Red Sea Reefer vs Waterbox Aquariums: Which Is Better?
A full video telling you ALL the differences between Red Sea and Waterbox aquariums, based on my experiences having owned tanks from both brands.
Find my best fishy photos on Instagram - search 'Reef Dork'.
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For any commercial enquiries, please send me a PM, contact me via Instagram or leave a comment below.
0:00 Intro
0:24 Glass
0:53 Sumps
3:28 Plumbing
5:07 Cabinets
6:13 Fit and finish
6:58 Other differences
7:51 Pricing
8:18 Which is better?
9:34 Watch next
Which do you prefer? Red Sea or Waterbox?
now that I own both i still feel Red Sea take the win on quality/finish
I own a reefer 250 and waterbox peninsula mini 25. So comparison is a bit off but I'd choose the red sea over the waterbox all day. I just need to get around to changing that damn diaphragm valve
Reefer!!
WB!
If I'm paying anything over 1k it'll be custom and not from CHINA
When I was researching tanks (redsea) had many people talking about leaks. Innovative marine was where I ended up. Cannot complain about the choice.
Been waiting for a video like this from somebody! Especially more recent than others.
Great review. Been looking at both here and love both. Your comment about which tank size suits your needs really is going to help in my decision. Definitely feel good now going with either company. Thank you sir!
After looking in to both last year I made a decision and I have a Red Sea Max S500 arriving on Wednesday. It’s been like a 6 year old’s Christmas Eve every night for the past 9 weeks! I just felt the configuration vibed with me. Thanks for your hard work on content. I’ve been re-watching a lot of your back catalogue and it’s really helped with my planning.
Once again another cracking video.👍 When I was looking at buying my peninsula aquarium I went for the waterbox 6025 over redsea because the cabinet doors on the waterbox open both sides of the aquarium, which makes maintenance on the sump that much easier.
At last, the comparison video I was looking for! I own a Reefer 250 and a Peninsula 650 but I've heard great things about the Waterbox systems as well. I think its great to have two competing brands for several reasons, namely options for the consumer. I've always been very impressed with the build quality of the Red Sea systems but I also can't help loving certain finish details from Waterbox such as the glass weir cover.
This was a very helpful video to someone like me who has been out of the marine tank game for 10+ years! I’m off now to see if you’ve done an updated comparison with the newer Red Sea Reefer G2 system which seems to have addressed some of the shortcomings that the old models had.
I've been looking at a Red Sea 425L reefer deluxe, seen one in a retailer and was impressed with the quality of the tank/stand. Looked at a Waterbox but personally didn't like the configuration of the tank/outlets. Having a retailer guarantee will always be nice for peace of mind. I'm hoping to get my reef tank some time next year and can't wait to get into marine. Done lots of research and found your videos very informative, keep up the good work 👍
nice video alex. i have 2 red sea tanks but blown out of the water by a dd reef pro. Ready built cabinet that is top quality, unassuming weir, ready made for a roller filter and nice built in ATU. had 2 years and looks brand new
Great video Alex 👍
Thanks for posting this, very helpful - I had only just asked for this comparison on UltimateReef!
Yep, I saw that thread! 🙂
I’ve got 2 WB (Reef 180 & Marine 110) and the quality is absolutely STUNNING! I’ve not had any issues at all with the tanks, sumps or the stands. I’d love to try out a CADE or an AquaForest tank in the future. Great review video! 💖
How is your marine 110 a year on from your comment?
I love your channel and I just subscribed 👍
Great video Alex! I think I prefer Red Sea, but they are both very, very good brands! 😀👍
Great video presenting an unbiased view. I do love the shallow reef frag range by Waterbox 🙌🔥. I agree, overall Red Sea is the winner 🤣😂. Thumbs up from me. 👍
Having purchased a brand new Reef 130.4, I don't t think Waterbox use Ultraclear glass on all their ranges anymore. Their website only mentions optiwhite/ultraclear glass for certain ranges now (Reef LX, Marine X etc.) and I can clearly see the light green hue when I look through the side of the glass of my Reef 130.4. Having said that, it is still very good quality glass and I don't regret the purchase but the glass is not as crystal clear as a Red Sea XL425. The cabinet is another story altogether. I have the white version and the finish it unlike any other tanks I've seen.
love your content
I own a Waterbox Peninsula 15 and absolutely LOVE it… although I wish they made a matching stand for that particular tank.
