Red Sea Reef-Frame 500 - Black Cabinet

The Red Sea Reef-Frame 500 - Black Cabinet is a 515 litre (136.3 US gallon) reef-ready aquarium system combining a 405 litre (107 gallon) eurobraced ultra-clear glass display, a spacious 110 litre (29 gallon) REEF-SPEC sump, and reinforced black marine-spec plywood cabinetry. Its 150 cm (59.1 inch) length and 57.5 cm (22.6 inch) front-to-back depth provide a substantial reefscaping platform for aquarists planning larger coral colonies, extended rock structures, and a more advanced filtration setup.

The largest model in the REEF-FRAME range, the 500 features 15 mm ultra-clear front glass, dual curved 25 mm return outlets for single- or dual-pump operation, and a precision ReefGate valve controlling its quiet downflow system. An adjustable protein skimmer chamber, optional refugium divider, and removable ReefMat-ready filtration compartment provide flexibility for configuring the 110 litre sump. The standard REEF-FRAME 500 is supplied as a customizable reef-ready system, allowing lighting, return pumps, protein skimmer, wavemakers, and electronic controls to be selected separately.

Red Sea Reef-Frame 500 Black Aquarium Features

• 150 cm (59.1 inch) display length: The larger aquarium provides room for extended reef structures, separate coral zones, open swimming channels, and greater spacing between established coral colonies.
• 405 litre (107 gallon) display volume: The substantial main aquarium allows a more expansive aquascape while keeping filtration and supporting equipment inside the cabinet below.
• 15 mm (0.59 inch) ultra-clear front glass: The thicker viewing panel is reinforced by perimeter eurobracing and bonded with high-quality euro-silicone for structural integrity.
• 57.5 cm (22.6 inch) front-to-back depth: The wider footprint provides additional room for layered rockwork, coral placement at different depths, and circulation around larger reef structures.
• Reinforced black cabinet: Marine-spec plywood construction supports the aquarium's full perimeter and incorporates splash-resistant doors, stainless steel hinges, and heavy-duty adjustable leveling feet.
• Custom equipment selection: The standard system provides the glass aquarium, cabinet, sump, and plumbing without requiring customers to purchase the complete Red Sea MAX equipment package.

Why Choose the REEF-FRAME 500 Over the 350?

The REEF-FRAME 500 offers meaningful differences from the 350 beyond its larger overall size. Its deeper display, thicker front glass, larger sump, and expanded mechanical filtration capacity are important considerations for aquarists choosing between these two dual-return models.

• More display length and depth: The 500 is 30 cm (11.8 inches) longer, 2.5 cm (approximately 1 inch) wider, and 5 cm (2 inches) taller than the REEF-FRAME 350, providing additional room for multi-level reef structures.
• Larger filtration sump: The 110 litre (29 gallon) sump provides 39 litres (approximately 10.3 gallons) more capacity than the 350's 71 litre sump.
• Thicker front glass: The 500 uses 15 mm (0.59 inch) front glass compared with the 350's 12 mm (0.47 inch) panel, with both aquariums featuring structural eurobracing.
• Additional mechanical filtration: Two 225-micron filter bags and two media cups are supplied with the 500, compared with one of each on the 350.
• Higher-capacity equipment pairing: Red Sea specifies a ReefRun G2 8000 return pump for the 500 rather than the ReefRun G2 6000 recommended for the smaller model. Both pumps are sold separately.

Dual Return Plumbing and Precision ReefGate Control

The REEF-FRAME 500 uses an enlarged rectangular downflow inlet, a centrally positioned surface-skimming overflow, and hydrodynamically designed plumbing to move water through the filtration sump. Two curved return outlets provide flexibility when configuring the return pump system for the longer aquarium.

• Dual curved 25 mm (approximately 1 inch) return outlets: The two connections can be supplied by a single return pump or two separate pumps, allowing the return configuration to be planned around the selected equipment.
• ReefGate high-precision valve: Fine adjustments regulate the main downflow, helping maintain a stable overflow water level and near-silent operation.
• Secondary overflow bypass: The drainage arrangement includes a regulated main downpipe and secondary bypass pipe as part of the system's water management.
• Removable surface-skimming combs: Individual comb sections surrounding the central overflow can be cleaned to remove deposits and maintain unrestricted collection of surface water.
• Hydrodynamic return plumbing: Factory-designed pipework helps reduce unnecessary flow restrictions. Optional connector kits in metric and USA sizes are available for customized plumbing.

