Red Sea MAX® E-Series
12
Overview of the MAX®E filtration and
circulation system
The water flows from the aquarium to the rear sump via a detachable
surface skimmer located across the top of the dividing glass wall that
directs the organics laden water from the upper surface of the tank into
the sump. The circulation pumps located at the bottom of the sump
return the filtered water back to the tank through multidirectional outlet
nozzles. The MAX® E-series is designed to operate with either a rear sump
of an in-cabinet sump. The E-series is supplied as standard with the rear
sump. Upgrade kits to convert the rear sump to an in-cabinet sump are
supplied separately.
Rear Sump – Standard configuration
The MAX® E-Series sumps contain multistage filtration consisting of a
reef-spec protein skimmer, activated carbon and mechanical filtration
materials. The sump has dedicated space available for additional
chemical filter media as well as the addition of an optional chiller pump.
Water circulation is 12 or 16 times the entire water volume per hour
(according to model) with forced flow through the mechanical and
chemical filter media while the protein skimmer treats the water at the
SPS spec of at least 3 times per hour.
The performance of the filtration system is directly related to the water
level inside the aquarium and the rear sump however the MAX® E-Series
sump and skimmer design allows for the fluctuations in water height due
to the daily evaporation of water from the system.
When all pumps are running, the water in the aquarium will be
maintained at approximately 3cm (1.25”) below the rim.
The water level in the rear should be maintained just below the lowest
position of the adjustable skimmer outlet which is approximately 9cm
(3½”) below the rim. This level ensures positive surface skimming action
at all times and full adjustment of the protein skimmer.
Water loss due to evaporation will cause a drop in the water level of the
rear sump. In order to achieve consistent filtration performances, the
water level inside the filtration chamber should be kept at the optimum
levels. The sponges above the circulation pumps act both as mechanical
filtration as well as trapping bubbles that are released from the skimmer.
The MAX® E-Series preparations for upgrading the rear sump to an in-
cabinet sump include the following:
• Plugged multiport bulkhead set in the base of the skimmer chamber in
the rear sump.
• Return pump outlet port in the surface skimmer.
• Flow grills in the front wall of the rear sump. Note, these grills are
blocked when the system is used with the rear sump and will be
replaced with open grills when the upgrade is performed.
Upgrade Options
• Piping kit: Includes flow-regulated main downpipe, a secondary
overflow bypass pipe and return pipes for assembly in the multiport
bulkhead.
• Glass Sump (optional): Including Bubble trap sponge, 225 micron filter
bags and automatic top-up Reservoir with Float valve.
• Rear Cover (optional): An optional rear cover is available to replace
the sump screen. This cover reduces noise from the water flowing
through the surface skimmer and will help in reducing evaporation.
Full instructions for installing the upgrade are provided with the Pipe kit.
NOTE: Before connecting any components to the Power Center ensure
that all of the power switches are in the “off” position.