I have been scouring the internet reading articles, forums, watching youtube videos, etc. for the past two years and I am finally ready to take the plunge and buy my tank. After pricing out components vs. an all-in-one, I am thinking of buying the Red Sea Reefer Deluxe 525XL or the Waterbox REEF 130.4. I am torn with which one I should go with and am looking for advice, based on experience, from the forum members. I have questions related to other equipment (skimmers, powerbeads, etc.), but am starting with this. Any input you have is appreciated. Thanks!
WATERBOX or Red Sea?
- Thread starter polpo
- Start date
- Tagged users None
jschultzbass
Valuable Member
I love my waterbox. YOu can't go wrong with either and I would base it on what dimensions you like better. Of the two mentioned the red sea is bigger at 59"x22 but the waterbox is slightly wider at 48"x24". The Waterbox is a few hundred cheaper. If I were you I'd be looking at the waterbox 170.4/5. That's the one I have. dimensions are awesome at 55"x26". It's only a hundred bucks more than the red sea in white.
Westside Guy
Valuable Member
In my opinion there is a big difference visually when you compare a tank that is 48" vs a tank that is 59" wide. The one that is 59" wide definitely has a bigger impact on the room.
The OP should also consider the Red Sea Reefer 425 which is 47" x 22.6" and the 625 which is 59' x 25.6".
Marco S
Always Learning
I went back and forth between the WaterBox 230.6 and the Red Sea Reefer 750 XXL for a few months before I finally decided on the Red Sea Reefer 750 XXL. I went with Red Sea mainly because the V3 sump is designed better for my needs and the WaterBox was always out of stock. It also doesn't hurt that Red Sea has been around a lot longer and so many people have them already so getting help and or advise would be a lot easier.
Initially I wanted the WaterBox because it was bigger, but after looking at the specs you can see that it is only 1" longer, .4" wider and .4" higher with a total of 9 gallons more for the display. The 230 gallon total volume is including the 40 gallon sump and the 18.7 gallon ATO Reservoir, so they are basically the same size. The display of the WaterBox 230.6 is rated at 169 gallons and the Red Sea is rated at 160. The WaterBox does have a bigger ATO Reservoir though. I know you are looking at different models, but just pay attention to the actual dimensions and water volume for the tank as I assume they all include the sump and ATO reservoir with all their models.
As said before though, you really can't go wrong with either brand. Good luck and welcome to R2R!!!
Initially I wanted the WaterBox because it was bigger, but after looking at the specs you can see that it is only 1" longer, .4" wider and .4" higher with a total of 9 gallons more for the display. The 230 gallon total volume is including the 40 gallon sump and the 18.7 gallon ATO Reservoir, so they are basically the same size. The display of the WaterBox 230.6 is rated at 169 gallons and the Red Sea is rated at 160. The WaterBox does have a bigger ATO Reservoir though. I know you are looking at different models, but just pay attention to the actual dimensions and water volume for the tank as I assume they all include the sump and ATO reservoir with all their models.
As said before though, you really can't go wrong with either brand. Good luck and welcome to R2R!!!
Js.Aqua.Project
Reef Addict
A year ago I would have said Red Sea, no doubts, WaterBox in my mind didn't compare. I had seen and worked on both tanks.
However, after RAP-Orlando this year, WaterBox tanks have tremendously improved, the only place where I think Red Sea is nicer now is the stand. But after Red Sea has stopped using AI lights in favor of their own (saw their new lights at RAP, still prefer the Hydra 26HD over them) I would personally probably buy a WaterBox.
However, after RAP-Orlando this year, WaterBox tanks have tremendously improved, the only place where I think Red Sea is nicer now is the stand. But after Red Sea has stopped using AI lights in favor of their own (saw their new lights at RAP, still prefer the Hydra 26HD over them) I would personally probably buy a WaterBox.
Marco S
Always Learning
Great point. I forgot to include that they stopped selling the deluxe versions with the AI Hydras in favor of their own lights. I actually had to get my AI lights and mounts separate, but thanks to an awesome LFS owner here in Tucson that gave me the same price I did end up getting the AI lights.
infinite0180
Valuable Member
- Joined
- Apr 25, 2018
- Messages
- 1,821
- Reaction score
- 1,100
I went with a red sea tank after going back and forth. If i upgrade im sure i will be torn all over again between the two. Honestly i dont think you can go wrong with either. Its just finding the right tank for your needs and wants... also as mentioned already the deluxe reefers nonlong have the hydra lights. Personally i would skip the included light packages on either and go with radions...
jschultzbass
Valuable Member
I agree and disagree. The extra width helps so much with aquascaping.
Westside Guy
Valuable Member
JaimeAdams
2500 Club Member
My problem with red sea is all the proprietary stuff on the tanks. I really hate how they don't use a bulk head even if metric for the plumbing, instead it is their own proprietary plastic screw in/O ring. I have a reefer at the store, but our new tanks are going to be water boxes.
jsbzcmcdaniel
Active Member
I have owned numerous brand tanks from high end to standard including Red Sea. I own two Waterbox tanks now 130.4 & 60.2 and absolutely love them. The craftsmanship and quality is top notch and their customer service is great as well.
Red Sea tanks are a bit nicer imo and waterbox uses wonky metric plumbing. Also they are terrible at packing and shipping stands so just budget a month or 2 for sending back stand parts till you get one without defects. Customer service has been good though
Bouncingsoul39
Valuable Member
I'm going to say don't go with either. All Red Sea owners are going to say, Yeah RS is great choose Red Sea, and the same for Water box. I'd personally suggest not buying an aquarium made in China and going with one made in the USA like Crystal Dynamic Aquarium or Acrylic and Glass Exhibits.
doughboy
Well-Known Member
another thing to consider is user base. The more users, the more support/info you will get, like mods, third party products, etc.
Red Sea is the bigger company, and been around longer, has a wider user base, and will still be around when others may not be in the future. I do not own RS or WB, but will go with RS if I were going to get a new tank.
Red Sea is the bigger company, and been around longer, has a wider user base, and will still be around when others may not be in the future. I do not own RS or WB, but will go with RS if I were going to get a new tank.
Westside Guy
Valuable Member
Thank you everyone for all your advice and inputs. It was a hard decision, but I did decide to go with WB. My 190 is being delivered today. Now onto all the other other fun selections like skimmers, powerbeads, pumps, etc...
