OK People with Red Sea Reefer Failures... Convince me not to....

[victoria casella]

So I've read the myriad of threads here about Red Sea Reefers failing and ruining the world. I currently have an old school 90 gallon reef tank that has the overflow (this was from WAY before people drilled their tanks) that has caused issues to the point where I fear the stand's integrity is in question. Time to upgrade to a new tank. I love the look of the Red Sea Reefers (who doesn't?) and begin looking for a tank.

The new one's seem overpriced. I check the used ones and come across the threads here. Uh Oh! Red Sea Reefer tanks fail and destroy the earth, one apartment at a time. Some say it is the seam from the factory...others blame indiscriminate tank cleaning...still others claim their tank wasn't level or that the stand itself was bowed... all interesting claims from people who have never actually seen the tanks in question...

But the biggest commonality in the threads is that everyone "knows a guy" who had a Red Sea Reefer catastrophic failure. I spent an hour reading through and came across 4 legitimate, verifiable, stories of people with FIRST HAND experiences, and two of those were catastrophic, and only one had a photo.

Meanwhile, others refer to "hundreds of instances" but I don't really see hundreds of instances. There are thousands of reports of people seeing the Loch Ness Monster, after all. (Pictures or it didn't happen!) Since the next part of the story is a complaint on how Red Sea won't honor their warranty, I assume these people got photos, because no one is honoring any claims without photos.

I've been in the hobby for 30 years, with 20 of those at the pro-level. I've seen tank failures. If Red Sea is that bad, I would think that reputable dealers like BRS would drop them (Isn't BRS all about standing behind their hobbyists?)

Long story short - I want to hear your first hand accounts of buying a Red Sea Reefer that had a catastrophic failure. Not a tank with a bubble in the seam, or a story about a friend of a friend or a guy who was deleted on FB. Let's see these compiled into one thread. Please don't reply with your opinions on why you wouldn't buy one, or why you shouldn't get a used tank, or your opinion on whatever.

Let's show that Red Sea Failure footage!

Convince me, through your own first hand account, why I shouldn't buy one.

So did you get a Red Sea? I did… I got a g2+ 750…just got all the little thing set up and it looks awesome beautiful tank! ….Looking at it this morning admiring how it looked and amazed my fish all made it… noticed something in the seam that wasn’t there yesterday… would you believe this one’s coming apart too???!!! I’m sick! The definition of stupid! Why did I think it wouldn’t happen twice!

 

[OrionN]

I am so sorry. Can you put a clam on it for now to hold it until you gathers your stuff to deal with it? Things like this would shorten my life a few years.

 

[VintageReefer]

Omg I would be fuming
Contact them asap

 

[Cichlid Dad]

That's it! I wouldn't use a free red sea nano to house a cricket

 

[shcrimps]

2 years with my 350 G2. so far its good. if it does break a seam, ill probably just go back to a aqueon 75 gallon tank from petco.

this might me controversial but the glass clarity between my previous aqueon tanks was so much better than my IM tanks, my bio cube, and my current USA serene 65g tank

 

[salty150]

Has anyone been able to pinpoint exactly why this keeps happening...?!

 

[buruskeee]

So mine hasn’t failed yet… I contacted red sea yesterday for their opinion… I was told to get water out now! My tank is 2016 reefer 525xl it had a small bubble in the bottom front seam that just got huge! So Red Sea told me that it is out of warranty but they will give me 900.00 of a new one straight from them… would you get a new one? Or get another brand? Right now I have my animals in trash cans and pumps cords everywhere ugh!

For less money, you can get the best value noncustom tank out right now. The new IM EXT models are hard to beat. I wouldn’t touch Red Sea or Waterbox at the price point and the features the IM tanks have. I bought the 625 G2+ and like 2 months later the new EXT model dimension I wanted came out. They have euro bracing which I would make a requirement on a tank 5ft or larger.

Even with the $900 credit (which other companies wouldn’t even both doing if something was 2 years out of warranty), the IM would be cheaper and way better built.

To OP, the G1 definitely seems to leak at 2 or 3x the rate as other tanks - no data on that just my guess. Waterbox I see leak posts about too. Seen a few cade too. I would just stay away from any tank that’s not eurobraced - it would be much harder for a braced tank to leak, and if it did, I doubt the whole panel would bust.

The biggest issue you’ll rip you hair out about with Red Sea is the stupid overflow and valve design - trust me on that.

