Red Sea... How happy are you?

[ukjerseyreef]

Hi All,
Long time aquarist, first time here. Looking at a red sea reefer but have some doubts. I am curious to know if everyone/most are happy. I'd prefer not to buy the kit and then later realize the lights are inadequate, the sump is too small, the return pump is too weak etc.

Planned tank is mixed lps and some sps maybe a softie or two but not a huge fan of softies.

What are your thoughts? Is the red sea really capable of great coral health with the standard set up or am I continually be upgrading?

 

[ukjerseyreef]

* bad grammar sorry. Will I be continually upgrading?

 

[SPR1968]

I have the Max S Series which are slightly different and the flag ship range and they are all in one and stunnning systems but you can change things if you want.

The Reefers, I believe, are designed so you can add whatever equipment you prefer although I appreciate you can get the lights etc, and that’s why they are cheaper than the S Series.

Are their systems capable of coral growth, absolutely, my corals grow like crazy and you can see on my build thread below.

It is of course all personal preference

And welcome to R2R as well!

 

[ksfulk]

Ive had my Reefer 525 for over two years now, and while I've made several modifications to the setup, I dont think you can go wrong with the reefer series with the type of tank you want to set up. If you are looking at the deluxe setups that come with the AI lights, those will work fine for what you want as well. The good news is with these system - if you WANT to upgrade something in the future, you will have that option

 

[Firemanreefkeeper]

Red sea is the way to go if you want a tank that's ready to go. I had one, wanted to upgrade to a bigger tank and went away from them because "I can do this better for less" I wish I would have saved my pennies for a few months longer and bought another red sea. They are top notch. You won't regret it.

 

[mta_morrow]

No regrets. All signs point to Red Sea for a reason!

 

[TheHarold]

Absolutely love my reefer 350, and their customer service is top notch. I bought mine used and disassembled it to get it into a vehicle, one of the bulkheads got damaged by my man-handling. Quick call to them for a replacement- I paid given it was not a warranty issue, but the price was super fair.

Later, I realized that one of the cabinet door "click" mechanisms was missing a small adjustment piece, and they sent that to me no questions asked.

Neither time was I the original owner nor had any proof of purchase.

 

[emvanburen]

Have the max s 650 led. Love it. But I’ve upgraded many components as I decided they were necessary. The clean look as fantastic however.

 

[squampton]

Overall I like my 170, after having it for a year, only thing I wish I had done is gone for the 250 instead, the 250 seems to have a bit more sump space, the 170 sump is frustrating at times due to its size.....

Only issues I have had is the lighting mount Red Sea provided is flaking paint off, but they have sent a replacement.

 

[CODE3EMT]

I’ve had the Red Sea Reefer 450 now for little over 3 years. I’m running a Kessil AP700, Vertex Omega 180i skimmer, 2 Maxspect Gyre XF250’s. Mostly LPS and 1 Green Slimer Acropora. Coral and fish are thriving and growing well. Had some losses through the years but NOT at fault of the Red Sea brand. As for modifications..... I did split the return nozzle into a Y, to keep sand at the front of the glass from blowing. I also changed my plumbing underneath the stand to a true gate valve. The Red Sea works.... but you will find adjustments to be much better with a true gate valve. Now for the sump......... Red Sea’s sump sucks....did I say that out loud? Red Sea’s sump truly does suck. The stock sump is glass and is prone to leaks at the seams, also water always and will find its way splashing over the sump and in between your stand and sump where it can cause damage. Solution: I opted for the Synergy SS-34 sump and I could not be happier. One of the hands down best investments I ever did for my Red Sea Reefer 450.

Now if I could hop in a DeLorean and go back into time...... and had the cash......I would have opted for a 6 foot Reef Savvy. Same components mentioned above, but just a different tank and stand. Reef Savvy is truly in a class by themselves and their tanks are built like an M1 Abrams tank. Truly a work of art.

That being said, Red Sea....... with a few modifications will serve you well and bring you years of enjoyment in the Reefing hobby. Do not buy the tank that comes with the AI LED’s, buy the tank and stand only and put together all the goodies you want. If cost is not a concern, I would
A) Go for the Red Sea Reefer 750
B) Go to Bulk Reef Supply and register to win their $20,000 Dream Tank
Actually B) may not be an option since I’m positive BRS will call me on November 1st! LOL!

