Red Sea max Help

[Maho.B]

I'm looking for some help from anyone who has a Red Sea Max 400 S reef aquarium and who may have experienced this. About 8 months after initial set up, the system all of a sudden had a very strong mildew smell coming from it. I have inspected every area of the sump/cabinet and cannot find any spot in particular that has excessive moisture that would cause it or be the source. It actually smells strongest right at the plastic trim piece along the bottom. I don't think there is a leak as the salinity doesn't budge at all. I think (will confirm first) that I can remove the plastic trim pieces and will do that next. The only issue I can see is that for some reason I cannot get the water level below the plastic "ledge" along the front at the top, I believe it's called a "euro brace?" Does anyone know how to adjust the water level below it in these tanks? No matter how I adjust the valve in back it doesn't seem to change the water level. If anyone has had this mildew smell from this model of tank I would appreciate any input on solving this along with the water level issue, I cannot stand the smell of mildew and it permeates the whole house! Thanks in advance!

 

[tzabor10]

Try a dehumidifier and/or air purifier. Might also want to restrict the flow on your return pump.
Good luck

 

[Maho.B]

Thanks tzabor10, the home is only a few years old and has a full home dehumidifier and make up air system, I'll look into an air purifier but since it didn't smell like this for the first 8 months, I feel there's something wrong, most likely that the water level is over the euro brace? I'll keep tinkering with it!