Luckily I’ve already got the ich to upgrade bigger so I when I do, if it’s not custom, it’ll definitely be an IM EXT.

 

[victoria casella]

I am so sorry. Can you put a clam on it for now to hold it until you gathers your stuff to deal with it? Things like this would shorten my life a few

Omg I would be fuming
Contact them asap

Im sick! The last one lasted eight years this one one month… Same problem just a different place

 

[buruskeee]

Has anyone been able to pinpoint exactly why this keeps happening...?!

It’s the G1. It’s poor seam quality and also the floating glass with sagging stand.

G2 fixed all of that and are built much better. For the money, it’s still way cheaper and better value to go IM EXT.

 

[thedon986]

It’s the G1. It’s poor seam quality and also the floating glass with sagging stand.

G2 fixed all of that and are built much better. For the money, it’s still way cheaper and better value to go IM EXT.

I got a g2+ 750

 

[victoria casella]

For less money, you can get the best value noncustom tank out right now. The new IM EXT models are hard to beat. I wouldn’t touch Red Sea or Waterbox at the price point and the features the IM tanks have. I bought the 625 G2+ and like 2 months later the new EXT model dimension I wanted came out. They have euro bracing which I would make a requirement on a tank 5ft or larger.

Even with the $900 credit (which other companies wouldn’t even both doing if something was 2 years out of warranty), the IM would be cheaper and way better built.

To OP, the G1 definitely seems to leak at 2 or 3x the rate as other tanks - no data on that just my guess. Waterbox I see leak posts about too. Seen a few cade too. I would just stay away from any tank that’s not eurobraced - it would be much harder for a braced tank to leak, and if it did, I doubt the whole panel would bust.

The biggest issue you’ll rip you hair out about with Red Sea is the stupid overflow and valve design - trust me on that.

Luckily I’ve already got the ich to upgrade bigger so I when I do, if it’s not custom, it’ll definitely be an IM EXT.

Go ahead say it…. You told me! Should’ve listened! One month into this one!

It’s the G1. It’s poor seam quality and also the floating glass with sagging stand.

G2 fixed all of that and are built much better. For the money, it’s still way cheaper and better value to go IM EXT.

Second pic was the first one was the first reefer 525xl seam at the bottom after 8 years…. Fist pic is new one g2+ 750 1 month seam at top left corner… 2 different tanks manufactured 8 yrs apart…

 

[RastaReefarian]

Are red sea's max s aquariums the only AIO option with euro-bracing? Was thinking about going with something like the Cade 1500 to sidestep all this red sea uncertainty... but then again... I'd rather have euro-bracing.

 

[salty150]

For less money, you can get the best value noncustom tank out right now. The new IM EXT models are hard to beat. I wouldn’t touch Red Sea or Waterbox at the price point and the features the IM tanks have. I bought the 625 G2+ and like 2 months later the new EXT model dimension I wanted came out. They have euro bracing which I would make a requirement on a tank 5ft or larger.

Even with the $900 credit (which other companies wouldn’t even both doing if something was 2 years out of warranty), the IM would be cheaper and way better built.

To OP, the G1 definitely seems to leak at 2 or 3x the rate as other tanks - no data on that just my guess. Waterbox I see leak posts about too. Seen a few cade too. I would just stay away from any tank that’s not eurobraced - it would be much harder for a braced tank to leak, and if it did, I doubt the whole panel would bust.

The biggest issue you’ll rip you hair out about with Red Sea is the stupid overflow and valve design - trust me on that.

Luckily I’ve already got the ich to upgrade bigger so I when I do, if it’s not custom, it’ll definitely be an IM EXT.

The IM tanks are too shallow - 21.7" high just doesn't cut it for a lot of people.

I contacted IM 2 years ago and asked if they had any plans to make tanks any higher than 21.7" - and they said they had no plans to do so.

Plus, their stands, to me, are cheap and flimsy looking.

And IM is no stranger to leaking tanks - this guy bought a 200 EXT and in April this year - it started leaking.

He got another one as a replacement and in July it started to leak.

He asked to just be given his money back (after getting 2 tanks that both leaked) - and IM refused - and just sent him another tank.

IM leaking tanks

 

[Northern Flicker]

this might me controversial but the glass clarity between my previous aqueon tanks was so much better than my IM tanks, my bio cube, and my current USA serene 65g tank

I sat my Aqueon 60g breeder standard with trim beside my much more expensive IM tank and I honestly couldn't really see a difference. I think when the lights are on full white I could detect a very minor blue tint in the Aqueon.