100% agree they need stands for there mini peninsula's
very helpful bro! thanks.
Wow! I always thought Red Sea was an English company, I've asked them before, but it seemed like they didn't want to disclose that info ahah! Great vid
great comparison, I have both tanks brands RS 650P & the WB 2420 I like the wood for the stand better on the WB. wish the RS came with a manifold! I built one got to customize it so I guess that is good. I am pretty sure there built in the same factory IDK maybe I am wrong. I do think RS need to up it stand game tho be nice if the went T slot the to panels slipped into place, that would be sick. I agree the WB LX would be nice I tryed to convince the other half we need the 320.7 but after months of working on her all I got was the 2420...lol
This video is perfect info for me, im about to bite the bullet on 1. But I am considering rhe peninsular 25 mini
Great information, thanks for sharing! I think I’m gonna go with a cade out of Australia.
NYOS OPUS G2 300 - anyone know when this is coming to the US?
And the winner is: innovative marine! Well done
The main decision point… I’ve never heard about a leaking Waterbox… I’ve seen so many leaks due to silicon fail on Red Sea tanks that I’m NEVER gonna buy any tank from them !
SAME!!!
Thanks for the video, I’m looking at buying a Red Sea 170 on marketplace, first tank setup. While the cost is high it seems to have everything you need to get going
Great tank that - good size without being too big
Haa Eh Toe , Haeto is the proper Greek name for the algae. For some reason Greek is X (sounds 89% like H) gets translated into CH. Hence you hear places like Chania like (Shania) instead of the actual Hania. Besides that love the comparison, been looking at at second studio tank and was looking at tanks from both of them.
At 5:54 when it mentions plywood cabinet vs marine spec is why I was sure to go with the XL versions. I can attest that my 425XL stand is indeed plywood. There is no way I would allow a particle board stand no matter how marine spec epoxy coating is on it.
Correct - they made a few nice upgrade when they brought out the XL series. They don't say what size ply it is but they do say it's ply on their website (they say heavy duty plywood).
I've got a new redsea 425XL 12 months ago and it's been great. Hate the diaphram valve though. I've just purchased a D&D EA PRO 1200 being delivered next week so will be interesting to compare the two. I'm not swapping them out I'll just have 2 aquariums. I do like the fact you get the aluminium frame on the D&D which is really EA and if I want I can swap out the panels. D&D did give me the option for a roller configuration or filter sock for the sump. I really like the red sea sump though so again be interesting to compare.
If all goes to plan this weekend, next week's video will be of me changing the Red Sea diaphragm to a gate valve...
Thanks for a great informative video:) Just a quick question, does waterbox use imperial units such as inches, gallons and red sea use metric like meters, liters on their fittings?
I'm very happy with my Red Sea 525XL. But if I ever get a larger tank, I'll go with a Cade.
I looked at both and ended up buying a D-D. I felt the D-D had a better quality cabinet which comes pre built as a bonus. Clarisea drops straight in with no messing about. The only thing I don’t like is the ball valve, I wish I’d have changed it at the beginning but now I can’t be bothered 😂 honestly though I think all the big brands will be absolutely spot on.
Same here mate 👍🏻
Yeah same. I do love my 1500
Not all waterbox are that deep,the marine x are 500mm deep Im looking at upgrading soon and have been waiting for this vid for a while…….but has not made my choice between the red sea 350 and waterbox marine x 110.4 any easier haha Would love a tank 600 deep,but just wont work with either my room or wife 😞 Great vid as usuall tho dude ✌🏻👍🏻
Well done.
