Red Sea Reefer tanks -- Opinions?

[ps2cho]

So I am considering the RSR 525 setup...

Does anybody have any experience with the tanks and have some general feedback on pros/cons and limitations of going this route over a custom tank and a DIY stand? After looking at the two routes to take, after the cost of building a stand, it ends up being about the same price...

 

[DLHDesign]

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/show-off-and-discuss-your-red-sea-reefer-series.219309/

2,300+ bits of feedback - and growing - is likely to be your best source, albeit it's a bit of a read when working from the start.

I've got a 525XL (see build thread below) and have been nothing but happy with it. This is my first tank, so not having to figure out the solution to every little detail was nice - I just bought the tank and a lot of the set-up decisions were made for me (overflow type/location, stand construction, sump layout, etc.). There were still a lot of choices to make and options to choose from, of course (lights, pumps/powerheads, scape and livestock, etc.). Turns out that most (not all, but most) of my early decisions were wrong anyways (wrong return pump/powerheads being the most costly so far), so I'm glad that one I did get right was to get a Red Sea Reefer tank.

So, tl-dr; I'd say that a Reefer series tank is perfect for those who've never owned a tank and good for those who would set up something similar anyways. If you have strong opinions about what you want/don't want in a tank (including sump and overflow) and that doesn't line up with what's on offer, then a Reefer may not be the best option.

 

[Vincent100]

Iv a RSR but only a baby ....350
I love it and would make the same choice agin
The only thing I'd say is I'd would of liked a bigger sump and top up box but apart from that I'm very happy with it

 

[MCooper]

As above stated! Great tanks. Follow that thread, amazing stuff on it!