The Red Sea Max uses a custom 'T5' setup -- its a single ended connecter, more like a power compact, but with a bulb structure thats more like a T5... I don't believe that it carries all the advantages of a true T5 setup... I would say that these are relatively similar in output. The Biocube, being a slightly smaller volume of water, as well as having more wattage is going to have a higher intensity at the sand, but neither of them is a real powerhouse. Either, of course, could be easily replaced with LED's as well, and there are metal halide kits for both as well.

-Justin