LFS Advised me not to purchase Waterbox RedSea

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FlexingFishSticks

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Hello Reefers!

I am currently looking for a new AIO system. I originally wanted a RedSea tank! I went to my LFS who is an authorized dealer for RedSea showed mea large one they had on display. He told me that they are def the cleanest way to go and are gorgeous tanks. He pointed out a few issues he has with the one in the store and how it has minor leaks on by the rim and salt creep through the edges. I myself did my fair share of research and I ran into several threads about their tanks leaking through seams and silicone not holding well. Several threads on the stands not being able to hold weight and eventually getting crushed. I then ran into Waterbox which my girlfriend is obsessed with. They remind me of RedSea tanks although I haven’t found nearly as many complaints as RedSea. So I decided to visit another LFS that was an authorized dealer for Waterbox. They basically told me that both RedSea and Waterbox is overpriced garbage made in China. I was told that the stands would not support the weight of the tank for long and would fall apart after a few years which is why they don’t offer lifetime warranties on any of their products. I was told Waterbox has only been in business for 2 years and RedSea for 30 years but have only started to make decent tanks for the last 7 years. They suggested I order a custom built tank and stand with a lifetime warranty through one of their wholesalers. I felt like they were very anti Waterbox and RedSea at the same time they had some
Valid points. I can’t really speak from First hand experience on the quality and longevity of Waterbox or RedSea. I can only speculate based off of what I read online. I wanted to hear everyone’s input who actually longtime owners of these products and whether or not custom built is as superior as my LFS claims. Thanks for all
The replies in advance!
 

SonyaBAZ

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I’ve got a Red Sea max E 260. Had it for a setup for about 18 months. Then moved. Sat Empty for two years. Rebooting it now for the last five months. Everything worked great no issues for me. I’ll be curious to see what others say.
 

Fourstars

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SCA for me, standard plumbing. Think they‘re still made in China, but what’s not? China makes plenty of quality products and the China bashing always sounds a bit racist.
 
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FlexingFishSticks

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I’ve got a Red Sea max E 260. Had it for a setup for about 18 months. Then moved. Sat Empty for two years. Rebooting it now for the last five months. Everything worked great no issues for me. I’ll be curious to see what others say.
Good to hear I hope it continually goes smoothly.
 
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FlexingFishSticks

FlexingFishSticks

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SCA for me, standard plumbing. Think they‘re still made in China, but what’s not? China makes plenty of quality products and the China bashing always sounds a bit racist.
Sorry what is SCA short for? I agree I think my LFS basically supports local businesses and USA made products.
 

sas226

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This should be fun, tagging along.
Eh, I'm always suspicious of motive when someone blanket statements something like "Dont buy anything but this" or negates huge players in an industry. I wonder how RedSea would feel if their authorized dealer is trying to cost them business. That being said, I got the popcorn.
 
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FlexingFishSticks

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If you want a high end, made in USA tank, Planet Aquariums makes great stuff.

5 year warranty too.

If you want a high end, made in USA tank, Planet Aquariums makes great stuff.

5 year warranty too.

Thank you I will check them out! I’m sure it will cost more than Waterbox/RedSea if they are high end
 

Billldg

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Red Sea and Waterbox tank have a major following, for being so called junk. They are both high quality tanks that several thousands of reefers own. In reality they are both great tanks. I have seen so many tanks of each brand that will make anyone jealous.
 

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I found that interesting that both dealers were not advocating for the products that they carried. Why not?
The WB dealer did seem have another agenda for pushing the custom tank.

IMO, I would rather buy a regular tank and either build stand myself or get a carpenter to build it for me. Granted it won't come with the sump, plumbing, overflow, etc. But after building my 40b. I am very looking forward to building a bigger one in the future. It was a fun experience.
 
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FlexingFishSticks

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Eh, I'm always suspicious of motive when someone blanket statements something like "Dont buy anything but this" or negates huge players in an industry. That being said, I got the popcorn.
Yes I would expect a LFS to be open minded especially since being an authorized dealer.
 
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FlexingFishSticks

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Red Sea and Waterbox tank have a major following, for being so called junk. They are both high quality tanks that several thousands of reefers own. In reality they are both great tanks. I have seen so many tanks of each brand that will make anyone jealous.
Yeah basically anytime I would search aquarium automatically Waterbox and RedSea would pop up everywhere and asked myself the same question if quality is that low why is it so widely owned...
 
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I found that interesting that both dealers were not advocating for the products that they carried. Why not?
The WB dealer did seem have another agenda for pushing the custom tank.

IMO, I would rather buy a regular tank and either build stand myself or get a carpenter to build it for me. Granted it won't come with the sump, plumbing, overflow, etc. But after building my 40b. I am very looking forward to building a bigger one in the future. It was a fun experience.
Same thing I was thinking as well....lol I would love the build my own tank just not very practical in my apartment unfortunately nor do I possess the skills and tools :rolleyes:
 

Billldg

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Yeah basically anytime I would search aquarium automatically Waterbox and RedSea would pop up everywhere and asked myself the same question if quality is that low why is it so widely owned...
I didn't go with either on my upgrade, only because of the tank size. I did struggle with not going with the Red Sea 900, but ended up going custom. Both tank companies are making some awesome tanks.
 

Gernader

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That’s weird, I’m not sure why your LFS hate waterbox. My LFS have multiple waterbox aquariums scattered around the store and the quality of their tanks look amazing.
 

Philly Reefer

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Same thing I was thinking as well....lol I would love the build my own tank just not very practical in my apartment unfortunately nor do I possess the skills and tools :rolleyes:

Don't sell yourself short. Skills can be learn. Tools can be bought. But space might be the issue in your case.
 
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