Red Sea Reef-Frame 170 - Oak Cabinet

The Red Sea Reef-Frame 170 - Oak Cabinet combines a compact reef-ready aquarium with Red Sea's classic oak cabinet finish. This 174 litre (46.2 US gallon) system includes a 136 litre (35.9 gallon) eurobraced ultra-clear glass display and 39 litre (10.3 gallon) REEF-SPEC filtration sump, providing a customizable saltwater aquarium platform with a warm, wood-inspired furniture appearance.

Measuring 60 cm (23.6 inches) long and 53 cm (20.9 inches) from front to back, the aquarium provides space for three-dimensional rockwork while keeping the filtration system below the display. The REEF-FRAME 170 incorporates an enlarged rectangular downflow, precision ReefGate valve, removable surface-skimming combs, curved return outlet, and a mechanical filtration compartment that can be converted for compatible automatic roller filtration.

Red Sea Reef-Frame 170 Oak Aquarium Construction

• Classic oak finish: The marine-spec plywood cabinet features Red Sea's wood-inspired oak appearance, providing an alternative to the black and white cabinet finishes without changing the aquarium's technical configuration.
• 136 litre ultra-clear display: The 10 mm low-iron front glass provides clear viewing of marine livestock and coral colours, with the supporting filtration equipment kept inside the cabinet.
• Eurobraced glass structure: Reinforcement around the upper perimeter strengthens the aquarium, with premium euro-silicone used to bond the glass panels.
• 53 cm (20.9 inch) width: The front-to-back dimension allows rockwork to be arranged with open channels, multiple viewing depths, and space between structures and the glass.
• Marine-spec cabinet support: Reinforced plywood panels support the perimeter of the aquarium, while adjustable leveling feet and stainless steel hinges provide practical installation and maintenance features.

Integrated Overflow and Curved Return Plumbing

The REEF-FRAME 170's central overflow collects surface water through removable skimmer combs before directing it down to the filtration sump. Its enlarged rectangular downflow inlet and ReefGate precision valve help regulate water movement with reduced turbulence and operating noise.

• Precision ReefGate adjustment: The gate valve allows fine changes to the downflow rate so the operating water level can be balanced against the selected return pump.
• Surface-skimming combs: Removable comb sections provide access for cleaning and help prevent debris buildup around the overflow inlet.
• Main and bypass downpipes: The overflow system uses a regulated primary drain and secondary bypass as part of its water-management arrangement.
• Single curved return: Filtered water returns through a 25 mm outlet connected to a separately selected return pump.
• Optional plumbing customization: Red Sea offers metric and USA pipe-connection kits for aquarists who require an alternative plumbing arrangement.

ReefMat-Ready Sump and Filtration Choices

The included 39 litre (10.3 US gallon) sump houses mechanical filtration and the return chamber beneath the aquarium. Its removable filter section allows the system to operate with the supplied 225-micron filter bag or be adapted for compatible automated fleece filtration.

• Removable 225-micron bag: Suspended particles entering the sump are collected in the fine-mesh mechanical filter, which can be removed for maintenance.
• Automated filtration option: The filter-bag tray and removable divider are designed to be taken out when installing compatible ReefMat equipment.
• Bubble-trap protection: A bubble-management section with coarse sponge helps keep air from the filtration area out of the return pump chamber.
• Skimmer compatibility: The smaller 170 sump does not have adjustable skimmer water height, making physical fitment and operating depth important when choosing a protein skimmer.
• Evaporation management: The sump's return chamber water level drops as water evaporates. Red Sea recommends adding an automatic top-off system to maintain consistent operation and salinity.

Planning a Custom Reef with the Oak REEF-FRAME 170

The standard REEF-FRAME system is intended for aquarists who prefer to select lighting, circulation, skimming, and monitoring equipment themselves. It provides the aquarium and sump infrastructure for a planned marine fish or coral display without including the complete equipment package supplied with MAX configurations.

• Recommended pump: One ReefRun G2 4000, with a 2,000-4,000 L/h (530-1,060 US gph) adjustable range, is specified by Red Sea and sold separately.
• Lighting requirements: Select reef lighting that covers the 60 x 53 cm (23.6 x 20.9 inch) footprint and meets the requirements of the planned coral species.
• Water circulation: Separately selected wavemakers can direct additional flow around the rockwork beyond that provided by the sump return.
• 170 versus 250: The 170 offers the shorter installation footprint, while the 250 provides an extra 30 cm (11.8 inches) of aquarium length and additional sump features, including adjustable skimmer depth and optional refugium separation.
• Cabinet choice: Black, white, and oak REEF-FRAME 170 models share the same published display dimensions, filtration specifications, and water-management components.

Red Sea Reef-Frame 170 Oak Specifications

• Total system volume: 174 L / 46.2 US gal.
• Display aquarium volume: 136 L / 35.9 US gal.
• Sump water 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 height with cabinet: 137 cm / approximately 53.9 inches.
• Front glass thickness: 10 mm / approximately 0.39 inches.
• Construction: Eurobraced ultra-clear glass with high-quality euro-silicone bonding.
• Cabinet: Classic oak-finish reinforced marine-spec plywood with stainless steel hinges and adjustable leveling feet.
• Return outlet: Single curved 25 mm connection.
• Filtration: REEF-SPEC sump with removable ReefMat-ready compartment and one 225-micron filter bag.
• Approximate filled system weight: 270 kg / 596 lb.
• 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, subject to warranty conditions.

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 requires at least 10 cm (4 inches) of clearance behind the aquarium and recommends approximately 60 cm (24 inches) of side access.
• Assemble and level the oak-finish cabinet before positioning the glass aquarium. Ensure that all adjustable feet remain in contact with the floor.
• Install the sump, overflow and return plumbing with all O-rings correctly positioned. Hand-tighten threaded plumbing connections without using tools.
• Install the selected return pump and filtration equipment, then follow the manufacturer's initial-fill procedure and inspect the connections for leaks.
• Adjust the ReefGate gradually, allowing several minutes for the operating water level to stabilize between adjustments.
• Complete a power-out test to ensure the sump does not overflow when the return pump stops.
• Maintain the mechanical filter bag, overflow combs, and return nozzle to prevent accumulated debris from restricting circulation.
• Register the aquarium within 90 days of purchase if applying for the extended manufacturer warranty.

What's Included

• REEF-FRAME 170 eurobraced ultra-clear glass aquarium
• Classic oak-finish reinforced marine-spec plywood cabinet with adjustable leveling feet and stainless steel hinges
• REEF-SPEC glass filtration sump with removable ReefMat-ready mechanical 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