RedSea Reefer or Waterbox

MAXreefer · May 10, 2020

I am debating between 2 systems:
Waterbox 220.6 (167 + 40 gallons) with 4 AI Hydra 32
or
RedSea Reefer XXL 750 V3 (160 + 40 gallons ) with 4 ReefLED 90

Both seem to be 2 solid systems and pretty easy to plumb etc.
I could go either system but also with different lighting if suggested. Still doing some research on the lighting.

Any of you saw both systems or has running one of them could give any advice, pro/cons?

Thanks for any input

LDog74 · May 10, 2020

I looked at those plus the RS XXL900. I ended up going with Crystal Dynamics (see my build thread). I will also mention I currently have a Waterbox 40 gallon & have had a Red Sea 50 gallon in the past, no complaints with either.

Here are the main reasons I went with CDA.
1. The ability to design or have input into everything is really nice when you are moving up to a tank that size. Tank dimensions, endless... Stand design & color, Type of plumbing & size, Manifold, Overflow, Sump brand & size, skimmer, dual returns, etc... You have input into all of it.
I did not think this was a big deal at first but now that we are moving forward with the build I have no doubt it will save me a lot of money down the road. No need to modify things down the road.

2. I don’t trust either stand at that size tank. (See the countless threads on damage & leaks ) I am really referring to long term here... Are they going to hold up several years & are they moveable if needed? That is a lot of weight & overtime with water damage I’m concerned. I also don’t want to deal with an issue 2-3 years down the road when your tank is starting to thrive.

3. I wanted to support a product manufactured in the US & help support local businesses because of COVID. I know many of the reefing products are made overseas & I don’t want to get political. However the tank & stand were the largest dollar item of our build and I am so glad we decided to buy American where it was an option in addition to reason 1 & 2.

Do yourself a favor and at least call Zoya at Crystal Dynamics and test the waters... You might just end up with a tank & design that you can truly call your build.

There are other custom tank mfgs also, sorry not trying to exclude them... My research directed me to CDA and I can’t say enough about them so far during the build process. Both Zoya & Trent and been amazing & helpful with our design.

My tank will be delivered this week so more pictures coming.

Good Luck with the decision! I know it’s not easy, I struggled with it as well.

lpsouth1978 · May 10, 2020

I went back and forth between the same systems and ultimately decided to get the Waterbox (230.6 then). I chose the Waterbox because I liked the sump layout better and because it had a separate and larger ATO reservoir. I have really enjoyed my decision and have NO regrets. I am even happier after seeing all of the tank failures Red Seas has had with the 750XXL.

esther · May 10, 2020

Waterbox 220.6! I'm biased, though. It's the tank we have. Don't regret it for a second. Quality product and company is top notch!

Bryan68 · May 10, 2020

Ive owned both, a RSR170 and a Waterbox 180.5. The are both nice tanks. I like the glass overflow and the sump on the Waterbox much more than what Red Sea offers. And I agree with #LDog74 about the stand quality/longevity. If I were to choose again, hands down, Waterbox!

AcanthurusRex · May 10, 2020

In practice, the rimless tanks become a nuisance. The lights glaring in the eyes, water over the side.
If I were to do this again I think I would get a Planet. The only issue is that I would want the low iron glass which would force a custom build.
The CADE units look nice; aluminum stand. I would add that to the list.
I would prefer to choose my own lighting.

lpsouth1978 · May 10, 2020

I did choose my own lighting and still ended up with Hydra's for mt Waterbox.

AZMSGT · May 10, 2020

Before you buy any Red Sea read this thread

What's up with the recent Red Sea Tank failures? 750XXL ? UPDATE Design Flaw CONFIRMED by Red Sea !!!

09/30 RED SEA CONFIRMS DESIGN FLAW!!! Original post below. I have seen a few failures lately, especially on their big tanks. A few reports on their 750xxl in last few weeks. One 750xxl had the back pane blow out. The other started leaking at the bottom. Their Facebook group page is...

www.reef2reef.com

Leaking Red Sea

Well, Im not here to bashing anyone, just share my experience. 5 weeks ago I post this question at Facebook Red Sea owners group. 50% aswers said completly normal, 50% said its a problem. Unfortunately we didnt do anything and this morning got this: Shared this video at Red Sea group and...

www.reef2reef.com

I have yet to read anything about a waterbox leaking. If the threads exist I would post them too. But I can’t find any.