade a few days ago. I did mine after the tank was full which wasn't supposed to make a mess but it certainly did. I siphoned out the rear sump and lowered the tank level then pulled those plugs but water kept coming into the chamber anyway which then spilled through the hole until I could get the pipe in. What return pump are you using? I'm using a Sicce syncra silent 2.0 2100 lph. Pumping from the bottom cabinet it isn't actually moving that much water of course but it seems adequate. However yours is pumping much more than mine is so I'm curious what flow rate that is.
That's interesting. I'm able to siphon the rear chamber completely (except for the two chamber on the sides, I leave alone) to do maintenance on the pipes (cleaning). If you still have water coming down that means you have a leak from one of the side chambers. "OR". Make sure when you siphon the middle section, use a small dishwashing type sponge to remove what ever water is left in that section. It may appear that you drained everything by siphoning. But siphoning alone wont remove all of it. Place the sponge in the mid section allow it to get saturated then queez the water into the bucket and repeat till its all gone. Once you remove the pipes you should just get a few drips if any. NO MESS :-) Hope this helps you. And by the way don't over tighten. Just need a snug seal that's it.
iMovie lets you add video, pictures to your video I don't know if it lets you record video although voice it does. Then you have TH-cam capture as well. For picture editing I'm using piZap. ( only to take a photo and add captions) my intro and exit are done by a online thing called flixpress WHICH doesn't work with iPhone or iPad. Since I can't sit in a desk chair for longer than a half hour I only use that when absolutely necessary ( not very often) enjoy
OK cool, So I guess it's the norm for video editing. Use a little of this from this program and a little of that from that app and you bring the whole thing together with the finished product...
You are welcome. I love the Neptune. It already saved me a few times. Overheating my main issue. It will turn my fans on in the sump chamber and if it gets higher to another set temp it will shut off my tank lights as well. Really endless what you can do with it.
When you add the the sump the two pump continues to help circulate the water within the display tank. The third will be used to bring the water up from the sump. I prefer one that you can adjust the speed. For example, I have the VarioS-8 Reef Octopus return pump.
You don't need music. IMO it distracts from the commentary and choices of genre are many times annoying...rather hear good advice than music! Still trying to decide whether to invest in this rig and whether or not to get the sump, coming from Biocube 29 and your vids help tremendously. THX
BecWells Thanks for the comments. I absolutely love this setup. I'm still in fresh water mode. Haven't transitioned over to salt water yet. But first thing I have to say is how quiet this setup is. I have this in my bedroom. And for the return pump I'm using the Octopus VarioS 6. I couldn't be more happier with this pump. And I also have the Apex controller as well. It seems a bit overkill to for just a fresh water setup but this is all like a training for me with the aquarium and the apex. And I have learned about quite a few things between the two. And not to mention the AI lighting as well. I've been meaning to put out another video for the DT. But I just need to find the time. Hopefully soon. Any questions please feel free to ask. Having said all this, it is most definitely worth getting. It's just a beautiful aquarium in itself. And very well made. You won't be disappointed.
great job and great information
Nice update Alvin. Great information.
Thanks Scott. Let me tell you, it's a learning curve figuring out editing video. I wanted to put music in the background to bring a little life in this video but couldn't figure it out after adding my voice over. I'll get better at ...
Nice update everything looks good 🤗
Thank you!!! Can't wait to get my next video up lol.
***** ditto 🤗
PsychedelicBabe Hi, I just saw your message. Is that your number?
Nice sump
Thank you.
Considering this tank and sump set up. Is the sump pretty quiet? Great videos btw!
Hi, thanks for the video. Why the rear skimmer is nor needed anymore? means that you have to buy an additional skimmer for the sump?
What is the best way to set up filter media in this sump.
I have the exact same sump and tank just thinking of the best way to add filter media
Hi Alvin, thanks for posting this video. What pump did you use for the return? I didn't realize that purchasing the Max E 260 with the sump upgrade meant that I needed to purchase an additional return pump. I want to make sure that whatever pump I buy fits the green tubing that comes with the aquarium. Thanks in advance.
Hi Eric - we didnt realise either. What pump did you get?
Hi Victoria, I ended up getting the Syncra model 1.5 (www.saltwateraquarium.com/syncra-silent-pump-model-1-5-357-gph-6-ft-head-sicce/). I got mine from saltwateraquarium.com, since I've had a good experience with them and they price match, so look around for a good price if you decide that's what you want. I haven't had a chance to use mine yet because I haven't been able to make enough water for the tank with the RO system. I can give you an update as soon as I start using it - hopefully this afternoon.
Hi Eric and Victoria. My apologies for the late response. I guess it's kind of moot at this point. I'm sure you guys have your return pump by now lol. I went with the Reef Octopus VarioS-6 it's an excellent and supper quiet pump I literally don't hear it running and its powerful so I can add a manifold later down the line for different equipments I can control it with the Apex as well. Love this pump.
