I want to include my experience with all the others here. I recommend anyone shopping for a new aquarium to avoid Red Sea. I have purchased their products since 1993, but will never again buy anything they offer.
I purchased a 625XXL Gen 1 just over 4 years ago, and it has been full of water for about 3.5 years. A few weeks ago I noticed the bottom seam of the tank separating above the sump. A quick search on the net and I see this is a well documented problem.
The next day I noticed the affected area grew, and at this point I started to have serious concerns. I didn't want the tank to leak or explode, so over the next week I set up temporary systems to hold all my fish and corals. Not an easy or cheap task to be blindsided with. I was sleeping next to the tank. I was so afraid it was going to go at any moment it was a very stressful week. About 8 days after I noticed the seam problem, I got the 625 empty and safely out of the house, with all livestock safe in temp housing.
I have been in communication with Red Sea since the day after I noticed the failure. They have pictures. Even though I was past the extended 3 year warranty, I was hoping they would step up to the plate, given they are clearly aware of the issue. They offered me a credit towards the "new and improved" system. But that option still leaves me spending over 3K with Red Sea to get the replacement system. They will not sell me just the tank.
I understand my tank is out of warranty and Red Sea owes me nothing. I also feel a glass aquarium should last more than 4 years. I see there is a Gen2 now, which specifically fixes the stand's weaknesses, and supports the front glass. To me this clearly shows the first gens as Lemons, and I feel a good company would stand behind them, even after warranty.
I have kept aquariums for over 40 years, and I still have some from the 90's that hold water just fine. This is the first aquarium I did not build my own stand for. As I am getting older, I figured I could save my labor and trust in the stand they provide, since they warranty the tank with it. I will not be making that mistake again. I am a carpenter, and I can assure you the Red Sea stand was dead level, and all the little feet were doing equal work. There was nothing on top of the tank other than a screen top All the lighting is in a canopy, suspended above the tank from the ceiling. I keep my magnets and other cleaning tools clear of the seams.
So now I have the expense of the temporary tanks, the labor to make it all happen including time off work, a 400+ lb aquarium to dispose of, and I need a new main tank and stand. There is no way I'm keeping the sump which was engineered by the same people.
I will not give Red Sea another dime. I already ordered a new tank from Glass Cages and will be building a proper stand for it myself. Take it for what you will. I just want my experience to be available for anyone shopping for a new tank. I absolutely regret buying a Red Sea Reefer.
I purchased a 625XXL Gen 1 just over 4 years ago, and it has been full of water for about 3.5 years. A few weeks ago I noticed the bottom seam of the tank separating above the sump. A quick search on the net and I see this is a well documented problem.
The next day I noticed the affected area grew, and at this point I started to have serious concerns. I didn't want the tank to leak or explode, so over the next week I set up temporary systems to hold all my fish and corals. Not an easy or cheap task to be blindsided with. I was sleeping next to the tank. I was so afraid it was going to go at any moment it was a very stressful week. About 8 days after I noticed the seam problem, I got the 625 empty and safely out of the house, with all livestock safe in temp housing.
I have been in communication with Red Sea since the day after I noticed the failure. They have pictures. Even though I was past the extended 3 year warranty, I was hoping they would step up to the plate, given they are clearly aware of the issue. They offered me a credit towards the "new and improved" system. But that option still leaves me spending over 3K with Red Sea to get the replacement system. They will not sell me just the tank.
I understand my tank is out of warranty and Red Sea owes me nothing. I also feel a glass aquarium should last more than 4 years. I see there is a Gen2 now, which specifically fixes the stand's weaknesses, and supports the front glass. To me this clearly shows the first gens as Lemons, and I feel a good company would stand behind them, even after warranty.
I have kept aquariums for over 40 years, and I still have some from the 90's that hold water just fine. This is the first aquarium I did not build my own stand for. As I am getting older, I figured I could save my labor and trust in the stand they provide, since they warranty the tank with it. I will not be making that mistake again. I am a carpenter, and I can assure you the Red Sea stand was dead level, and all the little feet were doing equal work. There was nothing on top of the tank other than a screen top All the lighting is in a canopy, suspended above the tank from the ceiling. I keep my magnets and other cleaning tools clear of the seams.
So now I have the expense of the temporary tanks, the labor to make it all happen including time off work, a 400+ lb aquarium to dispose of, and I need a new main tank and stand. There is no way I'm keeping the sump which was engineered by the same people.
I will not give Red Sea another dime. I already ordered a new tank from Glass Cages and will be building a proper stand for it myself. Take it for what you will. I just want my experience to be available for anyone shopping for a new tank. I absolutely regret buying a Red Sea Reefer.
