Red Sea Reefer 750 G3 Build

[tyson.redfern]

Hey everyone,

After 10 years away from the hobby, I'm finally back — and more excited than ever to dive into a new build.

I originally got into reefing in 2011 after my dad passed away. My wife encouraged me to find something positive to focus on, and that push led me to my first saltwater tank — a modified Biocube. From there, I upgraded to a 110-gallon tall tank and was fully hooked. Unfortunately, a tank crash and some financial setbacks forced me to downsize back to the Biocube, and eventually, I had to step away from the hobby entirely.

Fast forward to now — I managed to get a great deal from a friend on a Red Sea Reefer G2+ 750, and I’m finally ready to do this the right way. This build will be centered around easy maintenance, automation, and long-term stability. I'm taking my time, planning things out, and aiming for a clean, modern reef with as little daily hands-on stress as possible.

Looking forward to getting this new system up and running and reconnecting with the reefing community!

 

[MikeReefs]

Welcome back!

 

[Largeangels]

Welcome back. But please do a lot of research on the Red Sea tanks before you fill it with water. Almost all the leaking tanks seen are Red Sea tanks. Lots of threads here on them leaking.

 

[tyson.redfern]

Welcome back!

Thank you. Glad to be back.

 

[tyson.redfern]

Welcome back. But please do a lot of research on the Red Sea tanks before you fill it with water. Almost all the leaking tanks seen are Red Sea tanks. Lots of threads here on them leaking.

Thanks for the heads-up! This one’s a brand new G2+ with the upgraded tank construction, so I’m hopeful Red Sea has addressed the past issues. That said, I’m definitely doing my due diligence before filling it. I’ve noticed most posts tend to highlight problems—which is understandable—but there’s not much shared when things are working as expected. Nobody really posts “my tank is holding water perfectly” updates. Still, I’ll be keeping an eye on things and moving forward carefully. Appreciate the concern!

 

[tyson.redfern]

Update: Deep in Planning — Foundation First, Tank Soon


Before placing the order for the Red Sea Reefer G2+ 750, I’ve committed to fully building out the foundation first — automation, infrastructure, and equipment — so when the display arrives, everything else is already in place. After a 10-year break from reefing, I want this system to be stable, low-maintenance, and built to last.


The tank itself is lined up — I’ve got a great deal waiting from a friend — and he’s just waiting for the word. But I won’t pull the trigger until every piece behind the scenes is ready.

---

Apex Automation & Water Management

• Neptune Apex Pro will manage system monitoring and logic (temp, pH, salinity, ORP, flow, leaks, etc.)
• Neptune Trident will monitor ALK, Ca, and Mg — no auto dosing, only data to guide adjustments
• Ecotech Versa (4-pump) will handle:
  • ATO (RODI or Kalk, depending on ALK needs)
  • Daily automated water changes
  • Reserve pump for future supplements or trace elements

Garage-Based Mixing Station

• Two 75-gallon Norwesco containers: one for RODI, one for saltwater
• Apex + FMM-controlled RODI fill system with optical sensors
• RODI waste water reclamation system:
  • Solenoid directs waste to either a 75-gallon holding tank (used for watering our large collection of indoor plants) or to the drain, depending on capacity

---

Equipment Collected So Far

• Neptune Apex Pro + Trident
• 3x AI Orbit 4 powerheads
• 3x AI Edge LED fixtures
• 2x AI Blade supplemental LED bars
• Return pump, skimmer, and UV light
• All rock is acquired, aqua scape is complete, and I’ll be posting photos soon

---

This build is about doing it once, doing it right, and creating something that’s enjoyable to maintain for years. Thanks to everyone here for sharing your builds and insights — this forum has been a huge source of motivation and planning guidance.


More updates coming soon as the infrastructure comes together — including the aquascape reveal and Apex setup progress.


P.S. I’ve been using ChatGPT to help write these longer update posts, so if it sounds a little too polished… don’t judge me too harshly. Just trying to keep things clear, organized, and fun to follow.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Following along!