Now that the G2 is out for Red Sea, there isn't much comparison. Res Sea fixed all their issues and have reinforced seams, etc.
The aquaforest ones look like the best options
Marine spec is a higher quality level for plywood. It has fewer imperfections, making it more suitable for structural use in boats.
I just started watching your videos last night and don’t have a salt water tank but just froze your last few videos I have decided to do a salt water tank when I get a job once I turn 16
A decision you won't regret 🙂
I bought a redsea nano in 2020 and i'm not really happy with it. Not sure if I got a bad one or these tanks are like that. Basically I have nowhere close to an "ultra clear" glass. In just a few months it seems like my glass is etching with stains that appeared from nowhere, clearly visible when seeing through with light. After back and forth with the company, they sent me a new replacement display tank. I've no idea how to install it on my own though. Overall had quite a bad experience not to mention the DIY net kit was horrible, diaphram valve is stupid and it lacks a lot of feature that WB offers. Sump and cabinet layout Id think RS is better after comparing. Have no tried a WB but hoping to get into one sometime soon. RS definitely has better ATO setup though. Not sure why they dont provide a lid for the ATO.
If Mrs reef dork would let you get another tank you should try a DD reef pro. The sumps have a removable filter sock section
Yeah, I like the look of them. Lotta love for them in the comments of this video too 👌
What a fantastic video!! I am currently setting up a new reefer 250....could the valve be upgraded to something with more control maybe? Or is it risky to mess with the plumbing?
It can - i'll be doing so in next week's video
@@ReefDork oh great! I will wait and see what you do! Thank you ❤️
Well, I'd prefer that both companies get into a massive price war & the cost come way down & they end up with tons of inventory thereby I get a awesome deal 😎 & I'm back in the hobby 😉
The waterbox lazer logo on the front glass panel distracts the eye while viewing the tank. Its overally branded with logos on the stand, overflow cover, front panel etc
I have a waterbox peninsula 3620, it's a shame red sea don't do a smaller peninsula tank for their to have been a choice in purchasing.
Maybe its time you got a new red sea tank I think you'd be surprised by the upgrades and differences also red sea uses aluminum in alot of the stands
CADE tank is the way to go..Just had another one complaining about Red Sea leaking after 1 year and Customer Support told them to buy a new one.
Interesting vid. Personally, reliability is a key factor and I’ve seen a lot of Red Sea owners complaining that their tanks have leaked at the seams.
Seeing the prices I have no idea why, especially with the bigger tanks, that anyone would buy one when you can get a custom made tank for the same or less and have exactly the size and colour cabinet you want.
I have two WB tanks, a frag tank and a 20 gallon cube. I do wish WB made their sumps fuge ready. Your cat made me laugh.
Hey man loves your videos. What do you think of the innovative marine tanks. I have been seconds away from pulling the trigger on a red sea tank and i figured the last time i should at least look at some other tanks. Im in a red sea group on fb and it seems like all i see is peoples tanks leaking and busting seems. I am really intrigued by this IM tank. The nuvo int 150. Its dims are 45"x35"x20" and 150 gallons. Ive heard u talk about wishing u had a deeper tank but this tanks seems to deep. Might not see some fish ever again? I really dont know much about the company but plan on digging into their background. I guess my question is are those dimensions just crazy? There doesn't seem to b much else out there at those sizes
I don't know much about IM - they're not very popular in the UK but those are nice dimensions, albeit a bit low. Have a look at the Waterbox lx range.
Did you say the finish is better on RedSea? Interesting indeed. I am still disappointed WB canned the 55.2 and I really don't know why neither really do a smaller lagoon style tank (meaning not narrow). IM's absence of late in the EU is frustrating... I really think they have the best dimensions. One other thing I would LOVE to see is a lower water level - if that makes sense so it's harder for fish to jump and easier to rock the tank. It also disturbs me armoured seams still aren't standard but I guess we still have the filter socks (urrrgghh). I will probably just go custom on my next tank (but some good custom options in the EU would be amazing).
