Max E/S circulation pump outlet nozzle assembly
The nozzle decides where your MAX's flow actually goes. This is genuine Red Sea part R40549, the circulation pump outlet nozzle assembly fitted to the MAX E-170, MAX E-260, MAX S-400, MAX S-500 and MAX S-650. It pushes onto the outlet of the in-tank circulation pump and lets you aim and spread the discharge across the rockwork. Replace it when the ball joint has cracked, when the nozzle will no longer hold the angle you set, or when years in saltwater have left the plastic brittle and clouded.
Key features
- Genuine Red Sea R40549 — the factory assembly, so it seats on the pump outlet without packing or silicone.
- Adjustable ball joint — aim flow along the rockwork instead of into the front glass or the sand bed.
- One part across five models — the same assembly serves the whole MAX E and MAX S range.
- Fits by hand, no tools — switch the pump off, unclip the old nozzle, push the new one on.
Specifications
| Manufacturer part number | R40549 |
|---|---|
| Part | Circulation pump outlet nozzle assembly |
| Fits | Red Sea MAX E-170, MAX E-260, MAX S-400, MAX S-500, MAX S-650 |
| Colour | Black |
| Sold as | One nozzle assembly |
| Water type | Marine |
| Tools required | None |
Will it fit my tank?
Check the model badge on the cabinet or your original invoice, then read across.
| Red Sea model | Does R40549 fit? |
|---|---|
| MAX E-170 | Yes |
| MAX E-260 | Yes |
| MAX S-400 | Yes |
| MAX S-500 | Yes |
| MAX S-650 | Yes |
| MAX Nano, Nano Cube G2, Nano Peninsula, Nano XL | No — different circulation pump |
| MAX 130, 130D and 250 (C-Series) | No — different circulation pump |
| Reefer series | No — not listed by Red Sea for this part |
Suitable for, and not suitable for
Suitable for: a MAX E-170, E-260, S-400, S-500 or S-650 whose circulation pump nozzle has cracked, clouded, or lost its grip on the ball joint.
Not suitable for: MAX Nano systems, the older C-Series, Reefer, or any non-Red Sea powerhead. This is a fitment-specific part, not a universal nozzle.
What's included
- One Red Sea circulation pump outlet nozzle assembly, part R40549
Not included: the circulation pump itself, its impeller, magnet or bracket, and any hose or fitting. This listing is the nozzle alone.
Care and maintenance
Coralline algae and salt creep are what usually seize a nozzle. Soak it in warm vinegar solution when it stops swivelling freely, rinse in fresh water and refit. A joint that has started to whiten and craze is close to splitting, and it tends to let go overnight rather than while you are watching.
Goes well with
- Red Sea MAX S Main Pump 7000 Impeller — the other part that quietly kills flow in an S-Series.
- Red Sea MAX E/S/Reefer ATO Float Valve — the top-up valve on the same systems.
- Red Sea MAX E/S/Reefer Downflow Valve Diaphragm — for a downflow valve that will not hold its setting.
- Red Sea Reefer 170 / MAX E-170 Bubble Trap Sponge — for microbubbles in the display.
- Red Sea Marine Care Multi Test Kit — worth running after any equipment work.
- Red Sea MAX Nano Circulation Pump — if you have a Nano rather than an E or S.
Warranty and delivery
Any manufacturer warranty Red Sea offers on this part applies in addition to your rights under the Australian Consumer Law, which are not limited or excluded by it.
Ships as a standard small parcel. No oversize or dangerous goods handling applies.
Common questions
What is the Red Sea part number for the MAX E/S circulation pump outlet nozzle?
The Red Sea part number is R40549. It is listed as the MAX-E/S circulation pump outlet nozzle assembly and fits the MAX E-170, MAX E-260, MAX S-400, MAX S-500 and MAX S-650.
Will this nozzle fit a Red Sea MAX Nano?
No. The MAX Nano, Nano Cube G2, Nano Peninsula and Nano XL use a different circulation pump with its own outlet, so R40549 does not fit them.
Does it fit the older MAX 130 or MAX 250?
No. The C-Series MAX 130, 130D and 250 use the RS Flow circulation pump, a different assembly. R40549 is listed only for the E and S series.
Do I need to drain the tank to change it?
No. Switch the circulation pump off, reach in and unclip the nozzle, push the replacement on, and switch back on. The pump stays where it is.