 

[CODE3EMT]

I run my Kessil AP700 9 inches off the water surface at 60% intensity on the deepest Ocean Blue. Jason Fox @ Jason Fox Corals recommends the blue setting as opposed to white. Gyre XF250’s at 20% one on each end. I get great random flow. I used to use 2 Vortech MP40’s but I wanted to go the Gyre route. As far as the Red Sea Max line... I’ve never owned one, but I believe the Max series is everything included, ie lights, skimmer, pump, etc. I would definitely go Reefer series so you have that flexibility to buy your own stuff. I would seriously consider an aftermarket sump, others may be happy with the Red Sea sump, but I’ve always considered their sump to be Red Sea’s Kryptonite.

Also a note on the Synergy sump..... I had the folks at Synergy reverse the layout so that the plumbing would be on the right hand side of the sump. The folks at Synergy did this at no extra cost which was awesome. I had to wait a tad bit longer as the sump had to be made with different specs. than what is offerered. I was tickled pink when I opened up that sump. Very nice quality acrylic and craftsmanship and light weight.

And to answer your question. Will you be constantly upgrading...... the short answer is no, if you choose your components correctly. Reefing is a constant evolving hobby. You don’t have to drink the upgrade Kool Aide, but you need to choose your lighting, filtration, and pumps carefully based on the size and occupants of your tank. If you think you will want to go BIG eventually..... go Red Sea 750XXL, if you think you want to go SPS, consider 2 Kessil AP700’s and supplement with T5’s.

This forum will be your new best friend read... read... read, and when you think you’ve read enough.......read some more. Good luck and keep us posted on your decision. Welcome to Reef2Reef.

 

[Lostreefin]

Very happy with my RS 450. I got it without lights and pump, and love it so far!

 

[Bubbletips]

I have a Red Sea 170 for 6 months. I'm owned aquariums for years but never did sps coral. My last tank died of neglect so this time I decided to spend more and stay interested in the hobby.

I really like the stainless steel hinges. My last made in China tank hinges rusted. The ease of setup is greatly appreciated. The plumping was easier to setup and fit. I did screw in the wrong return pipe but luckily I could unscrew it without it leaking. The cabinet assembly directions could be better. Despite having a degree in IKEA cabinetry building, I did have a piece upside down and had to dismantle it to get it the right way.

If I had to redo it, I would have bought a bigger tank and skipped their light for a kessil.

Enjoy!

 

[Firemanreefkeeper]

Now for the sump......... Red Sea’s sump sucks....did I say that out loud? Red Sea’s sump truly does suck. The stock sump is glass and is prone to leaks at the seams, also water always and will find its way splashing over the sump and in between your stand and sump where it can cause damage.

I believe red sea completely redid the sump and made them better on the 250 and up models. Made the chamber sizes adjustable and the valve more accessible.

 

[Epic Aquaculture]

I've owned the 170, the 450, and now have the XXL 750, and have been very happy with all 3 of them. I prefer the reefer series as I wanted to make my own equipment choices. i love Red Sea tanks. they are beautiful, and built like... um tanks...

 

[BedrockIOMC]

I LOVE my Reefer. Get a reefer so you can add the lights you want and the pump you want to use. the sump is perfect for the size of tank that I have and love the cabinet as well. I dont think you would ever regret getting a red sea it is the best tank I have ever had. I didnt think there would be that big of a difference in a tank but there is for me. I hope you decide to get one and enjoy it.

 

[DHill6]

I downgraded from a larger custom starfire glass cube tank to a reefer 170 and couldn’t be happier. I moved the Radion gen 4 pro light over, replaced the equipment with the same brands but smaller versions. Runs silent, I’m using the sump that came with the tank.

 

[LittleMaui]

Love my Reefer 450 . Only problem has been the main overflow pipe and valve. Original valve had to be adjusted constantly, so I added a Spears valve which is great. The pipe above the valve cracks ever couple months even when I'm careful not to overtigh. Still love the tank.

 

[Coral Newbie]

I have the E-170 and I could do it over again I would got with innovative marine their new nuvo-int.
Now matter you set up the bug will get you and you will up grade something
1) I have upgrade everything on it. New radion, trigger sump etc
2) trying to convert from metric to SAE stinks

The new nuvo I think is perfect it gets you from the tank to piping into the sump. You get to pick everything else. Lights, sump style, if you want to add reactors, etc. so much more fexability