A premium all-in-one with room to grow
Red Sea MAX NANO G2 XL: My 33-Gallon Saltwater Aquarium Build
If I wanted a compact saltwater aquarium that already comes with a good light, a protein skimmer, and most of the filtration equipment, the Red Sea MAX NANO G2 XL would be high on my list. This is how I would build the 33-gallon system, what I like about it, and the extra gear I would buy.
My verdict
A lot of good equipment in one compact reef
In my opinion, Red Sea makes some of the best aquariums out there. The MAX NANO G2 XL gives you a good-quality tank, reef lighting, a skimmer, and a rear filtration system designed to work together. You are not starting with an empty glass box.
I would buy it with the matching stand, then add the NanoMat fleece roller and ReefATO+. Those upgrades are not required, but if I were spending this much on the aquarium, I would want the convenience.
What comes with the aquarium
This package includes quite a bit
You can buy the system with or without a cabinet. The tank-only option still includes the aquarium equipment listed below; it simply does not include the stand.
Red Sea MAX NANO G2 XL
The aquarium is roughly 20 inches across, 24 inches front to back, and 20 inches tall. The advertised 33 gallons is the total system volume, including the rear filtration area—not 33 gallons of display space.
- ReefLED G2 60 light and mounting arm
- Sicce return pump, about 409 GPH
- Nano XL protein skimmer
- 225-micron filter sock
- Rear media chamber and carbon
- Surface skimmer and bubble trap
- Small gravity-fed auto top-off
- Separate pump and skimmer switches
The rear chamber is ready for the optional NanoMat and ReefATO+. Neither upgrade is included in the basic package.
Choose the Tank and Cabinet at BRSWhat I like
Good equipment, with the little conveniences built in
The filtration is already there
I like that you get the light, return pump, filter sock, media area, protein skimmer, and a small auto top-off right from the start. That takes a lot of the guesswork out of choosing equipment.
Two switches for quick maintenance
The rear power center lets you turn the return pump and protein skimmer on and off independently. It is a small thing, but when you are doing quick maintenance, not having to pull plugs is really nice.
A light that moves out of the way
The ReefLED is a good-quality, programmable reef light. I especially like the hinged mounting arm: you can swing the light out of the way when you need to get into the aquarium.
Upgrades made for this system
The NanoMat fits in place of the filter sock, and the aquarium is ready for the ReefATO+ sensor. I like being able to buy accessories designed for the system instead of trying to make something else fit.
What I would change
A great tank does not mean there are no compromises
I would prefer a longer, shallower shape
This is not quite a cube, but at this size I am more drawn to lagoon-style tanks. I would rather have more horizontal space and a little less height. That gives me more room to spread out the aquascape and more swimming space to work with when choosing fish.
The MAX NANO G2 XL is still a useful size. I just would not choose livestock based on the gallon number alone. The footprint and the animals’ adult size matter too.
I prefer a bar light to a single puck
The included ReefLED is a good light. My hesitation is not that it is bad or that you immediately need to replace it. A single puck-style light can create shadows as corals grow, and I personally prefer the spread of a bar light. I would start with the included ReefLED and plan the aquascape around it.
I wish the return pump was controllable
At this price point, I wish Red Sea included a controllable DC return pump that worked through ReefBeat. The included Sicce pump is an AC pump. The vibration-reducing rubber parts are welcome, but I would still prefer a controllable DC option. That is a preference, not a reason to throw away a perfectly usable pump.
My first two upgrades
I would add the NanoMat and ReefATO+
Changing filter socks all the time is a pain. If I were buying this aquarium, these are the two upgrades I would choose to make the day-to-day routine easier.
Red Sea NanoMat Fleece Roller Filter
This takes the place of the filter sock and advances fresh fleece automatically. It is designed to fit the MAX NANO G2 rear chamber, which is why I would choose it here. The NanoMat runs independently; it does not connect to ReefBeat.
View at Bulk Reef Supply
Red Sea ReefATO+ Auto Top-Off System
I would replace the little gravity-fed top-off with the ReefATO+ and a separate freshwater reservoir inside the cabinet. It adds automatic top-off, temperature monitoring, and leak detection, with monitoring and alerts through ReefBeat.
View at Bulk Reef SupplyLeave room for a freshwater reservoir
This is another reason I would buy the matching cabinet. The ReefATO+ needs a separate reservoir of RO/DI water; the reservoir is not included with the ATO itself. A covered reservoir such as Red Sea’s ReefCan 18 can sit inside the XL cabinet. Top off with freshwater, not saltwater.
A quick note about the apps
Control the light, wavemaker, and top-off through ReefBeat
The ReefLED, ReefWave 25, and ReefATO+ all work through the ReefBeat app, so you can manage those three devices in one place. The NanoMat operates independently, and the included return pump and skimmer use the physical switches. The Inkbird temperature controller has its own controls and WiFi connection; it does not use ReefBeat.
Other items you will need to purchase
The rest of the gear I would buy
The package includes a lot, but you still need heat, additional water movement, maintenance and testing tools, salt, sand, and rock. This is my shopping list for getting the aquarium started.
Red Sea ReefWave 25 Pump with Controller
I would choose the ReefWave 25 for this tank. I like its broad, sheet-like flow, and it works through the same ReefBeat app as the light and ReefATO+. The controller is included. Start with a low setting and adjust the flow around your sand, rockwork, and animals.
