Red Sea or WaterBox? Who would you Recommend?

[PreziosoReef]

Looking for some insight into which tank is better overall between the Red Sea and Water Box series. Comparing the Red Sea XXL 625 and the WaterBox Reef 180.5 system. Building a Mixed reef system.

Which sump offers more flexibility (Addition of Pumps, Dosers, Reactors, and UV set up)
Water Box offers a dual manifold and Check Valve.... don't see this on Red Sea's schematics
Customer Service between the two?
Cabinet build quality?
Ease of leveling?

Any feedback if you offer would be greatly appreciated.

and yes, I am aware of the perception that Red Sea tanks seals compromise at a greater frequency.

Thank you for the input

 

[blaxsun]

They both have about the same flexibility with the sump. Waterbox has the manifold, which is a plus (Red Sea has neither a manifold or check valve).

I think the tank quality is comparable, but the stand quality of Red Sea is far superior. Levelling is probably going to be the same for both.

Customer service with Waterbox is non-existent. Case in-point, I saw two recent threads from both Red Sea and Waterbox customers. The tank arrived damaged in both instances. Waterbox washed their hands in the first scenario and told the customer he was on his own while Red Sea is replacing the entire tank for the customer in the second scenario.

Every month I seem to see another horror story from Waterbox but I don't see anything similar with Red Sea.

Full disclaimer: I've never owned a Waterbox, but I do own a Red Sea 750XXL and have yet to have any issues with it. Red Sea redesigned the tank, cabinet and sump in the models that had issues with seams. I have had some Red Sea equipment fail, however - but Red Sea has been great with replacing it under warranty and overnighting replacements to me. I've even been able to source some spare parts from them directly.

 

[muffinmanXL]

Own(ed) both. Waterbox stand is superior (wood vs particleboard) and has leveling feet (Reefer series does not). WB’s gate valve is far superior to Red Sea’s valve (unless you like your aquarium sounding like a toilet). Glass clarity and quality on both are fantastic. Red Sea customer service was fine in my experience, haven’t needed to use Waterbox’s so can’t comment there.

 

[blaxsun]

My Red Sea stand is marine plywood with levelling feet, so I'm not sure how you can say it's comprised of particleboard. The valve works fine and is whisper quiet.

 

[muffinmanXL]

My Red Sea stand is marine plywood with levelling feet, so I'm not sure how you can say it's comprised of particleboard. The valve works fine and is whisper quiet.

Depends on the model, some of their largest and higher end models have the plywood cabinets, most of their mainstream models do not.

from red seas website. Mine is also MDF

happy for you that yours is quiet; there’s no shortage of posts of people converting their Red Sea valve to a spears gate valve because of those constant adjustment needed / reef tank sounding like a toilet, including mine.

I like my Red Sea Reefer overall; but will be going back to Waterbox for my next tank.

 

[PreziosoReef]

Depends on the model, some of their largest and higher end models have the plywood cabinets, most of their mainstream models do not.

from red seas website. Mine is also MDF

happy for you that yours is quiet; there’s no shortage of posts of people converting their Red Sea valve to a spears gate valve because of those constant adjustment needed / reef tank sounding like a toilet, including mine.

I like my Red Sea Reefer overall; but will be going back to Waterbox for my next tank.

I’m now leaning towards CADE tanks, specifically the 1500 S2. Just waiting too see if they go on sale.

 

[muffinmanXL]

I’m now leaning towards CADE tanks, specifically the 1500 S2. Just waiting too see if they go on sale.

Cade tanks look great as well

 

[blaxsun]

I’m now leaning towards CADE tanks, specifically the 1500 S2. Just waiting too see if they go on sale.

Cade would be my first choice, followed by Red Sea.

 

[A Young Reefer]

both are excellent options. its like the Samsung vs iPhone of the aquarium hobby. I personally own a red sea reefer 250 and couldn't be happier. main reason I chose red sea over waterbox was because they tend to be cheaper where I live and the dimensions of the tank suited me best. from personal experience I have to suggest redsea. I think the rest depends on personal preference on some of the features present in each.
Cade would be my first choice as well if it was available.

 

[swallace]

For what it’s worth, I chose Red Sea for my first tank. I was originally looking at the Waterbox Infinia vs XXL 750 and ultimately landed on the Reefer-S 850.

 

[New Reef Keeper]

Looking for some insight into which tank is better overall between the Red Sea and Water Box series. Comparing the Red Sea XXL 625 and the WaterBox Reef 180.5 system. Building a Mixed reef system.

Which sump offers more flexibility (Addition of Pumps, Dosers, Reactors, and UV set up)
Water Box offers a dual manifold and Check Valve.... don't see this on Red Sea's schematics
Customer Service between the two?
Cabinet build quality?
Ease of leveling?

Any feedback if you offer would be greatly appreciated.

and yes, I am aware of the perception that Red Sea tanks seals compromise at a greater frequency.

Thank you for the input

 

[New Reef Keeper]

Oceanic used to make all their tanks with low iron glass. They were bought out BY AGA a few years ago who subsequently put their former competition out of business. Fire glass is supposed to be iron-free.