That's a hard one to call as you only really notice finishing when you own a tank, not if you see it in a shop or at a friend's house. But that's my impression anyways!
@@ReefDork True - I really meant that I always had the impression that Waterbox was much higher quality. This is something they really emphasise so I would have expected Red Sea is like a VW and Waterbox an Audi. Then again I also had the impression Waterbox came with a premium price. So just a bit surprising that RedSea are around the same general level. I have a RSR250 - 50cm front to back IS the issue but I do like the ATO. There has been a HEAP of innovation in reefing in the last few years... about time the tanks caught up.
Waterbox! Reef LX 320 is almost 87” and has a huge sump. The plumbing is perfect everything is laid out perfectly.
AQUA MEDIC, EHEIM, GIESEMANN, THEILING... tanks!!!
Dabbled with a reef aquarium many years ago, but want to get it spot on this time around. I want to learn everything before I start making purchases - Where should I start?
To be honest, you'll learn much faster and better if you actually buy a tank and get stuck in. I've made a couple of 'how to set up a tank' videos and there'll be another one today at 4pm which will be a short series showing you how I set up and run a tank...
there's a dirt cheap allpondsolutions marine tank, was thinking about getting it. Its half the price of other ones. Do you know much about it? i imagine the cabinet is crap at the least.
Don't know anything about it - APS are fine as long as you don't expect too much from them
Waterbox is just a better tank….own both….Red Sea quality has gone south for some time now...I had to return 4 Red Sea XL525s in 2021 because of poor packaging which had cracked/scratched glass OR poor silicone job with bubbles in seams…no issue with first delivery of Waterbox 220.6…..WB had clean seams, beautiful starphire glass, glass overflow box and a great sump design with no silly track system like Red Sea uses for their RO reserve which takes up headspace in sump…we obviously agree on the gate valves and their precision and ease of maintenance…another interesting thing I found out about Red Sea sumps is that they’re made from SCRAP GLASS…..for example, you ever wonder why KLIR fleece filters don’t fit in the Red Sea sock section unlike other manufacturers like Waterbox? Red Sea’s use of scrap glass prevents standardization…Red Sea can’t even standardize sumps…instead, they just cut corners on a tank they ask $1,000s for….I have the emails confirming this too if you want to see them….btw, the stands from Red Sea feel like cheap ikea cabinets compared to Waterbox…the Red Sea doors have a problem of closing which drives me nuts lol…as to your point about Red Sea making other equipment, the premium price doesn’t match the quality…for the price of their protein skimmer, I’d rather have a quiet dc powered skimmer….Red Sea’s lights are almost near Radion pricing…they’re not even in the same league as far as capability….the Red Sea wave gyres were such a disappointment in power and their reverse flow feature is a joke as you can’t even feel the flow with your hand right next to the gyre….I like waterbox’s approach of fitting their tanks with high end equipment from Ecotech, Nyos and other companies…just a more premium approach instead of Red Sea using rebranded sicce pumps and calling it their own lol People are going more and more to Waterbox for a reason..on one of the last polls on BRS on which tank to get…it was 4 to 1 in favor of Waterbox over Red Sea….and the main reason is due to poor customer service paired with defective tanks….and when you mention your concerns in the Red Sea owner forum, they block you lol The moderators first tried to quell the group by saying nothing is wrong and we’re making it up lol….as soon as you post the pictures still on the delivery truck with damages and bubble seams, I had 200 comments of customers with similar issues before they blocked my wife and I…pictures are worth a thousand words lol
Ever use any CADE tanks heard good stuff about them especially from Australia made not Chinese
For Eu people buy an aqua medic tank instead, they aren't used very much but they are 4 times cheaper u get a 180 gallon system (although they advertise it as less wich is strange) for 1900 euro and you get your tank, cabinet, sump and a container for Ato.
Looking into a CADE peninsula and waterbox as well but still not set any noteworthy comparisons? Is CADE glass better than WB?
I'd be surprised if there's any notiecable difference
I went marine x 90.3, now I just have to wait and pick some equipment!
