RSR 170 or Waterbox 45.2

[Jefdav84]

So I think I have narrowed my list down to two tanks.
RSR 170

- 24.5 x 20 x 20
- 43.0 total volume
- 34 display volume
- Starphire glass
-$999 + $240 = $1240 for an AI Prime or Deluxe with Reef LED is $1399

or

Waterbox 45.2

- 24 x 18 x 18
- 44.3 total volume
- 29.6 display volume
- Starphire glass
- $1199 for the plus edition that includes an AI Prime

I have seen a stocked 170 in person, and I really just like the look and think that it would be the perfect size for me right now. If i went AI Prime the cost difference would be about 40 - 50 dollars more for the RSR 170. Does anyone out there have any experience with either, or have an opinion on what would be the better system? I had looked at the SCA 50 as well, but just not sure from what I have read if the build and glass quality is comparable to the RSR or Waterbox.

 

[SEGA]

One thing about this hobby is that there is never a shortage of options! It all comes down to ultimately what you are going to keep in your tank.

Like you, I've considered both of these, as well as other systems in this size range and ultimately decided to purchase the Reefer 170. As far as the lighting, from what I have gathered, the AI Prime would be about the minimum size for this size tank. I believe the Prime will be fine if you are not going to have many SPS corals, but for the difference in price, the Reef LED 90 would be worth the difference in the price..

I'm still undecided on my lighting, but I've narrowed it down to the Reef LED 90 and the AI Hydra 26 HD. I was initially leaning towards the Hydra, but there is more information starting to become available on the Reef LED and from what I'm seeing, it's looking promising.

BRS has a great video on these that will give you more info..​

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/its-the-red-sea-reefleds-turn-at-brstv-brstv-investigates.625382/

Good luck with your tank!

 

[Waynerock]

So I think I have narrowed my list down to two tanks.
RSR 170

- 24.5 x 20 x 20
- 43.0 total volume
- 34 display volume
- Starphire glass
-$999 + $240 = $1240 for an AI Prime or Deluxe with Reef LED is $1399

or

Waterbox 45.2

- 24 x 18 x 18
- 44.3 total volume
- 29.6 display volume
- Starphire glass
- $1199 for the plus edition that includes an AI Prime

I have seen a stocked 170 in person, and I really just like the look and think that it would be the perfect size for me right now. If i went AI Prime the cost difference would be about 40 - 50 dollars more for the RSR 170. Does anyone out there have any experience with either, or have an opinion on what would be the better system? I had looked at the SCA 50 as well, but just not sure from what I have read if the build and glass quality is comparable to the RSR or Waterbox.

I love my reefer 170

 

[bar|none]

I love my reefer 170 as well. Take a really close look at the sumps. If you want to run a refugium with macro algae in the rsr170 then look at my build thread for some ideas.

 

[OREGONIC]

Love my e170, wish I would have just got the standard 170 added a sump within a year to the e series. I would get at least a ai 26, prime just wont be enough.

 

[Edp251]

Hey All,

I have the Red Sea 170 Max-E with the Hydra 26. With respect to lighting, I took these measurements 2 weeks ago and thought they may be helpful. They were taken running the Saxby schedule at 10% acclimation. The yellow numbers are towards the rear of the tank, white are central and the yellow-fills are towards the front.

As you can see, there is a very significant hot spot and shading, even though I built my rock work to compensate a bit for this. Light is 10" of the water. I also ran an additional experiment where I cranked the lights up 20% and raised the light by 2 inches. The result was a fairly uniform 10% increase across the tank in par.

As I am moving towards more SPS in the tank, I am considering adding T5s, via one of those aquatic life fixtures or the reef breeders LEDs that would span the entire tank and even things out.

Absolutely love the tank though and also did my own custom sump addition. I ran the tank with stock for more than a year and had no troubles with softies or LPS. It is the addition of SPS that have required some enhancements.

Ignore the clown playing dead. It's being a clown...

Hope this helps and best of luck!

 

[Waynerock]

I would get the Red Sea 90w all day for the 170 if you go the route. I have two primes on mine

 

[IslandLifeReef]

I have the 170 deluxe and love it. If this is your first time with LED, I would definitely suggest going with the new Reef 90 LED. It doesn't give you the control over color like a AI Hydra would, but that is a good thing IMO. Finding the right spectrum can be difficult. I have seen the Reef 90 LED, and they give great spread and color. Hope this helps.

 

[Jefdav84]

Thank you everyone for all of the great feedback. It has definitely helped me out. Now time to start the planning stages, and hopefully within the next few months can make something happen. I will be sure to create a build thread once I start the process.

 

[OREGONIC]

Thank you everyone for all of the great feedback. It has definitely helped me out. Now time to start the planning stages, and hopefully within the next few months can make something happen. I will be sure to create a build thread once I start the process.

Welcome to the addiction, just remember what ever you think the total cost will be double that then add another 25-50%. Its worth every penny tho.

 

[LARedstickreefer]

I’ve got a Red Sea reefer 170 also. It looks to be extremely well built, the Porsche of the tank world

Nothing feels, or looks, cheap.

Two hydra26hd hang above it.

 

[Jefdav84]

Welcome to the addiction, just remember what ever you think the total cost will be double that then add another 25-50%. Its worth every penny tho.

Oh I know. I started a few months back with a set up that I don't like. I should of just did it right the first time, but I didn't and this is where I am at now. Good thing is I already have rock, a few corals, clean up crew, and a clownfish. Just want something nice where I don't have to look at cords going everywhere off the back of the tank, food dimensions, and overall just a nice clean and sleek look.