Is a Red Sea Reef System worth it?

[molinast]

I saw there is a contest for one of the high end reef systems and figured what the heck let me give it a shot. Then I started to think what would I do with this tank if I actually get it and I ask those who have one is it worth it?

Now I'm certain there has bound to be a post out there where someone thinks the same thing but for the sake of simplicity lets just say there isn't.

I like the design of the tanks but the price tag makes me hesitant. While I have spent more on the setup I have now than I would like to have, avatar is my rust bucket, the thought of this new "car" in my living room knowing full well the price tag is a bit much to swallow.... My wife would probably suffocate me while I sleep if she knew I would buy it also; lol.

So I ask for those who have it, is it worth it?

 

[SPR1968]

I saw there is a contest for one of the high end reef systems and figured what the heck let me give it a shot. Then I started to think what would I do with this tank if I actually get it and I ask those who have one is it worth it?

Now I'm certain there has bound to be a post out there where someone thinks the same thing but for the sake of simplicity lets just say there isn't.

I like the design of the tanks but the price tag makes me hesitant. While I have spent more on the setup I have now than I would like to have, avatar is my rust bucket, the thought of this new "car" in my living room knowing full well the price tag is a bit much to swallow.... My wife would probably suffocate me while I sleep if she knew I would buy it also; lol.

So I ask for those who have it, is it worth it?

I would say they are worth it definitely, but like you say they aren’t cheap but it’s the old saying ‘you get what you pay for’.

The build quality is excellent and if I was to get a new tank, it would be another Red Sea but ‘bigger’ , well if they made a bigger one I would have it! Lol

 

[408Dartfish]

I’d say yes so far. Had my Redsea e260 for 2 months really like it. Dustin

 

[kstone2274]

Waterbox is better quality

 

[cmcoker]

Waterbox is better quality

Based on what?

 

[NoWaiAma]

From what I’ve gathered. There are a few top brands. Red Sea. Water box. And others.
You could do the same yourself much cheaper. But the plug and play aspect is worth it to me. I’m planning on a 120g, company undecided as of yet. RAP had some nice showings.

So my verdict is. If you don’t want to sort your own plumbing. Drill. Build and plan your sump. Then absoFCKinglutely worth it.

If you are the slightest bit handy and patient. I’ve seen equal and better builds in this forum by people who did it themselves for much much less.

 

[Genomecop]

Waterbox is better quality

Well according to another thread on here that's not the case for the posters.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/r...yone-seen-both-in-person.412840/#post-4868806

 

[Edp251]

I am back in the hobby after several decades out and went with Red Sea. I am very happy. I purchased locally and the LFS owner priced a comparable system built up from stock parts and it was just a bit less expensive. Three months in and I am very happy. I am tweaking a few things but they are improvements, not necessary changes.

 

[Ron Reefman]

A couple of years ago I had a very similar question.

My 180g DT broke and I considered downsizing some to a Red Sea 120g Reefer system. I even visited a couple of people in my local club who had them so I could see first hand. Then a post on another forum informed me about CADlight who has a system that is very similar to the Red Sea Refer called an Artisan 120. They look quite similar, both with gloss white stands, included sumps and all. But the Red Sea tank is rimless and the CADlight tank is euro-braced (glass). Both use low iron glass on the front. I really wasn't happy about the euro-braced tank so it was a serious strike against it. But the CADlight came with a skimmer and a multi speed return pump, oh, and it was $700 less expensive and offered free shipping!

Long story short, I got the CADlight set up and I think it's a great system. I learned to love the euro-braces as I do play in the tank quite a bit and having a built-in shelf right there at the rim of the tank for a cup with a frag in it, or a place to put tools, whatever; it's a nice feature. I also really appreciated not having the sump fill the cabinet from wall to wall and from the door up front to the back wall. Maybe I'm sloppier than most, but I do get water to splash or spill around the sump and there is no way to try and clean up around the sump that fits in so snuggly.

So I have no issues with the Red Sea Reefer system, it's well made and for the price, it's a quality buy. However, for me the CADlight system was a way better deal based on cost alone and I found some things I liked better than the Red Sea system and some things I like less.

 

[NoWaiAma]

A couple of years ago I had a very similar question.

My 180g DT broke and I considered downsizing some to a Red Sea 120g Reefer system. I even visited a couple of people in my local club who had them so I could see first hand. Then a post on another forum informed me about CADlight who has a system that is very similar to the Red Sea Refer called an Artisan 120. They look quite similar, both with gloss white stands, included sumps and all. But the Red Sea tank is rimless and the CADlight tank is euro-braced (glass). Both use low iron glass on the front. I really wasn't happy about the euro-braced tank so it was a serious strike against it. But the CADlight came with a skimmer and a multi speed return pump, oh, and it was $700 less expensive and offered free shipping!