Excellent detailed video! Does the water sitting in the back filter compartment ever get to the point where you have to siphon and clean it? I just noticed with the water level so high back there the flow is reduced and organics could settle on the bottom. What is your experience after these years? I'm in the process of converting an old RSM 130.
What liter return pump did you use pal
Do you have to upgrade to a larger return pump? or can I use one fo the two that came with the system? I just bought the current version.
Any updates Alvin? Great vids!
Sorry. I know its been a while. Hopefully I'll get something out in the near future. I'm still in fresh water mode...
Thanks for taking the time to walk us through your set up. I just purchase a RedSea E Max 260 with the sump upgrade as well. What protein skimmer are you thinking about running? & Are going to run a refugium? If so, any ideas on how you could set one up?
Did you have the tank up and running before you decided to add in the sump?
Good day to you. I had it running with the Sump from day 1.
Alvin - thanks for taking the time to create this walk through, keep it up! Can someone share where you buy the sump upgrade? Or do you just piece together your own sump upgrade (for the max E-260) thanks!
You can get the upgrade from the same people who you get the Max E 260 from like Bulk Reef Supply for example or direct from the Red Sea USA.
Oh and thanks Brandon :-) feel free to hit me with any other question. I'll try and answer them as soon as possible.
One more, I'm tight on cash for this initial setup. Would it hurt to start my E-260 without the sump upgrade, and add it 3-4 months down the line after cycling?
Brandon Earman, Hi.
Absolutely. And in fact you will be saving a big load of money. You have everything you need right from the box. But of course depending where you live you still might need a heater and or chiller. I got away with just small fans in my sump but you can use it blowing across the main tank. Also FYI. I strongly recommend building or buying a screen. You will absolutely wind up with a fish on the floor at some point as I did not taking the recommendation right away. BTW I also have been a little tight on the budget myself. I stayed with fresh water right from the start. The fish are less expensive and whatever mistakes I make won't be costley lol. And I have made a few and learned from it. I've been building my system bit by bit for my switch to a marine aquarium . So far I've added the following with more to come. A dual GFO & Carbon Reactor from BRS. The first cannister has filter floss in it and the second has carbon. The TUNZE ATO a must have IMO, you can use a bigger reservoir. A JBJ 1/5 HP chiller, got rid of the fans and also less evaporation. JBJ True Temp Digital Heater Controller 300 watt and the temp is spot on as well after calibration. And BTW if I haven't mentioned before, EVERYTHING is controlled in some form or fashion by my Neptune Apex Controller (from the lights down to the heater everything is plugged into it) Next and last on the list for the switch from freshwater to salt, I'm planning on getting the dosing equipment and the skimmer.
Sorry for writing a book as a reply Again fell free if you have any other questions. Hopefully I'll get out another video in the near future with my current setup before my switch.
Thank you for walking it all through :)
Do you happen to know what size pipes are used for the main and emergency?
Where did you purchase your upgraded sump screen for the back of the tank? I can't seem to find it anywhere online for purchase.
Directly from Red Sea USA
I got it directly from Red Sea USA 1-888-733-7329
so aside from the lights, if u add this to a e-260, it becomes a s 400??? btw, is that sump upgrade the same sump i'd get if i got a reffer 250/300xl?
Thank you for this Alvin! I'm going to have to find a retailer that actually stocks some of these things so I can see one for real, but you've at least shown lots of details, which really helps me understand how things are put together. One question: given how the three pipes are inserted into the back section behind the display, if you use the sump is there any water in the back compartment at all? Also, does the sump give you any extra system volume of water over just the AIO?
Hi Reefgirl. Thank you for your comments. You are very welcome. To answer your questions. With the addition of the sump to the E 260 you will be increasing the water volume by approximately 12 extra gallons.
As for the rear display sump. Around the 2 minute mark of my first video, you can see the rear sump in action. But in short. With or without the sump upgrade, the rear chamber in the DT is always filled with water. It's part of the filtration system. And water circulation for the DT.
On my next video I'll be detailing the display tank and rear sump. Hope this was helpful. But please feel free to ask if you have additional questions. Happy Reefing...
Thanks for this info, it really helps. I'm thinking then, that the back chamber is a great place to put extra biological filtration material such as pond matrix - lots of space and in flowing water. Looking forward to the next video.
Hi Alvin does the stock version not include a sump?
Thanks for this mate! i just got a red sea max e 170 and im eager to start:) i just wanna ask what do you recommend to fill the sump with water or the tank with water first?
Is there room for a refugium?
Where did you get the different screen from?
I got it directly from Red Sea USA.
how were you able to purchase directly from red sea? i was under the impression that they only sold to authorized dealers.
hi I wanna get this tank. did you use the Skimmer that came with it and just move it to the in cabinet sump..thanks ...
Hi Bobby. I'm still in fresh water mode lol. You will have no choice but to move your skimmer down to the sump chamber because of the piping. It goes into the mid chamber where your skimmer is now.