Hello! Being new in the hobby and aiming to a simplier system, I am still undecided between the Red Sea Maxi peninsula (100L) and the Waterbox AIO 35.2 (125L). The latter being a big bigger and offering more configuration freedom about lights and filtering but all in all more expensive. Does anybody have experience with any of the two systems? Thanks for the feedback! :-)
wish I had a Red Sea tank I have a waterbox with a skimmer 75 gallon I can't complain but if I had the funds Red Sea tank would be my number 1 choice.
I still think that custom tanks are always better. This is because in our country, it is cheaper to make a custom tank and sump than buying a Red Sea or Waterbox tank.
Where is that?
@@NinjaSushi2 I’m from Bangladesh.
Sorry I know this is old, but I was thinking of getting a Waterbox AIO cabinate to sit next to a RedSea Reefer to store all my controllers ATO container. Are the doors painted in a similar paint do you know, so if I had 2 standing next to each other will the door finish have a massive difference? Strange question I know 😂
Oooh. They look the same to me but I've never seen them in the same room I'm afraid
@@ReefDork That's good enough for me 🤣 I'll take the plung, Thanks 👍
Isn't the red sea piping for drain and emergency switched in your video?
Nope
Both are amazing. My cousins neighbor has 2 pro stars, and I think they’re great. And they cost nearly half as much so I’m guessing the red seas and waterbox are on another level. I own a wb20 aio. That’s it so I can’t say much, my main tank is a 40 breeder with a hob overflow and 10g sump
Waterbox for the win!!!
Hi, one odd question…what is the extra estimated monthly electrical bill for such big tank?
No idea I'm afraid - I've never worked it out
@@ReefDork thank you
There are so many many videos on Red Sea leaks it’s put me wright off tbh Shame because they offer a great range
I really want a 120 cube tank I don't know why but waterbox makes like a 60 and a 100 but I don't think the display is that much so that sucks but I have been looking to get a waterbox display and stand and I would build my sump and plumbing save some money and get what I want I am not a fan of the manufacturer sump they look cool but not always functional I am a big fan of a big refuge and like to do a modified triton method but still doing water changes just what I have found luck with
One thing i didn't see mentioned that is a big difference to me is the waterbox cabinet leveling feet, Redsea doesn't have these.
My Red Sea has those...
@@ReefDork my 250 does not. Guess you have to get the bigger bois to get those.
@@DavidNewbrough they upgraded a few bits when they started their XL series - I bet that's when they did the feet too. Shame they don't come on the 250...
which is better? the one whose seams dont start to fail after 2 years, I guess...
Cade 100%
What about Innovative Marine?
Never had one I'm afraid - you don't really see them here in the UK
Both are beautiful and expensive $$$$$$$$$$$$$$
I’m gonna buy the red sea
Waterbox is super popular here in North America
You mean Florida aka WWC....WB is practically brand new and if you watch the streams ....it's obvious no one over there has reefed past leathers and green star polyps....seems like they just hired a Chinese firm ....no go imo
Heard CADE is the way to go for peninsula tanks
I’d skip both and get a Cade if buying off the shelf.
I am in regret mode with my Red Sea 3xl 900. So many flaws….overflow valve just doesn’t work thus overflow is much noisier than any tank I’ve ever had, No consideration given to adding a UV or reactor(s) so had to go with a custom self designed hang on UV (not very attractive but works very well),, Cabinet doors just don’t align, stand made of plywood with no steel frame like WB, the 16 gallon sump extension requires the emptying of the sump if you’d like to use it as an independent RO reservoir, the cabinet assembly instructions are horrible and there is no video tutorial to assist, etc. After purchasing, saw many testimonials of tank failure from the front glass seam where it’s obviously overhanging and not flush with stand. Even though I’ve only had it up and full with water for 3 1/2 months, I worry every day that it will leak all over the floor of my 26th floor condo. If I had to do it all over gain, I would hands down not go with Red Sea. If you do go with Waterbox, I have not seen any reports of tank failure…none. If not WB, look elsewhere but NOT Red Sea. Good luck.