 

[Largeangels]

I saw this about a G2 failure. Only briefly skimmed it but there was mention of the silicone they use is not good.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/red-sea-reefer-350-g2-catastrophic-failure.1075814/

 

[PPBlimpy]

Welcome back to the hobby. I just returned back a 1.5 years ago after an 18 year break. Things have changed. yes lots of redsea failures are posted. A LOT. That said I just brought home a used Redsea S1000 yesterday.

Same as yours its a G2. We will see what the future holds. I am downsizing from a 300G truvu Acrylic that is over 15 years old.

 

[tyson.redfern]

Following along!

Welcome!

 

[tyson.redfern]

I saw this about a G2 failure. Only briefly skimmed it but there was mention of the silicone they use is not good.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/red-sea-reefer-350-g2-catastrophic-failure.1075814/

Thanks for sharing the video—I gave it a watch. Definitely not something anyone wants to see. The friend I am purchasing my tank from has sold and installed quite a few Red Sea tanks over the years and even ran a Gen 1 system for nearly a decade without a single issue. That gives me a bit more confidence, especially with the improvements in the G2+ line. I’ll still be keeping an eye on the seams like anyone should, but I’m optimistic this is more the exception than the rule.

 

[tyson.redfern]

Welcome back to the hobby. I just returned back a 1.5 years ago after an 18 year break. Things have changed. yes lots of redsea failures are posted. A LOT. That said I just brought home a used Redsea S1000 yesterday.

Same as yours its a G2. We will see what the future holds. I am downsizing from a 300G truvu Acrylic that is over 15 years old.

Nice! That S1000 is a beast—congrats on the pickup. Funny enough, the friend I’m buying my tank from is actually setting up an S1000 in his new shop. I helped him unload it and get it up on the stand… that thing is no joke! We’re both putting our faith in the G2 line—fingers crossed they hold strong. Can’t wait to see how your setup turns out!

 

[PPBlimpy]

Nice! That S1000 is a beast—congrats on the pickup. Funny enough, the friend I’m buying my tank from is actually setting up an S1000 in his new shop. I helped him unload it and get it up on the stand… that thing is no joke! We’re both putting our faith in the G2 line—fingers crossed they hold strong. Can’t wait to see how your setup turns out!

Beast is an understatement.
Knocking down my 300 tomorrow hopefully and getting the s1000 in place. That is if I can find 4 guys to come over for pizza and beer.

Still cleaning everything. This tank was a mess!

 

[tyson.redfern]

Update: Mixing Station Coming Together — One Step Closer to the 750

Quick progress update as I continue laying the groundwork before the 750 arrives.

This past week I’ve been focused on building out the garage-based mixing station, and things are really starting to come together. I’ve attached a few photos below to give a look at the progress and how I’ve designed the system for automation, function, and reuse.

---

System Overview:

• Three tanks total:
  • Two 75-gallon Norwesco containers for fresh RODI and saltwater mixing
  • A third 75-gallon container for RODI waste recovery, used to water our growing collection of indoor plants
• All three tanks sit on a custom-built stand that also serves as storage for salt buckets, tools, and other gear

---

Plumbing & Flow:

• The freshwater and saltwater tanks are plumbed together using a Cicce SDC 6.0 controllable pump
• The pump handles:
  • Transferring RODI water to the saltwater tank
  • Circulating and mixing saltwater
  • A ¾" hose connection to easily fill buckets if needed

RODI Automation & Boost:

• RODI unit is plumbed in and operational
• Integrated with the AquaticLife Smart Buddie RO Water Booster for improved efficiency
• Will be controlled via optical sensors and Apex once the full automation layer is complete

---

Photos Included:

1. The three tanks right after bringing them home.
   
2. Close-up of the freshwater and salt tanks plumbed together, showing the Cicce SDC 6.0 and hose fill port.
   
3. All three containers set up on the stand.
   
   
   
   
   
4. The system with the RODI unit and booster in place.
   
5. Final view of the full setup — stand completed, all three bins plumbed and labeled for their respective roles.
   

---

This station is built to support automated ATO and AWC through a Versa doser, while also cutting down on waste by redirecting usable wastewater for our houseplants. It’s not flashy, but it’s a major piece of the system — and a big milestone to have finished.

