Used tank

[3l3ments]

I was looking at a used tank but with all the iffy things I hear about rea sea tanks I am a bit nervous. Its a Red Sea Reefer S-500 Max. What are your guys thoughts?

 

[sbeason]

Walk away!

 

[3l3ments]

Also the full list of parts and price is $800
131 gallon fish tank with sump and stand50”x27”x61”
Equipment included:-Red Sea reefmat 500 with new roll-Bubble
magus curve 7 Skimmer-
1000 W heater-
Aquamaxx bio pellet reactor-
11 W UV sterilizer -Hygger return pump

 

[StartingATank]

What I would do is look at the seams and see if there is any sign of seam failures, or beginning of failures, and if not, I would probably take it, but the tank would probably only last for 5-10 years, more or less.

 

[Michael Hughes]

I would never buy a Red Sea tank personally.

 

[Fish Fan]

Just from what I've seen here on this forum, I would personally pass on a Red Sea tank even if it was free.

Good luck with whatever you decide!

 

[Fish Fan]

Consider, it's not just if or when this tank may fail, it's also the loss of livestock and all the hard work that went into the setup. Not to mention the damage to your home could be extensive, and not all home owner's insurance policies covers fish tank disasters.

 

[edsbeaker]

Do not even consider it. There are too many other reliable options other than Red Sea tanks.

Why even take a chance? You will never be able to relax.

 

[PPBlimpy]

personally I would probably buy it, but I have taken redsea tanks, cut them apart and rebuilt them. I would rebuild this before putting water back in. i am also looking for one local with a popped seam so i can rebuild and cut down to 14" to make a matching frag tank.

does it come with livestock rock etc? no lights?

Its not a great deal or anything. has some decent equipment. but i would pass unless you have time and looking for a project

I bought my RS s1000 fully setup with lights running for $1k

 

[Dom]

If it was free, I'd likely take it to see if I can break it down and reseal it before use. But that's me.

But the price is too much for tanks whose seams are known to fail quickly.

 

[exnisstech]

I have a reefer 300 I'll give away once my transfer is complete.
Your also welcome to take my reefer 170 if you want to pick it out of the scrap pile. I'll probably just add the 300 to the collection.

 

[Quietman]

I believe that's a framed tank. I've not heard any unusual issues with Red Sea framed tank. A tank framed in anodized aluminum could easily last 20 years or more if it's taken care of correctly. Check the build and age to make sure that's all correct. Do the normal seam checks as has been stated before.

If it's in good shape and shows no sign of abuse or extraordinary wear (chips in glass, worn seals, bubble in seals) and it's a decent price for it's age, then I'd consider it strongly.

For some background. Big difference in rimless tanks and framed tanks as far as longevity and durability in my opinion. Red Sea or not. Red Sea does have a higher than normal reported failure rate from users on the forums. Likely due to combination of thinner glass and silicone used. I think they've tried to address in newer G3 models. In general, rimless tanks have much less tolerance in joint constructions due to nature of rimless tanks not having support and everything is dependent on the silicone and glass thickness. Framed tanks and especially aluminum framed tanks are more forgiving of construction techniques and silicone especially in larger tanks.

Personally, I wouldn't buy a large rimless tank Red Sea or otherwise. My opinion of course.

 

[ChrisfromBrick]

don’t walk away….RUN away!

 

[Dom]

I believe that's a framed tank. I've not heard any unusual issues with Red Sea framed tank. A tank framed in anodized aluminum could easily last 20 years or more if it's taken care of correctly. Check the build and age to make sure that's all correct. Do the normal seam checks as has been stated before.

If it's in good shape and shows no sign of abuse or extraordinary wear (chips in glass, worn seals, bubble in seals) and it's a decent price for it's age, then I'd consider it strongly.

For some background. Big difference in rimless tanks and framed tanks as far as longevity and durability in my opinion. Red Sea or not. Red Sea does have a higher than normal reported failure rate from users on the forums. Likely due to combination of thinner glass and silicone used. I think they've tried to address in newer G3 models. In general, rimless tanks have much less tolerance in joint constructions due to nature of rimless tanks not having support and everything is dependent on the silicone and glass thickness. Framed tanks and especially aluminum framed tanks are more forgiving of construction techniques and silicone especially in larger tanks.

Personally, I wouldn't buy a large rimless tank Red Sea or otherwise. My opinion of course.

Nice catch; it does looked framed!

If so, I would likely take a chance on it.

 

[3l3ments]

Yeah it being framed was the only reason I event thought about it. I did ask the seller for a video of the seams.

 

[Fish Fan]

The silicon they use is inferior and a big part of the problem with Red Sea tanks. I would agree, a rimmed tank is much more robust than a rimless tank, but a seam may still fail due to the inferior silicon, even on a rimmed tank. The upside is you may spring a relatively small leak verses the absolutely catastrophic failure often seen with the Red Sea rimless tanks

 

[W31Olds]

I have a RS S-650 Max and this series is the only good series that I would Trust. Mine has Euro bracing top and bottom and an Aluminum Stand. The failure rate for this Series seems low and probably in-line with all other MFGs Tanks.