Red Sea Reef-Frame 170 - Black Cabinet

The Red Sea Reef-Frame 170 - Black Cabinet is a 174 litre (46.2 US gallon) reef-ready aquarium system built around a eurobraced ultra-clear glass display, reinforced black marine-spec plywood cabinet, and separate REEF-SPEC filtration sump. Its 60 cm (23.6 inch) length and 53 cm (20.9 inch) front-to-back depth provide a compact footprint with room for layered rockwork, coral placement, and an uncluttered marine aquarium display.

Designed for aquarists who prefer to choose their own equipment, the REEF-FRAME 170 includes Red Sea's precision ReefGate downflow valve, surface-skimming overflow, hydrodynamically designed plumbing, curved return outlet, and removable ReefMat-ready mechanical filtration compartment. Lighting, return pump, protein skimmer, circulation equipment, and automation can be selected separately to suit the planned reef.

Red Sea Reef-Frame 170 Black Reef Aquarium Features

• Eurobraced construction: Reinforcement around the upper glass perimeter provides additional structural strength while retaining the clear viewing panels and accessible top opening of the aquarium.
• Ultra-clear 10 mm front glass: The low-iron viewing panel reduces the greenish tint associated with conventional glass, improving the presentation of coral colours and marine livestock.
• 53 cm aquascaping depth: The front-to-back footprint provides room for rock islands, stepped coral structures, and open areas between the aquascape and viewing glass.
• Reinforced black cabinet: The marine-spec plywood stand supports the full contour of the aquarium and includes adjustable leveling feet, stainless steel hinges, and splash-resistant cabinet doors.
• Customizable equipment package: The standard REEF-FRAME configuration provides the aquarium and water-management infrastructure without requiring the purchase of a predetermined lighting and filtration package.

Quiet Overflow and ReefGate Water Management

Water enters the centrally located overflow through removable surface-skimming combs before travelling through the downflow plumbing to the sump. The enlarged rectangular drain inlet is designed to reduce turbulence, while the ReefGate precision valve provides fine control over the downflow rate.

• ReefGate precision valve: Small valve adjustments allow the overflow water level to be balanced against the selected return pump, helping maintain quiet operation.
• Removable surface-skimming combs: Individual comb sections can be cleaned to remove deposits and maintain effective surface-water collection.
• Hydrodynamic plumbing: The factory-designed piping minimizes unnecessary flow restrictions between the aquarium and sump.
• Single 25 mm (approximately 0.98 inch) return outlet: Filtered water returns through one curved nozzle. Optional metric and USA connector kits are available for customized plumbing arrangements.
• Secondary overflow protection: The water-management system includes a regulated main downpipe and secondary overflow bypass, with the ReefGate used to maintain the operating water level between their intakes.

REEF-SPEC Sump and Mechanical Filtration

The REEF-FRAME 170 includes a 39 litre (10.3 US gallon) in-cabinet sump with a removable mechanical filtration compartment. This keeps filtration equipment beneath the aquarium rather than occupying the display, while providing an accessible location for routine mechanical filter maintenance.

• 225-micron mechanical filter bag: The supplied fine-mesh bag captures suspended debris as water enters the sump and can be removed for cleaning.
• ReefMat-ready compartment: The mechanical filter tray and removable divider can be taken out to accommodate compatible automatic roller filtration.
• Bubble-management section: A bubble-trap arrangement with coarse sponge helps prevent air bubbles from the filtration area travelling back to the aquarium through the return pump.
• Compact sump layout: Unlike the REEF-FRAME 250, the 170 does not feature an adjustable-height skimmer chamber or an optional dedicated refugium divider. Skimmer fitment and operating water depth should be considered when selecting equipment.

Equipment Selection and Practical Reef Planning

The REEF-FRAME 170 is intended for customized marine aquariums, including carefully planned fish and coral displays. The smaller footprint makes equipment fitment particularly important, especially when choosing a protein skimmer and arranging components inside the sump.

• Recommended return pump: Red Sea specifies one ReefRun G2 4000, with an adjustable flow range of 2,000-4,000 L/h (530-1,060 US gph). The pump is sold separately.
• Reef lighting: Select lighting that covers the 60 x 53 cm (23.6 x 20.9 inch) footprint and meets the intensity requirements of the intended corals.
• Additional circulation: Wavemakers can supplement the sump return by directing flow around rockwork and coral colonies.
• Automatic top-off: An ATO system is recommended to maintain a consistent sump operating level as water evaporates. Automatic top-off equipment is not supplied with this bare REEF-FRAME system.
• Compared with the REEF-FRAME 250: The 170 has a shorter display and simpler sump layout, while the larger 250 adds adjustable skimmer water height and optional refugium-divider compatibility.