Oh dear. I was surprised to see this had a plywood stand when I was researching this video. Hope it works out for you. You share a name with the CEO of my former employer! Which may not be a coincidence!
Each cost and arm and leg so I'll stick with aquaone which just cost an arm 😂
Is it true Red Sea seal give up over time?
I think they had an issue with one or two 750xxl tanks when they first came out (fixed now) but that's it. Dig around, you'll find the same stories about all tank manufacturers I suspect...
Had no idea WB and RS was made in China... been planning an upgrade ...but now I think I'll just look into locally made custom built one....
Just because something is built in China doesn’t mean the quality is bad, although I understand that’s a common perception because there is so much junk that comes from China. With that being said it’s never a bad thing to support your local businesses, even if they order products from China at least you’re still supporting a local business in your community.
Innovative marines are made in USA
@@elchappo1320 nope IM is made in China too.
Buy a Kakei think Americans and UK rebrand them for massive markup. My kakei is 12 yrs in and going strong
So both companies make the tanks in China? Geeze how much labor is involved such that the need for "cheap labor" really tips the balance? As expensive as these tanks are for tanks that are effectively "production size" i.e. not custom you'd think they'd either be a lot cheaper, or made locally to reflect the cost.
I much prefer red sea sumps design.
Totes
WATERBOX!
What about waterbox salt
Never used it I'm afraid
At least waterbox is less likely to crack with warranty
Id never buy a waterbox again after getting a 20 cube that wasnt square... Only found out when i went to put the custom cover on and it wasnt lining up correctly.... 1/2 out of square is complete trash.
FYI got a replacement take from them and sold the tank.
Good ole red sea leaker lol
A-looooo-mi-nummmm
A big NO NO NO NO NO because of the waterbox laser tag at the front.
I think its a bit unfair to compare sumps when the tank is smaller on the water box
I'm not comparing my 2 sumps as if they're like for like, I'm talking about the general design both companies have chosen 🙂
@@ReefDork doesn’t waterbox larger sump have a fuge section? I honestly don’t remember but thought it did
@@jahsreef8386 yep, 5 feet and above (I think I mentioned that in the vid). Should definitely be on their 4 foot tanks in my opinion and and ideally on the 3 footers.
On my reefer 250 the cabinet is made from MDF. I would of thought they would of used MR-MDF but nope, just your standard MDF. I know this as I drilled the side of cabinet to allow for electrical access
I wondered EXACTLY that when I was making this video! Interesting to know 👍
I didn't know red sea was from israel 🤣 I also didn't know that both are made in china 😲 Good information 👍
hmm, a glass box or a glass box. i best search for guidance.
😁
I'm a firm believer that water box is far more superior then red seas. Their stands are trash compared to waterbox in quality regardless of aluminum vs wood. Most all waterbox stands are made of mostly metal and I say this I've put together about 15 stands for customers of the store I work for. Their also usually heavier then the tank themselves. Which is saying something for 12mm thick glass tanks also another thing watwerbox you could smack with a hammer and red sea you just couldn't think of doing. The thickest rheu go is 9mm. 12 mm is standard for waterbox over 50 gallons. As well as an all glass over flow. It's presentation for me and the way a tank itself looks that grabs people's attention. Not what's in it till after that and rhe lights. Light and a box of water is what draws people. And a water box draws people next to a red sea. And I say this as I work for a store who has 2 of the exact display sized tanks with almost the same setup. Waterbox looks so much better. Redsea just cateres to the consumer more so then waterbox. They make tanks and tanks only. Theirs a reason WB is more expensive then red sea and it ain't the plumbing. On top of that. Waterbox will respond in a matter of 5 minutes usually
All that money and you have to assemble the stand
I'm getting a water box because the ato of the red sea is absolutely pathetic for the larger tanks.
So Red Sea 😅
I would not recommend a Red Sea at all I had mine for a little over a year and it started leaking.