More updates to come soon —

Post written with a little help from ChatGPT to keep things clean and detailed.

 

[braaap]

Thanks for the heads-up! This one’s a brand new G2+ with the upgraded tank construction, so I’m hopeful Red Sea has addressed the past issues. That said, I’m definitely doing my due diligence before filling it. I’ve noticed most posts tend to highlight problems—which is understandable—but there’s not much shared when things are working as expected. Nobody really posts “my tank is holding water perfectly” updates. Still, I’ll be keeping an eye on things and moving forward carefully. Appreciate the concern!

They haven’t addressed them and you’ll without a doubt experience a failure in 2-3 years. Goodluck.

 

[tyson.redfern]

Thanks for the heads-up! This one’s a brand new G2+ with the upgraded tank construction, so I’m hopeful Red Sea has addressed the past issues. That said, I’m definitely doing my due diligence before filling it. I’ve noticed most posts tend to highlight problems—which is understandable—but there’s not much shared when things are working as expected. Nobody really posts “my tank is holding water perfectly” updates. Still, I’ll be keeping an eye on things and moving forward carefully. Appreciate the concern!

They haven’t addressed them and you’ll without a doubt experience a failure in 2-3 years. Goodluck.

With confidence like that, how could I question you?

 

[PPBlimpy]

With confidence like that, how could I question you?

I have been getting comments like this a lot too from people. May happen, may not. We will see.

 

[gbroadbridge]

Thanks for the heads-up! This one’s a brand new G2+ with the upgraded tank construction, so I’m hopeful Red Sea has addressed the past issues. That said, I’m definitely doing my due diligence before filling it. I’ve noticed most posts tend to highlight problems—which is understandable—but there’s not much shared when things are working as expected. Nobody really posts “my tank is holding water perfectly” updates. Still, I’ll be keeping an eye on things and moving forward carefully. Appreciate the concern!

Do NOT get a Red Sea tank.

It will fail - guaranteed.

Understand your enthusiasm, but this is a mistake you do not want to make.
If you do, you will regret it big time.

 

[PPBlimpy]

Yes - there is a lot of failures, but not every tank fails.
Wish I knew the percentage of failures, we really only hear of the bad tanks.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Update: Mixing Station Coming Together — One Step Closer to the 750

Quick progress update as I continue laying the groundwork before the 750 arrives.

This past week I’ve been focused on building out the garage-based mixing station, and things are really starting to come together. I’ve attached a few photos below to give a look at the progress and how I’ve designed the system for automation, function, and reuse.

---

System Overview:

• Three tanks total:
  • Two 75-gallon Norwesco containers for fresh RODI and saltwater mixing
  • A third 75-gallon container for RODI waste recovery, used to water our growing collection of indoor plants
• All three tanks sit on a custom-built stand that also serves as storage for salt buckets, tools, and other gear

---

Plumbing & Flow:

• The freshwater and saltwater tanks are plumbed together using a Cicce SDC 6.0 controllable pump
• The pump handles:
  • Transferring RODI water to the saltwater tank
  • Circulating and mixing saltwater
  • A ¾" hose connection to easily fill buckets if needed

RODI Automation & Boost:

• RODI unit is plumbed in and operational
• Integrated with the AquaticLife Smart Buddie RO Water Booster for improved efficiency
• Will be controlled via optical sensors and Apex once the full automation layer is complete

---

Photos Included:

1. The three tanks right after bringing them home.
   
2. Close-up of the freshwater and salt tanks plumbed together, showing the Cicce SDC 6.0 and hose fill port.
   
3. All three containers set up on the stand.
   
   
   
   
   
4. The system with the RODI unit and booster in place.
   
5. Final view of the full setup — stand completed, all three bins plumbed and labeled for their respective roles.
   

---

This station is built to support automated ATO and AWC through a Versa doser, while also cutting down on waste by redirecting usable wastewater for our houseplants. It’s not flashy, but it’s a major piece of the system — and a big milestone to have finished.

More updates to come soon —

Post written with a little help from ChatGPT to keep things clean and detailed.

That is a clever idea, redirecting your wastewater into another bin to be used for plant water!