Red Sea Reefer ?? Questions

SaltwaterTanks

Community Member
View Badges
Joined
Nov 22, 2017
Messages
64
Reaction score
8
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Hey guys , so I’ve had multiple saltwater fish tanks for a while now and have always wanted a Red Sea reefer , if I got one it would probably be a 100 gallon. I do have one old model that’s only 30 gallons but it’s very old so there’s nothing new to it . I’m not sure if I really understand the setup of the new ones though? Is there a way I can learn more about it ? Is it hard to maintain and how often do you take care of it ? I want to understand all the pumps and filtration more. I also need recommendations on which tank since there are so many, if you have any. Thank you !:) if you have one is the tank worth it ?
 
What specifically don't you understand about setting up the new tanks? It's straight forward with the manual they provide (see below) and youtube has a ton of videos on RS tanks all depending on what you're looking for. This community is also great if you have specifics on really anything we just need to know what you're looking for. Filtration and plumbing can be a huge topic so knowing specifics would help. Out of the box, you'll get everything you need for setting up the tank the one piece of equipment that you'll need to start out will be a return pump to move water back to the display.

For the 100g tank size in RS you'll want to take a look at the Reefer XL 525 (108g) or Peninsula 500 (105g) Keep in mind that this does not include the sump water volume. Waterbox would be my other recommendation for a tank they are the closest direct competitor to RS you'll want to look at the 130.4 (96.3g)

Let me know what specific questions you have I'm happy to help :)

Here are some links for you to start out your research:
Vivid does a series on RS 170 but the concepts are similar when it comes to the larger tank setup

Red Sea Tanks:

RS posts all of their manuals online here:

Waterbox Aquariums:

Also try the supreme guide:
https://www.reef2reef.com/ams/the-supreme-guide-to-setting-up-a-saltwater-reef-aquarium.84/
 
What specifically don't you understand about setting up the new tanks? It's straight forward with the manual they provide (see below) and youtube has a ton of videos on RS tanks all depending on what you're looking for. This community is also great if you have specifics on really anything we just need to know what you're looking for. Filtration and plumbing can be a huge topic so knowing specifics would help. Out of the box, you'll get everything you need for setting up the tank the one piece of equipment that you'll need to start out will be a return pump to move water back to the display.

For the 100g tank size in RS you'll want to take a look at the Reefer XL 525 (108g) or Peninsula 500 (105g) Keep in mind that this does not include the sump water volume. Waterbox would be my other recommendation for a tank they are the closest direct competitor to RS you'll want to look at the 130.4 (96.3g)

Let me know what specific questions you have I'm happy to help :)

Here are some links for you to start out your research:
Vivid does a series on RS 170 but the concepts are similar when it comes to the larger tank setup

Red Sea Tanks:

RS posts all of their manuals online here:

Waterbox Aquariums:

Also try the supreme guide:
https://www.reef2reef.com/ams/the-supreme-guide-to-setting-up-a-saltwater-reef-aquarium.84/
Okay thank you so much ! Will definitely check out the links !
 
One thing I forgot to add... I moved from a 30g tank to 100g Waterbox I've found it's much easier to keep your water parameters in a larger water column. Minor changes to a bigger tank have less of an impact than what you would have in a smaller tank and as the larger tank matures it'll stabilize even more. So now instead of having to do water changes every week, we've now moved to once every two weeks or so, it doesn't mean that we don't monitor the tank we still test weekly to make sure things are in line, we just get to enjoy looking at the tank more often.
 
What specifically don't you understand about setting up the new tanks? It's straight forward with the manual they provide (see below) and youtube has a ton of videos on RS tanks all depending on what you're looking for. This community is also great if you have specifics on really anything we just need to know what you're looking for. Filtration and plumbing can be a huge topic so knowing specifics would help. Out of the box, you'll get everything you need for setting up the tank the one piece of equipment that you'll need to start out will be a return pump to move water back to the display.