Red Sea Reef-Frame 170 Black Specifications

• Total system volume: 174 L / 46.2 US gal.
• Display aquarium volume: 136 L / 35.9 US gal.
• In-cabinet sump volume: 39 L / 10.3 US gal.
• Display dimensions: 60 cm L x 53 cm W x 50 cm H / approximately 23.6 x 20.9 x 19.7 inches.
• Total system height with cabinet: 137 cm / approximately 53.9 inches.
• Front glass thickness: 10 mm / approximately 0.39 inches.
• Display construction: Eurobraced ultra-clear glass with high-quality euro-silicone bonding.
• Cabinet: Black reinforced marine-spec plywood with stainless steel hinges and adjustable leveling feet.
• Return outlet: Single curved 25 mm outlet.
• Mechanical filtration: Removable ReefMat-ready compartment with one 225-micron filter bag.
• Approximate filled system weight: 270 kg / 596 lb, including water.
• Approximate glass aquarium weight: 41 kg / 90 lb.
• Recommended return pump: ReefRun G2 4000, sold separately.
• Manufacturer warranty: Standard 3 years, extendable to 5 years at no additional charge when registered within 90 days of purchase, subject to warranty terms.

Red Sea REEF-FRAME Series Video

Shipping Notes

• Red Sea aquariums are exempt from our free shipping policy.
• To avoid delays, please order your aquarium separately from other products. If purchasing additional items, place one order for the aquarium and a second order for your other products.
• Orders shipping to the Northwest Territories, Yukon, or Nunavut require a shipping quote. Please call for details.
• Red Sea aquariums are brought in and shipped on an as-ordered basis. The average turnaround time before shipping is approximately two business days, except where noted below.
• All shipments outside the Vancouver area are sent by trucking company with fully insured residential delivery and power tailgate service.
• Orders within British Columbia and, in some circumstances, Alberta may require an additional 5-10 business days for processing. Orders from Alberta and provinces farther east generally ship directly from the distributor in Ontario within two business days.
• For in-store pickup, select that option at checkout to avoid delivery charges. You will be notified when the aquarium arrives, usually within 5-10 business days.
• Red Sea MAX S Series aquariums are always special order and generally require 3-6 weeks before shipping.
• Freight delivery includes transporting the aquarium to the destination address and unloading it. The freight company is not responsible for carrying the aquarium inside the building.
• Freight charges have been substantially subsidized to help reduce the delivery cost of your new Red Sea aquarium.
• Rural, remote, and extended-service areas may require an additional shipping charge. We will contact you before shipping if an adjustment is necessary.

Directions

• Choose a location capable of supporting approximately 270 kg (596 lb). Red Sea specifies at least 10 cm (4 inches) of rear clearance and recommends approximately 60 cm (24 inches) of access beside the aquarium.
• Assemble the cabinet according to the supplied instructions and level the aquarium before filling. Do not move the system while full of water.
• Install the sump and plumbing with all connector O-rings correctly positioned. Red Sea specifies hand-tightening the threaded pipe connections without tools.
• Install the selected return pump and filtration equipment before filling. Follow the manufacturer's initial-fill procedure and inspect plumbing connections for leaks.
• Adjust the ReefGate valve in small increments, allowing several minutes for the overflow water level to stabilize after each adjustment.
• Perform a power-out test to ensure the sump can accommodate water draining from the display when the return pump stops.
• Maintain the filter bag, overflow combs, and return nozzle to prevent debris buildup and restricted flow.
• Register the aquarium within 90 days of purchase to qualify for Red Sea's extended manufacturer warranty.

What's Included

• REEF-FRAME 170 eurobraced ultra-clear glass aquarium
• Black reinforced marine-spec plywood cabinet with adjustable leveling feet and stainless steel hinges
• REEF-SPEC glass sump with removable ReefMat-ready filtration compartment
• One 225-micron mechanical filter bag
• Internal downflow and return plumbing with ReefGate precision valve
• Central overflow with removable surface-skimming combs
• Single curved 25 mm return nozzle