Brilliant video Alvin. You were right that there wasn't much information out there at all about the upgraded sump- but now there is.
Have you started to set it up as saltwater now?
Hi bud any updates?
hi I'm buying this tank in a couple weeks with the sump. as a beginner I would like to know wat I can put in it. and do I have to remove the Skimmer that's already built in. thanks
It is possible to use the skimmer but you need some type of sponge to silence the water that spills out from it.
I just did this upgrade a few days ago. I did mine after the tank was full which wasn't supposed to make a mess but it certainly did. I siphoned out the rear sump and lowered the tank level then pulled those plugs but water kept coming into the chamber anyway which then spilled through the hole until I could get the pipe in.
What return pump are you using? I'm using a Sicce syncra silent 2.0 2100 lph. Pumping from the bottom cabinet it isn't actually moving that much water of course but it seems adequate. However yours is pumping much more than mine is so I'm curious what flow rate that is.
That's interesting. I'm able to siphon the rear chamber completely (except for the two chamber on the sides, I leave alone) to do maintenance on the pipes (cleaning). If you still have water coming down that means you have a leak from one of the side chambers. "OR". Make sure when you siphon the middle section, use a small dishwashing type sponge to remove what ever water is left in that section. It may appear that you drained everything by siphoning. But siphoning alone wont remove all of it. Place the sponge in the mid section allow it to get saturated then queez the water into the bucket and repeat till its all gone. Once you remove the pipes you should just get a few drips if any. NO MESS :-)
Hope this helps you. And by the way don't over tighten. Just need a snug seal that's it.
Do you have the part number for the top cover ?
iMovie lets you add video, pictures to your video I don't know if it lets you record video although voice it does. Then you have TH-cam capture as well. For picture editing I'm using piZap. ( only to take a photo and add captions) my intro and exit are done by a online thing called flixpress WHICH doesn't work with iPhone or iPad. Since I can't sit in a desk chair for longer than a half hour I only use that when absolutely necessary ( not very often) enjoy
OK cool, So I guess it's the norm for video editing. Use a little of this from this program and a little of that from that app and you bring the whole thing together with the finished product...
Yes it is cant do everything in one program unless you spend tons of dollars
hi i love tis video very informative .jst wondering could i use the ato as a refugium thanks.cant wait for more vids
How do you like the Neptune? I was contemplating on getting it. My E-260 with add on sump is enroute. I am so excited. Thanks for the video!
You are welcome. I love the Neptune. It already saved me a few times. Overheating my main issue. It will turn my fans on in the sump chamber and if it gets higher to another set temp it will shut off my tank lights as well. Really endless what you can do with it.
Can you tell me about your return pump I do not have a sump yet but I have to return pumps can I use one of them or do I have to buy another one
When you add the the sump the two pump continues to help circulate the water within the display tank. The third will be used to bring the water up from the sump. I prefer one that you can adjust the speed. For example, I have the VarioS-8 Reef Octopus return pump.
Why did buy the e260 with the sumpupgrade at once, instead of just picking up the reefer 250?
No special reason I just simply wanted to get the whole system. Figure get everything now...
maybe because you get lights and skimmer with the e 260 but with the reefer you only get a tank and sump
Hey Bobby and Alvin what is the difference between the MAX E-260 and the REEFER E-260??
thank you
Any updates?
You don't need music. IMO it distracts from the commentary and choices of genre are many times annoying...rather hear good advice than music! Still trying to decide whether to invest in this rig and whether or not to get the sump, coming from Biocube 29 and your vids help tremendously. THX
BecWells Thanks for the comments. I absolutely love this setup. I'm still in fresh water mode. Haven't transitioned over to salt water yet. But first thing I have to say is how quiet this setup is. I have this in my bedroom. And for the return pump I'm using the Octopus VarioS 6. I couldn't be more happier with this pump. And I also have the Apex controller as well. It seems a bit overkill to for just a fresh water setup but this is all like a training for me with the aquarium and the apex. And I have learned about quite a few things between the two. And not to mention the AI lighting as well. I've been meaning to put out another video for the DT. But I just need to find the time. Hopefully soon. Any questions please feel free to ask. Having said all this, it is most definitely worth getting. It's just a beautiful aquarium in itself. And very well made. You won't be disappointed.
The freshWater ?. in the freshwater it's not necessary. It's only to marine aquarium
please name of return pompe tanks
Hi Abdelkrim Zizo. It's the Octopus Various-6 DC pump
sell this and buy 350 or 425 XL --- Not worth on this upgrade
Do you have to upgrade to a larger return pump? or can I use one fo the two that came with the system? I just bought the current version.
Do you have to upgrade to a larger return pump? or can I use one fo the two that came with the system? I just bought the current version.
Do you have to upgrade to a larger return pump? or can I use one fo the two that came with the system? I just bought the current version.
Where did you buy you’re current sump for this tank I’m looking to upgrade thanks!