Red Sea MAX User Manual

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 (CO
2
) 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.
2

Red Sea MAX Specifications

General

Type	Aquarium
Sizes	Various
Filtration	Integrated
Lighting	LED
Heater	Included
Protein Skimmer	Included
Circulation Pump	Included