RedSea Reefer 250 vs. Anything Else -- Leaking Discussion

[joe1133]

Hi everyone!

I purchased a used G1 RedSea Reefer 250 from Marketplace a couple weeks ago because it was being sold for around $500. I did some light research and found all of the leaking/busted seams threads, but I also equally found people saying that they had an older G1 version and had no issues (but were simply aware). So, I decided to go ahead with it...probably against my better judgement.

At the end of the day, the more I read about it, the more uneasy I feel. It would just be a catastrophic thing. I'm renting, and I go out of town quite a bit...The guy I bought it from was super nice and told me (and showed me) the 350 that he upgraded to -- also a G1 version. He said that he never had any issues at all and obviously felt comfortable enough to go with another used G1 for his upgrade. He was super kind and took time to answer all of my questions.

Ultimately, I'm wondering if I should just bite the bullet and try to sell the RedSea and go with a new tank. I live in LA, but there are very few reef ready tanks that I find on Marketplace that fit the 45-60 gallon range (with a full setup/sump/cabinent).

There seems to be only a couple good alternatives (new):

Waterbox Marine X 90.3
Innovative Marine Nuvo EXT 50 Gallon Complete Reef System
(a new) RedSea Reefer 250 G2 - but I've also seen some threads with leaks even in the new ones.

I know that no one can tell me what to do, but I'd love to get opinions.

Should I:

1. Take the risk on the used G1 Reefer? It's in fairly good shape (has a couple scratches though), has no signs of a damaged seam, and is sitting in my garage.

2. Go with one of the tanks above and just deal with the cost (~$2,000) for a nice, new tank?

3. Anything else?

I also have family in town mid-January that could help me move the tank...etc, so I'd like an option that can arrive without too much delay.

I appreciate anyone's thoughts!

 

[BryanM]

I'm surprised this thread has no replies.

You can search and see I proactively decommissioned my RS tank after learning what you've learned.

I would do the same, I went with waterbox, they have a fantastic rep.

Whatever you do, I would not let it ride on that tank. it definitely took away the enjoyment for me, worrying about what might happen.

 

[Finn450]

All glass aquariums can blow a seam at any time. I've owned multiple Red Sea, Waterbox, Innovative marine, Nyos and Fiji Cube. Thankfully, I've never had an issue. I think a lot has to with the stand being level as well as aggressive maintenance (blades into the seams). My view is the reason we hear more about Red Sea is simply numbers. Red Sea sells more aquariums than the others combined.