Red Sea Reef-Frame 250 - Oak Cabinet

The Red Sea Reef-Frame 250 - Oak Cabinet brings Red Sea's classic oak furniture finish to a 246 litre (65 US gallon) customizable saltwater aquarium system. Built around a 204 litre (53.9 gallon) eurobraced ultra-clear display and 42 litre (11.1 gallon) REEF-SPEC sump, it combines the appearance of natural wood-inspired aquarium furniture with the filtration flexibility of a professional reef-ready system.

At 90 cm (35.4 inches) long and 53 cm (20.9 inches) from front to back, the REEF-FRAME 250 provides space for separated rock structures, open swimming channels, and varied coral placement. Its reinforced marine-spec cabinet supports the glass aquarium, while the included ReefGate valve, surface-skimming overflow, hydrodynamic plumbing, adjustable skimmer chamber, and ReefMat-ready mechanical filtration section handle the essential water-management functions. Lighting, return pump, skimmer, and other reef equipment are selected separately.

Red Sea Reef-Frame 250 Oak Cabinet and Aquarium Construction

• Classic oak cabinet finish: The wood-inspired exterior offers a warmer alternative to traditional black or white aquarium stands without changing the tank's water volume, plumbing, or filtration specifications.
• 90 cm (35.4 inch) reef display: The longer glass aquarium creates room for multiple rock islands and more distinct coral placement areas than the smaller REEF-FRAME 170.
• Eurobraced glass construction: Perimeter reinforcement provides added structural strength, with a 12 mm (0.47 inch) ultra-clear front viewing panel and high-quality euro-silicone bonding.
• 53 cm (20.9 inch) aquascaping width: The front-to-back dimension accommodates layered reef structures with space around the rockwork for water circulation and cleaning.
• Marine-spec plywood cabinet: Reinforced cabinet panels support the aquarium's perimeter and incorporate stainless steel hinges, splash-resistant doors, and fully adjustable leveling feet.

Quiet ReefGate Plumbing and Surface Water Collection

The REEF-FRAME 250 collects surface water through removable overflow combs before directing it to the filtration sump. The enlarged rectangular downflow inlet helps reduce turbulence, while the high-precision ReefGate valve allows the water level inside the overflow to be regulated for quieter operation.

• Precision ReefGate valve: Fine adjustments allow the downflow to be balanced against the selected return pump, with a secondary overflow bypass forming part of the drainage system.
• Removable surface-skimming combs: The comb sections can be removed for cleaning, helping prevent accumulated deposits from restricting surface-water collection.
• Hydrodynamically designed plumbing: The factory pipework is designed to reduce unnecessary flow resistance between the display and sump.
• Single curved return outlet: The 25 mm (approximately 1 inch) return connection supplies water from one separately selected return pump. Larger REEF-FRAME 350 and 500 aquariums use dual return outlets.
• Optional custom plumbing: Compatible metric and USA connector kits are available for installations requiring an alternative pipe arrangement.

ReefMat-Ready Filtration and Adjustable Sump Layout

The 42 litre (11.1 gallon) REEF-SPEC sump gives the REEF-FRAME 250 more filtration flexibility than the smaller 170. In addition to removable mechanical filtration, the 250 has an adjustable-height skimmer chamber and supports an optional divider for establishing a dedicated refugium section.

• Adjustable protein skimmer depth: The skimmer chamber water level can be set from 17 to 23 cm (6.7-9.1 inches), allowing compatible skimmers to operate at their required depth.
• 225-micron filter bag: The supplied fine-mesh filter collects suspended particles entering the sump and can be removed for maintenance.
• Filter media cup: One media cup is included, providing another filtration option within the mechanical compartment.
• Automatic roller filtration: The removable mechanical tray and divider can be taken out for compatible ReefMat installation. The ReefMat 250 is specified for the equivalent MAX system configuration.
• Optional refugium divider: A compatible divider allows part of the sump to be arranged as a dedicated refugium, separating that area from the main skimmer chamber.
• Bubble-management water path: Water passes through a bubble-trap section with coarse sponge before returning to the aquarium, helping prevent unwanted microbubbles in the display.

Planning a Reef Around the 250's Longer Display

The REEF-FRAME 250 is designed for marine aquarists who prefer to build their own equipment package. Its longer display offers more flexibility for rockwork, coral spacing, and swimming areas than the 170, while retaining a manageable 53 cm (20.9 inch) front-to-back footprint.

• Recommended return pump: Red Sea specifies one ReefRun G2 4000 with an adjustable range of 2,000-4,000 L/h (530-1,060 US gph), sold separately.
• Lighting selection: Choose reef lighting capable of covering the 90 x 53 cm (35.4 x 20.9 inch) display and providing appropriate intensity for the planned coral species.
• Protein skimmer compatibility: Confirm physical fitment and match the skimmer's required operating water level to the adjustable 17-23 cm (6.7-9.1 inch) sump chamber.
• Supplementary water movement: Separately selected wavemakers can direct circulation behind rockwork and across coral colonies beyond the flow provided by the sump return.
• Automatic top-off: Red Sea recommends an ATO system to maintain stable water level and salinity. Automatic top-off equipment is not included with the standard bare REEF-FRAME system.
• 250 versus 350: The larger REEF-FRAME 350 provides an additional 30 cm (11.8 inches) of display length, a 71 litre (18.8 gallon) sump, and dual 25 mm return outlets that support single- or dual-pump configurations.

Red Sea Reef-Frame 250 Oak 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 including 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: Classic oak-finish reinforced marine-spec plywood with stainless steel hinges and adjustable leveling feet.
• Return outlet: Single curved 25 mm connection.
• Mechanical filtration: Removable ReefMat-ready compartment with one 225-micron filter bag and one media cup.
• Adjustable skimmer chamber: 17-23 cm / approximately 6.7-9.1 inches operating water depth.
• Refugium: Optional dedicated refugium divider.
• Approximate filled system weight: 374 kg / 825 lb.
• Approximate aquarium glass weight: 59 kg / 129 lb.
• Recommended return pump: ReefRun G2 4000, sold separately.
• Manufacturer warranty: Standard 3 years, extendable to 5 years at no extra charge when registered within 90 days of purchase, 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 suitable 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 side access.
• Assemble and level the classic oak cabinet according to Red Sea's instructions before positioning the aquarium. Do not move the system while full.
• Install the sump and pipework with connector O-rings correctly positioned. Hand-tighten threaded plumbing fittings without tools.
• Install the selected return pump, skimmer, and filtration equipment before filling, following the manufacturer's initial-fill procedure and checking all plumbing connections for leaks.
• Set the skimmer chamber operating depth according to the requirements of the chosen protein skimmer.
• Adjust the ReefGate valve gradually, allowing several minutes for the overflow water level to stabilize after each adjustment.
• Complete a power-out test to ensure the sump has adequate capacity for water draining from the display when the return pump stops.
• Clean the mechanical filtration components, removable 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
• Classic oak-finish reinforced marine-spec plywood cabinet with adjustable leveling feet and stainless steel hinges
• 42 litre 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