Red Sea Reef-Frame 250 - Black Cabinet

The Red Sea Reef-Frame 250 - Black Cabinet is a 246 litre (65 US gallon) reef-ready aquarium system designed for aquarists who want a longer reef display with additional filtration flexibility. It combines a 204 litre (53.9 US gallon) eurobraced ultra-clear glass aquarium, 42 litre (11.1 US gallon) REEF-SPEC sump, and reinforced black marine-spec plywood cabinet.

Measuring 90 cm (35.4 inches) long, the REEF-FRAME 250 provides additional room for aquascaping and coral placement compared with the smaller 170. Its sump introduces an adjustable-height skimmer chamber and optional refugium-divider compatibility, while Red Sea's ReefGate precision valve, enlarged downflow inlet, surface-skimming overflow, and ReefMat-ready mechanical compartment provide the water-management foundation for a customized marine aquarium.

Red Sea Reef-Frame 250 Black Aquarium Features

• 90 cm (35.4 inch) viewing length: The longer aquarium allows reef structures to be separated into distinct islands, with open channels between coral placement areas and more horizontal swimming room than the 60 cm model.
• Ultra-clear 12 mm front glass: The low-iron front panel reduces glass tint, while eurobracing around the upper perimeter provides additional structural reinforcement.
• 53 cm (20.9 inch) aquascaping depth: The front-to-back footprint supports layered rockwork without requiring the width of a larger REEF-FRAME 350 or 500.
• Marine-spec plywood cabinet: The black cabinet supports the full contour of the aquarium and incorporates adjustable leveling feet, stainless steel hinges, and splash-resistant doors.
• Independent equipment selection: The bare REEF-FRAME package allows lighting, return circulation, skimming, wavemakers, and monitoring hardware to be selected around the intended reef instead of supplied as a fixed MAX equipment package.

What Makes the REEF-FRAME 250 Different from the 170?

The REEF-FRAME 250 offers more than a longer display. Its sump has additional features that affect protein skimmer selection and filtration planning, making the two models meaningfully different for customers choosing between compact reef systems.

• Additional aquarium length: The 250 extends the display from 60 cm (23.6 inches) to 90 cm (35.4 inches), providing 30 cm (11.8 inches) of additional horizontal space for reefscaping.
• Adjustable skimmer chamber: Operating water height can be set between 17 and 23 cm (6.7-9.1 inches), helping accommodate skimmers with different required water depths.
• Optional refugium divider: The sump supports a separate refugium section when fitted with the optional divider, unlike the smaller REEF-FRAME 170.
• Included filter media cup: The 250's mechanical filtration section includes one 225-micron filter bag and one media cup, providing filtration choices not both listed for the 170.
• Same front-to-back width: Both models measure 53 cm (20.9 inches) from front to back, with the 250's larger display footprint coming from its increased length.

Quiet ReefGate Plumbing and Surface Skimming

Surface water is collected through removable combs surrounding the central overflow and directed into the sump through a regulated downflow system. The enlarged rectangular inlet reduces turbulence, while hydrodynamically designed pipework limits unnecessary flow restriction.

• Precision ReefGate valve: The drain can be adjusted in small increments to regulate the overflow water level and support near-silent operation with the selected return pump.
• Main and bypass drainage: The overflow incorporates a regulated main downpipe and secondary bypass pipe as part of its water-management system.
• Removable overflow combs: The surface-skimming sections can be removed and cleaned to maintain unrestricted collection of surface water.
• Single curved 25 mm outlet: The 250 uses one return connection. Dual return outlets for single or dual pump arrangements are features of the larger REEF-FRAME 350 and 500.
• Optional connection kits: Red Sea provides metric and USA plumbing connector options for customers planning customized pipework.

Adjustable REEF-SPEC Sump and Refugium Options

The 42 litre (11.1 US gallon) REEF-SPEC sump provides separate areas for mechanical filtration, protein skimming, and return circulation. Its adjustable water-level arrangement and optional refugium divider give aquarists more control over filtration configuration than the smaller REEF-FRAME 170.