For me, I just hated the idea of having so much evaporation. I don't have heat issues here in Canada so there is really no upside. Life is much better with glass tops

Also after dealing with water damage already from a leaking roof, I simply cannot stomach having an aquarium on a non-basement floor anymore lol I am a scaredy cat.

 

[buruskeee]

The IM tanks are too shallow - 21.7" high just doesn't cut it for a lot of people.

I contacted IM 2 years ago and asked if they had any plans to make tanks any higher than 21.7" - and they said they had no plans to do so.

Plus, their stands, to me, are cheap and flimsy looking.

And IM is no stranger to leaking tanks - this guy bought a 200 EXT and in April this year - it started leaking.

He got another one as a replacement and in July it started to leak.

He asked to just be given his money back (after getting 2 tanks that both leaked) - and IM refused - and just sent him another tank.

IM leaking tanks

Yeah I just saw that video and it’s wild it’s happened twice (might just be a bad omen for him with tanks, this is his 3rd leak in 2 years of tanks, a G1 Red Sea before that - super unfortunate). Haven’t really seen anything else besides his post though about IM. All that does is confirm that EVERY tank can leak. At what rate is what’s important.

As for taller tanks, they’re just going with the trend, most folks like the more shallow tanks now because it’s easier to reach into, it’s what the majority of the market wants, so it makes sense. For a taller tank the options is more of bespoke type builders like Planet, Glass Cages, etc, and not the retail larger operations out there.

 

[Northern Flicker]

Yeah I just saw that video and it’s wild it’s happened twice (might just be a bad omen for him with tanks, this is his 3rd leak in 2 years of tanks, a G1 Red Sea before that - super unfortunate). Haven’t really seen anything else besides his post though about IM. All that does is confirm that EVERY tank can leak. At what rate is what’s important.

As for taller tanks, they’re just going with the trend, most folks like the more shallow tanks now because it’s easier to reach into, it’s what the majority of the market wants, so it makes sense. For a taller tank the options is more of bespoke type builders like Planet, Glass Cages, etc, and not the retail large fitters out there.

3 leaks in 2 years almost feels too unlucky. Something else has gotta be goin on there.

 

[LARedstickreefer]

Has anyone with these failures noticed popping noises coming from their tank prior to noticing the separation?

I have a reefer 170 and have some worrying areas in the silicone. Not exactly the same as the rest have been showing…I’ve also been hearing some loud popping sounds coming from the tank and can’t figure out what it could be. No pistol shrimp and not the same as a hermit falling off the rocks…

I’m starting to worry that it’s something relating to the silicone.

Only other explanation could be a new Orphek Icon hanging above. Started noticing the sounds around the time I installed the Orphek.

-Matt

 

[SimbaAnto]

Atfer Red Sea Fiasco i went with Cade. Now after seeing this IM tank leaks, i just terrified. So whats the gold standard? Just the customer built tanks like Glass Cages and Planet Aqua?

 

[SimbaAnto]

Has anyone with these failures noticed popping noises coming from their tank prior to noticing the separation?

I have a reefer 170 and have some worrying areas in the silicone. Not exactly the same as the rest have been showing…I’ve also been hearing some loud popping sounds coming from the tank and can’t figure out what it could be. No pistol shrimp and not the same as a hermit falling off the rocks…

I’m starting to worry that it’s something relating to the silicone.

Only other explanation could be a new Orphek Icon hanging above. Started noticing the sounds around the time I installed the Orphek.

-Matt

When you see worrying areas in Silicone, Post some pics, dont wait untill the last min. The moment you start seeing issues, its time to change.

When i first noticed i freaked out and changed . It still had some life in it. But didnt want to take a chance. My seam issue below in Red Sea

 

[Tamberav]

Has anyone with these failures noticed popping noises coming from their tank prior to noticing the separation?

I have a reefer 170 and have some worrying areas in the silicone. Not exactly the same as the rest have been showing…I’ve also been hearing some loud popping sounds coming from the tank and can’t figure out what it could be. No pistol shrimp and not the same as a hermit falling off the rocks…

I’m starting to worry that it’s something relating to the silicone.

Only other explanation could be a new Orphek Icon hanging above. Started noticing the sounds around the time I installed the Orphek.

-Matt

I would drain the tank if you have worrying areas of silicone.