For the 100g tank size in RS you'll want to take a look at the Reefer XL 525 (108g) or Peninsula 500 (105g) Keep in mind that this does not include the sump water volume. Waterbox would be my other recommendation for a tank they are the closest direct competitor to RS you'll want to look at the 130.4 (96.3g)

Let me know what specific questions you have I'm happy to help :)

Here are some links for you to start out your research:
Vivid does a series on RS 170 but the concepts are similar when it comes to the larger tank setup

Red Sea Tanks:

RS posts all of their manuals online here:

Waterbox Aquariums:

Also try the supreme guide:
https://www.reef2reef.com/ams/the-supreme-guide-to-setting-up-a-saltwater-reef-aquarium.84/
I just took a look at the water box. Do you know of any pros and cons between the two companies. I’ve always wanted a Red Sea reefer but the price difference [QUOTE may make choose my mind lol.
One thing I forgot to add... I moved from a 30g tank to 100g Waterbox I've found it's much easier to keep your water parameters in a larger water column. Minor changes to a bigger tank have less of an impact than what you would have in a smaller tank and as the larger tank matures it'll stabilize even more. So now instead of having to do water changes every week, we've now moved to once every two weeks or so, it doesn't mean that we don't monitor the tank we still test weekly to make sure things are in line, we just get to enjoy looking at the tank more often.
would you recommend the water box over the Red Sea reefer? Do you have any pros and cons between the two companies? I’ve always wanted a Red Sea reefer but now looking at the price difference I may go for the water box.
[/QUOTE]
 
I've had red sea in the past, and currently a waterbox. Both stellar systems that do not disappoint.
 
FWIW - I’ve had a Red Sea 425xl for a year and while I do like the tank there are a few things I don’t like.
  1. All the plumbing is in metric
  2. The valve to control water return became a nuisance over time and I find myself having to make adjustments every 6 weeks or so
  3. I thought the cabinet would have been better quality but it really is just coated particle board.
  4. Leveling the tank is imperative but also a massive PITA.
  5. The ATO Reservoir is small and the float switch solution is not the best.
  6. For the money you pay they could include one of their DIY screen tops.
What I do like is -
  1. Sump has a nice Refugium area that can be a just to two different sizes
  2. 4 filter socks in the sump is nice. I run 4 baskets and just use filter floss
I’ll likely change over to a different tank in the next few months. Definitely something with a steel stand that I can wrap.
 
When I was initially looking at tanks I was debating between a Waterbox and A Red Sea. In the end I went with the one that had the dimensions that I needed and picked the Red Sea Reefer 350. I have no complaints about the RSR and I'm really happy with it. I started with a standard 55 gallon with a HOB filter. I was very intimidated by the sump and plumbing which is why I wanted a WB or RS to make the transition easier. I think both do that very well and I would pick the one that fits your living space the best.
 
I have a RedSea 750 XXl. Given the price you can't go wrong with a RedSea tank. Many here claim RedSea is a premium tank but as someone who did custom installs for a long time it really isn't. RedSea tanks do in the fish tank world what KateSpade set out to do in the fashion world. "Affordable Luxury" The RedSea tank will give you the feel of a much more expensive system at a fraction of the cost. Sure you may not like the ATO or the drain valve. (I am fine with both) But compared to something like an Elos or a total custom job you are saving a lot of money. If I had a custom tank made my size exactly to my liking it would have cost 50-100% more. The Redsea is 80% there and substantially cheaper which is why I think it is a great value.

I will also say that I am one of those who had a defective stand replaced under warranty. RedSea did send me a bad product but they shipped a new tank and stand to my door free of charge. This is the best I have seen from any aquarium manufactures warranty and I wouldn't let anyone bad mouthing the brand deter you.

I am also not sure what info you are looking for. RedSea Reefers are a pretty barebones tank and sump. If you are wondering what other equipment you would need I am sure we can come up with a list but I am not sure this is what you are asking.
 

IF YOU HAD TO TAKE A REEFING EXAM, WOULD YOU PASS?

  • Yes!

    Votes: 32 45.7%
  • Not yet, but I have one that I want to buy in mind!

    Votes: 9 12.9%
  • No.

    Votes: 26 37.1%
  • Other (please explain).

    Votes: 3 4.3%
Back
Top