Long story short, I got the CADlight set up and I think it's a great system. I learned to love the euro-braces as I do play in the tank quite a bit and having a built-in shelf right there at the rim of the tank for a cup with a frag in it, or a place to put tools, whatever; it's a nice feature. I also really appreciated not having the sump fill the cabinet from wall to wall and from the door up front to the back wall. Maybe I'm sloppier than most, but I do get water to splash or spill around the sump and there is no way to try and clean up around the sump that fits in so snuggly.

So I have no issues with the Red Sea Reefer system, it's well made and for the price, it's a quality buy. However, for me the CADlight system was a way better deal based on cost alone and I found some things I liked better than the Red Sea system and some things I like less.

Pic?

 

[cmcoker]

A couple of years ago I had a very similar question.

My 180g DT broke and I considered downsizing some to a Red Sea 120g Reefer system. I even visited a couple of people in my local club who had them so I could see first hand. Then a post on another forum informed me about CADlight who has a system that is very similar to the Red Sea Refer called an Artisan 120. They look quite similar, both with gloss white stands, included sumps and all. But the Red Sea tank is rimless and the CADlight tank is euro-braced (glass). Both use low iron glass on the front. I really wasn't happy about the euro-braced tank so it was a serious strike against it. But the CADlight came with a skimmer and a multi speed return pump, oh, and it was $700 less expensive and offered free shipping!

Long story short, I got the CADlight set up and I think it's a great system. I learned to love the euro-braces as I do play in the tank quite a bit and having a built-in shelf right there at the rim of the tank for a cup with a frag in it, or a place to put tools, whatever; it's a nice feature. I also really appreciated not having the sump fill the cabinet from wall to wall and from the door up front to the back wall. Maybe I'm sloppier than most, but I do get water to splash or spill around the sump and there is no way to try and clean up around the sump that fits in so snuggly.

So I have no issues with the Red Sea Reefer system, it's well made and for the price, it's a quality buy. However, for me the CADlight system was a way better deal based on cost alone and I found some things I liked better than the Red Sea system and some things I like less.

I tried doing the same thing and had a horrible experience with cadlights.
Instead of saving anything, I had to eat the cost of both systems. And I am left with one working, complete, Undamaged Red sea Reefer system.

So having had my hands on a cadlights artisan system and my reefer system. There is NO comparison to the quality of the crap I received from cadlight, to what I received from red sea.

And having had to deal with customer service from both. Red sea has an excellent customer service reputation for a reason. I'd recommend anyone considering a Cadlights to look up reviews of the company on the forums, as well as the better business bureau. If you feel like playing the lottery, you can try your luck. But if your system doesn't arrive complete and perfect, dont hold your breath that they will fix it for you.

 

[Ron Reefman]

Pic?

20170223_155902 by Ron Lindensmith, on Flickr

I tried doing the same thing and had a horrible experience with cadlights.
Instead of saving anything, I had to eat the cost of both systems. And I am left with one working, complete, Undamaged Red sea Reefer system.

So having had my hands on a cadlights artisan system and my reefer system. There is NO comparison to the quality of the crap I received from cadlight, to what I received from red sea.

And having had to deal with customer service from both. Red sea has an excellent customer service reputation for a reason. I'd recommend anyone considering a Cadlights to look up reviews of the company on the forums, as well as the better business bureau. If you feel like playing the lottery, you can try your luck. But if your system doesn't arrive complete and perfect, dont hold your breath that they will fix it for you.

I've heard others have similar things to say about Cadlight, but my experience was flawless. And the build quality of my tank and sump were unbeatable, the stand was above average. I had one issue with plumbing and Cadlight sent me an entire new plumbing kit complete at no charge. I'm not normally that lucky. Really sorry to hear you had such serious issues.

 

[jp_75]

it’s worth every penny!

 

[molinast]

Wow didn’t think I could spark a stirring conversation. Didn’t even know about these other brands but they are just as beautiful/pricey.

I’d love to see some of the setups you guys have in these luxury systems. Who knows maybe I’ll give in and join the leets.

 

[Snuggs]

Have both a Waterbox and a Reefer. Both good tanks but the quality of the Red Sea is better IMO. Yes worth every penny for either of them. Pricey.. yes but the ease of use pays for itself in the long run