Introduction to Red Sea and Waterbox Aquariums
This brief article highlights two amazing aquarium brands available on the market today: Red Sea and Waterbox. Whether you’re considering a new tank or replacing an old one, you’ll find a variety of options for tanks and stands in various sizes.
First, assess your needs and available space before making a decision. Now, let’s dive into the Waterbox vs. Red Sea debate to help you decide which saltwater aquarium suits your needs best.
Waterbox Marine Aquariums
Waterbox Aquariums stand out for their understated exterior style and high-quality internal components. For instance, some models come with a stand and optional filtration and lighting systems. Alternatively, you can purchase the tank separately and use your own stand.
The cabinets, made from 18-millimeter plywood, offer superior strength and moisture resistance. Additionally, they feature UV-cured finishes in white, black, or oak laminate for durability and aesthetics. Soft-close door hinges and recessed push-open latches ensure easy access.
- Moreover, Waterbox hand-makes their aquariums using 5 to 19-millimeter Starphire glass. The tanks feature beveled edges and a rimless top for a sleek look. Notably, their unique glass overflow system simplifies cleaning and prevents algae buildup. To ensure quality, every aquarium undergoes water testing before leaving the factory, guaranteeing leak-free performance for years.
Furthermore, Waterbox offers several series tailored to different needs:
- Marine X: An entry-level reef-ready series with a stand, all-glass filter sump, and filter sock. The +HD option includes AI Prime 16HD Lighting & Flex Arm.
- Frag Series: Designed for fragging or shallow reef tanks, this series includes ready-to-assemble plumbing and filter sock silencers. The +Plus HD Edition comes with AI Hydra 32HD Lighting.
- Reef Series: Ideal for custom reef systems, these tanks include a multi-chambered glass sump, plumbing, and built-in overflow and return systems. You can add your own lighting or choose from AquaIllumination or Ecotech Marine bundles.
- Peninsula Series: Similar to the Reef series but designed for viewing from both sides, with the overflow and return system placed at one end.
Overall, Waterbox aquariums feature:
- Cabinet design with soft-close hinges, leveling feet, and recessed doors.
- Aquarium construction with a 2-year warranty, beveled edges, and a rimless design.
- Filtration systems with all-glass sumps, multi-chamber layouts, and glass overflows for easy cleaning.
Red Sea Marine Aquariums
Red Sea has manufactured marine aquarium products for over 25 years, aiming to make reef-keeping easier for all levels of aquarists. Their all-in-one MAX series offers plug-and-play reef systems, complete with LED lighting and filtration. These tanks use low-iron glass for crystal clarity and feature a full-width internal surface skimmer that runs silently and resists clogging. The hidden overflow houses recirculation pumps, freeing up tank space for corals. Water purification relies on a protein skimmer and dual micron filter bags.
Additionally, Red Sea includes their ReefLED lighting system, designed specifically for SPS corals. The cabinet frame uses waterproof aluminum, with decorative panels that you can replace for a fresh look. The Reefer series provides a base system for custom setups, allowing you to choose your own lighting, filtration, and controllers. All Reefer aquariums come with a water management system, including a refugium-ready sump and an integrated automatic top-up system.
Red Sea aquariums feature:
- Cabinet design with plywood or aluminum frames and removable panels.
- Aquarium construction with a 2-year warranty, low-iron glass, and beveled edges.
- Filtration systems with modular sumps, protein skimmers, and micron filter bags.
- Lighting systems with ReefLED options controllable via the ReefBeat ap
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Red Sea Marine Aquariums
Red Sea has been manufacturing marine aquarium products for over 25 years.
The company’s objective is to make reef-keeping easier for all levels of aquarists.
Red Sea developed the all-in-one MAX aquarium line-up to be a plug-and-play reef system.
The tanks come complete with LED lighting and a filtration system. This takes the guesswork out of assembling a reef aquarium.
The Red Sea aquariums use low-iron glass for crystal clarity. The full-width internal surface skimmer runs silently and won’t clog.
The hidden overflow contains recirculation pumps, freeing up valuable tank space for your corals. Aquarium water is purified with the protein skimmer and dual micron filter bags.
Also included is Red Sea’s ReefLED lighting system designed specifically for SPS corals.
The cabinet frame is constructed on water-proof aluminum. Decorative white or plastic cabinet panels complete the assembly. You can change the panels for a new look at any time.
The Reefer series gives you a base reef system that lets you add the components of your choice for a custom reef setup. You select your own style of lighting, filtration, circulation, and controllers.
All Reefer aquariums come with a water management system that includes a refugium-ready sump with integrated automatic top-up and Red Sea’s unique silent down-flow system.
The Reefer aquariums are constructed of beveled-edge, ultra-clear glass with a rimless design. The cabinet is plywood with adjustable leveling feet. The doors are epoxy-coated for moisture resistance.
You can choose between black or white finish. All Reefer aquariums come with a water management system that includes a refugium-ready sump with integrated automatic top-up and Red Sea’s unique silent down-flow system.
Overall Features
Cabinet design
- Reefer series are made of plywood
- Max series use an aluminum frame
- Max cabinets have removable panels
Aquarium construction
- Two-year warranty
- Low-iron glass
- Beveled edge construction
Filtration system
- Modular sump and overflow included
- Max series includes a protein skimmer
- Integrated automatic top-up system
- Micron filter bags
Lighting
- Max systems come with a LED lighting designed for reef corals
- Lighting can be controlled with the ReefBeat app
Recommendations
The first factor to keep in mind is that Waterbox states that their aquarium systems should not be installed on carpet.
The reason being the company feels it is not possible to evenly support the aquarium and stand on a soft, cushiony surface like carpet.
While many aquarists probably do have Waterbox tanks on carpet, it may void the tank’s warranty if a leak occurs.
Aside from this, Waterbox aquarium systems offer all the features reef aquarists are looking for to build a reef system.
You’ll find a variety of tank sizes and styles to choose from. You can purchase the aquarium or add a stand. Some Waterbox aquariums come with AI or Ecotech LED lighting.
The aquariums include a multi-chambered sump that you can customize with ATO, pumps, etc.
Red Sea Reefer systems offer similar features to Waterbox but with a different look to the tank and stand.
The rimless Reefer series is ready to customize with gear like a protein skimmer and ATO. The plywood cabinet is sturdy and water-resistant.
You can set your lighting to go with Red Sea’s LED system.
The Max series is more advanced and comes with Red Sea’s own LED lighting system. The stand’s frame is constructed of aluminum. This makes it easy to move into place. It also offers a water-proof structure that won’t sag if it gets wet.
All of these reef systems are reliable and solid performers. The best advice is to study each series and compare aquarium size, appearance, and features.
For a complete reef aquarium with matched lighting, the Red Sea Max series is an ideal choice.