Red sea, water box, or innovative marine?

jnelson_14 · Jul 21, 2023

I'm sure you all have ran into this question a thousand times but I'm looking into getting into the reefing hobby after doing freshwater for so long. I've found these 3 companies seem to be the big players I see others talk about. I think the red sea setup looks sexy, but I've heard that they possibly have leak issues? The IM's are a better price but I've heard the stands are less than desirable. And I haven't looked too much into the water box yet but I'd like some thoughts from those who have had these aquariums.

The_Paradox · Jul 21, 2023

If you are a perfectionist, or just really particular, best option in my opinion is go custom.

KStatefan · Jul 21, 2023

I have an IM100EXT and like it. I built my own stand so can not comment on that. I would not purchase a RedSea. This is my first reef tank. I was thinking about going custom but glad I did not. I will know more what I want for my second tank that will be custom.

UtahReefer · Jul 21, 2023

I have had a Red Sea and personally would not have one again. I now have a IM 100EXT, full system. They tend to "over build" things which I like. Love the sump, 39" long and tons of room. I also like the APS Stand. It's incredibly strong and the 5 doors make maintenance a breeze.

StatelineReefer · Jul 21, 2023

A fourth option for your consideration.

Glasscages?

@Joe Glass Cages

zoomonster · Jul 21, 2023

Toss up between IM, Waterbox, Planet Aquariums, Cade, Glass Cages. Red Sea would under no circumstances be a consideration. You just have to research and make a decision based on the model you want. IM and Waterbox have a fair number of complaints about poor customer service/quality but nothing approaching Red Sea. Keep in mind companies like Red Sea, Cade, Fiji etc. use proprietary and/or metric parts which I personally would avoid.

blaxsun · Jul 21, 2023

Cade. If you're looking for a turn-key solution, get a Cade and don't look back.

jnelson_14 · Jul 21, 2023

Well i know for sure now to stay away from the red seas. The more I read about the IMs the more i like them.

jnelson_14 · Jul 21, 2023

blaxsun said:
Cade. If you're looking for a turn-key solution, get a Cade and don't look back.

Are the Cases really a cut above everything else? Haven't looked into them much until you mentioned this.

StatelineReefer · Jul 21, 2023

jnelson_14 said:
Are the Cases really a cut above everything else? Haven't looked into them much until you mentioned this.

Metric cut though. Make sure you source adapters.

jmichaelh7 · Jul 21, 2023

Throw out Red Sea. Too many issues these days

exnisstech · Jul 21, 2023

What size tank are you looking for? I have two redsea tanks. One is a reefer 170 that has been running for probably 4 or 5 years. I added a reefer xl 300 G2 last February. I'm very happy with them. Unbox assemble and start filling easy peasy. The metric fittings are a non issue for me because I use the plumbing provided and haven't added any plumbing. I have small pumps for carbon reactor and uv.
That said I would not purchase a large redsea tank just because of the failed seams that have been reported.
My next tank I want is 96"x30"x24" so it will have to be custom.

blaxsun · Jul 21, 2023

jnelson_14 said:
Are the Cases really a cut above everything else? Haven't looked into them much until you mentioned this.

Yes.

Jim Gomoll · Jul 21, 2023

exnisstech said:
What size tank are you looking for? I have two redsea tanks. One is a reefer 170 that has been running for probably 4 or 5 years. I added a reefer xl 300 G2 last February. I'm very happy with them. Unbox assemble and start filling easy peasy. The metric fittings are a non issue for me because I use the plumbing provided and haven't added any plumbing. I have small pumps for carbon reactor and uv.
That said I would not purchase a large redsea tank just because of the failed seams that have been reported.
My next tank I want is 96"x30"x24" so it will have to be custom.

SC Aquarium might also be an option since going custom but would have to be smaller than your 96" length.
210g 72x24x32 and 240g 72x24x32

exnisstech · Jul 21, 2023

Jim Gomoll said:
SC Aquarium might also be an option since going custom but would have to be smaller than your 96" length.
210g 72x24x32 and 240g 72x24x32

Thanks. I currently have a 180g 72x24x24 so when I do upgrade I want to go at least 8 foot length.

Tim'sReef · Jul 21, 2023

I just got the gen 2 waterbox marine x 90. It was a choice for me between this and the red sea 250. It looks very nice and I love the aluminum cabinet that comes with it. Only thing I don't like is the ato compartment in the sump but I'm thinking of drilling some holes and use it for my refugium.

JaimeAdams · Jul 21, 2023

I like the Aluminum IM stands better than the Redsea stands. I have both. If I were in the market I would probably look at the IM as I like the shallow wider dimensions of that that I've seen in person on the bigger models. The 3 IMs that I have are smaller models with 2 being EXT and one being an AOI, but I do have experience with the 150 and 200. I have a few Redsea tanks as well including a 750xxl that blew a seam. I've installed some G2s and they do seem a bit better. What it really comes down to to is which you like as I see those and others such as Prostar as being basically that same with just some tweaks

jtichenor · Jul 21, 2023

I have the IM EXT150. Being able to open the stand from 3 sides is awesome. The stand, floor and top are all not wood so no worries about rot. They also come with a great screen lid.

Ghostweim · Jul 24, 2023

If you are sticking to a smaller size tank or AIO, then Red Sea is a decent option. I had a Red Sea Nano Max - the tank and stand were very nice and I had no issues. I did not like that the Red Sea Nano had a very narrow sump and it was hard for me to fit my hand back there. I needed more "floor space" for my clowns since they started laying eggs on a bi-weekly basis and attacked anything remotely close, so went with a IM 40L.

Really, really like this tank! The aluminum stand is awesome and love the floor space I gained. Since it is a lagoon, it also has less depth, so it is easier to perform display maintenance.

Just my 2 cents from a nano perspective...

officialreefbros · Jul 24, 2023

I'm still on the newer side, but have 2 water box peninsula 25s. They have been great and had great customer support with an issue I had! The only comparison I have is a 40g breeder that cracked on me