• 17-23 cm adjustable skimmer depth: The skimmer chamber operating level can be matched to the requirements of a compatible protein skimmer, helping simplify equipment selection and adjustment.
• 225-micron filter bag: The included fine-mesh filter captures suspended debris entering from the overflow before water continues through the sump.
• Filter media cup: A separate media cup is provided as part of the mechanical filtration arrangement.
• ReefMat-ready conversion: The removable filter-bag tray and divider can be taken out to accommodate compatible automated roller filtration without redesigning the main plumbing.
• Optional refugium chamber: A divider can separate the sump chamber into refugium and skimmer sections, providing an alternative filtration arrangement for customers planning that type of nutrient-management system.
• Bubble trap with sponge: The sump includes a bubble-management section before the return compartment to help prevent air bubbles from entering the display.

Choosing Equipment for a 90 cm Reef Aquarium

The REEF-FRAME 250 provides a foundation for marine fish, soft coral, LPS, and appropriately equipped mixed reef displays. Its longer aquarium and more configurable sump are useful when planning a reef with separated rock structures, a dedicated protein skimmer, and additional filtration equipment.

• 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.
• Lighting selection: Choose lighting capable of covering the 90 x 53 cm (35.4 x 20.9 inch) footprint, with intensity and fixture placement appropriate for the intended coral species.
• Skimmer fitment: Confirm that the selected protein skimmer fits the sump chamber and operates within its adjustable 17-23 cm (6.7-9.1 inch) water-depth range.
• Additional water movement: Wavemakers can supplement the return flow to provide circulation behind rockwork and across the longer display.
• Automatic top-off: An ATO system is recommended to maintain stable sump water level and salinity as evaporation occurs. It is purchased separately with this bare-system configuration.
• Refugium and filtration upgrades: Consider the optional sump divider and compatible ReefMat equipment when planning the available space for filtration and future upgrades.

Red Sea Reef-Frame 250 Black Specifications

• Total system volume: 246 L / 65 US gal.
• Display aquarium volume: 204 L / 53.9 US gal.
• In-cabinet sump volume: 42 L / 11.1 US gal.
• Display dimensions: 90 cm L x 53 cm W x 50 cm H / approximately 35.4 x 20.9 x 19.7 inches.
• Total height with cabinet: 137 cm / approximately 53.9 inches.
• Front glass thickness: 12 mm / approximately 0.47 inches.
• Glass construction: Eurobraced ultra-clear glass with high-quality euro-silicone bonding.
• Cabinet: Black reinforced marine-spec plywood with adjustable leveling feet and stainless steel hinges.
• Return outlet: Single curved 25 mm connection.
• Mechanical filtration: Removable ReefMat-ready compartment with one 225-micron filter bag and one media cup.
• Skimmer chamber water depth: Adjustable from 17-23 cm / approximately 6.7-9.1 inches.
• Refugium: Optional dedicated refugium divider.
• Approximate filled system weight: 374 kg / 825 lb.
• Approximate glass aquarium weight: 59 kg / 129 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 374 kg (825 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 and level the reinforced cabinet according to the manufacturer instructions before installing the glass aquarium. Do not move the system while full.
• Install the sump and plumbing with connector O-rings correctly seated. Hand-tighten threaded connections without tools or overtightening.
• Install the return pump and selected filtration equipment before filling the aquarium. Follow Red Sea's initial-fill procedure and inspect plumbing joints for leaks.
• Adjust the skimmer chamber operating depth to the requirements of the selected protein skimmer.
• Tune the ReefGate valve gradually, allowing several minutes after each adjustment for the overflow water level to stabilize.
• Perform a power-out test to ensure the sump can accommodate water draining from the aquarium when the return pump stops.
• Clean the mechanical filtration components, overflow combs, and return nozzle during routine maintenance.
• Register the aquarium with Red Sea within 90 days of purchase to qualify for the extended manufacturer warranty.

What's Included

• REEF-FRAME 250 eurobraced ultra-clear glass aquarium
• Black reinforced marine-spec plywood cabinet with adjustable leveling feet and stainless steel hinges
• REEF-SPEC glass sump with adjustable-height skimmer chamber and removable ReefMat-ready mechanical filtration compartment
• One 225-micron mechanical filter bag
• One filter media cup
• Internal downflow and return plumbing with ReefGate precision valve
• Central overflow with removable surface-skimming combs
• Single curved 25 mm return nozzle