View the ReefWave 25 at BRS
BRS 100-Watt Titanium Heater Element
The 100-watt version is my starting choice for this build; confirm that its sizing recommendation fits your room temperature and the temperature rise you need. The titanium element requires a separate temperature controller, so pair it with the Inkbird below and plug it into the heating outlet.
View the 100W Heater at BRS
Inkbird ITC-308 WiFi Dual-Stage Temperature Controller
This controller switches the heater on and off to maintain your chosen temperature. It also has high and low temperature alarms, WiFi monitoring, and a separate cooling outlet if you add a fan or chiller later.
View the Inkbird ITC-308 WiFi at BRS
Refractometer with Calibration Fluid
Use this to mix new saltwater and confirm the aquarium stays at the right salinity. Calibrate it with the included 35 ppt solution before relying on the reading.
View the Refractometer at BRS
Python 2-Inch Pro-Clean Gravel Wash
I would use the 2-inch Python Pro-Clean for water changes and cleaning the sand. It is a more practical size here than the tiny siphon I use on the DeskMate.
View the Gravel Wash at BRS
Flipper Float Standard Algae Cleaner
A floating magnetic cleaner makes regular glass cleaning fast and keeps your hands out of the aquarium. I would choose the Standard size for this aquarium.
View the Flipper Float at BRS
HelloReef Stick-On Thermometer
This simple thermometer stays outside the aquarium and gives you a quick temperature check every time you walk by.
View the Thermometer at BRS
API Saltwater Master Test Kit
Testing ammonia and nitrite tells you when the nitrogen cycle is complete and it is safe to begin adding animals.
View the API Test Kit at BRS
Dr. Tim’s Ammonium Chloride
This gives you a measured ammonia source for a clean, fishless cycle. Follow the label carefully and confirm the dose with your ammonia test.
View Ammonium Chloride at BRS
Dr. Tim’s One & Only for Saltwater
Add the nitrifying bacteria after dosing ammonia chloride. Choose a bottle sized to treat the full water volume of this 33-gallon system, and follow the label.
View One & Only at BRS
BRS 4-Stage Value Plus 75 GPD RO/DI System
For this build, I would buy a full RO/DI system. It gives you clean water for mixing saltwater and for every future top-off.
View the RO/DI System at BRS
Tropic Marin Pro Reef Salt
This is the salt mix I would use for the build. Mix it with RO/DI water and use the refractometer to verify salinity before adding it to the tank.
View Tropic Marin Pro Reef Salt at BRS
CaribSea Original Grade Ocean Direct Live Reef Sand
I would start with a 20-pound bag and spread it into a shallow sand bed. Use only what you need for the depth you want.
View the Live Sand at BRS
CaribSea Nano LifeRock — 10 Pounds
I like the smaller pieces because they give you more freedom to build the aquascape and create little nooks and crannies for your animals.
View the Nano LifeRock at BRS
CaribSea LifeRock Nano Reef Kit
The nano arches add height, caves, and negative space without forcing you to build one giant wall of rock. Use this with the 10-pound box and keep the pieces you like best.
View the Nano Reef Kit at BRS
CaribSea LifeRock Dry Live Rock — 20 Pounds
The 20-pound box gives you larger pieces to work into the aquascape alongside the nano rock and arches. Choose the pieces that fit your layout; you do not need to use every piece.
View the 20-Pound LifeRock at BRSBuy rock for the layout, not to fill every inch
I would get the smaller nano pieces, the Nano Reef Kit, and the 20-pound box of LifeRock so I have different shapes to work with. I do not think I would need the 40-pound box as well. Try several layouts and use the pieces that work—you do not have to put every pound of purchased rock into the tank.
Secure the aquascape
Super glue and coral adhesive
I would buy both of these before assembling the rockwork. Build and test the structure outside the aquarium, and let the joints set before moving it into place.
BRS Extra Thick Gel Super Glue — 10 Ounces
I would use this extra-thick gel to secure small rock contacts and attach coral frags. The 10-ounce bottle gives you plenty to work with while building the aquascape. Start with a stable structure rather than relying on glue to hold an unsupported pile of rock.
View the 10 oz Super Glue at BRS
Tunze Coral Gum Instant — 400 Grams
Choose the 400-gram version. This fast-setting, two-part coral adhesive is useful for securing small aquascaping pieces and coral mounts. Mix and use it according to the instructions, and check that each joint is secure before moving the structure.
View the 400 g Coral Gum at BRSPlan the whole build
The tank price is only the beginning
By the time you buy the aquarium with its stand, all the gear I recommend, and some basic livestock, I would plan on around $3,000, if not a little more. This is not an inexpensive build. If keeping the cost down is your main goal, this is not the build I would choose. This is a premium 33-gallon build.
That is a planning estimate, not a fixed-price package. Your total will depend on current prices, the options you choose, and the animals you buy, so add up the full shopping list before ordering.
I would choose the matching stand
A table or desk is only an option if it is rated to support the completed aquarium and supports the entire base correctly. Water alone in a 33-gallon system weighs more than 270 pounds, before the glass, rock, sand, and equipment. Personally, I would get the cabinet made for this aquarium and use the storage for the top-off reservoir and supplies.
Compare before you decide
Is this the right shape and package for you?
I would choose the MAX NANO G2 XL for its included equipment and easy upgrade options. If a longer peninsula or a different budget makes more sense, compare it with the other six builds.