110 Litre REEF-SPEC Sump and Automatic Filtration Options

The REEF-FRAME 500 includes the largest sump in the REEF-FRAME series. Its 110 litre (29 US gallon) capacity provides separate areas for mechanical filtration, protein skimming, and return circulation, with adjustable skimmer water height and an optional refugium divider for additional flexibility.

• Adjustable protein skimmer chamber: Operating water depth can be set from 17 to 23 cm (6.7-9.1 inches), allowing compatible skimmers to operate at their specified water level.
• Two 225-micron mechanical filter bags: The supplied fine-mesh filters collect suspended particles entering the sump before water moves through the remaining filtration chambers.
• Two filter media cups: The mechanical filtration section also includes two media cups, providing alternative filtration arrangements alongside the filter bags.
• ReefMat-ready compartment: The removable mechanical filtration tray and divider can be taken out for compatible automatic fleece filtration without rebuilding the aquarium's standard plumbing.
• ReefMat 1200 upgrade: Red Sea specifies the ReefMat 1200 for the corresponding REEF-FRAME MAX 500 configuration, providing an identified automatic roller-filter option for the standard system.
• Optional refugium divider: A compatible partition can separate part of the sump into a dedicated refugium area for customers planning additional biological filtration or nutrient management.
• Bubble-management water path: A bubble-trap section with coarse sponge helps reduce air bubbles travelling from the skimmer area into the return pump chamber.

Equipment Planning for a 150 cm Custom Reef

The REEF-FRAME 500 provides the infrastructure for a larger marine fish aquarium, LPS or soft coral display, or appropriately equipped mixed reef. The aquarium's length, water volume, and sump capacity make it important to consider lighting coverage, skimmer dimensions, circulation, and long-term access before ordering equipment.

• Recommended return pump: Red Sea specifies one ReefRun G2 8000, with an adjustable flow range of 4,100-8,300 L/h (1,080-2,200 US gph), sold separately.
• Single- or dual-pump configuration: The two return outlets can operate from one pump or separate pumps. The chosen arrangement should account for plumbing resistance, the intended return flow, and available sump space.
• Reef lighting: Plan lighting around the 150 x 57.5 cm (59.1 x 22.6 inch) display. Red Sea uses two ReefLED G2 170 fixtures in the corresponding MAX 500 package, providing a manufacturer equipment reference rather than an included lighting system.
• Protein skimmer compatibility: Choose a skimmer suitable for the aquarium's filtration requirements that physically fits the sump and operates within the adjustable 17-23 cm (6.7-9.1 inch) water depth.
• Supplementary circulation: Dedicated wavemakers can provide flow around large rock structures and coral colonies independently of the sump return outlets.
• Top-off and control equipment: An ATO system is recommended to maintain stable sump level and salinity. ReefControl hardware, automatic top-off equipment, lighting, skimming, and circulation devices are sold separately with the standard REEF-FRAME 500.

Red Sea Reef-Frame 500 Black Specifications

• Total system water volume: 515 L / 136.3 US gal.
• Display aquarium volume: 405 L / 107 US gal.
• In-cabinet sump volume: 110 L / 29 US gal.
• Display dimensions: 150 cm L x 57.5 cm W x 55 cm H / approximately 59.1 x 22.6 x 21.7 inches.
• Total system height with cabinet: 142 cm / approximately 55.9 inches.
• Front glass thickness: 15 mm / approximately 0.59 inches.
• Glass 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 outlets: Two curved 25 mm connections for single- or dual-pump arrangements.
• Mechanical filtration: Removable ReefMat-ready compartment with two 225-micron filter bags and two media cups.
• Skimmer chamber operating depth: Adjustable from 17-23 cm / approximately 6.7-9.1 inches.
• Refugium compatibility: Optional dedicated refugium divider.
• Approximate filled system weight: 772 kg / 1,703 lb.
• Approximate glass aquarium weight: 133 kg / 293 lb.
• Recommended return pump: ReefRun G2 8000, sold separately.
• Manufacturer warranty: Standard 3 years, with an additional 2 years of structural coverage for the glass aquarium and cabinet 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 772 kg (1,703 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 for maintenance.
• Assemble and level the reinforced black cabinet before installing the glass aquarium. The aquarium alone weighs approximately 133 kg (293 lb), so arrange sufficient suitable lifting assistance.
• Install the sump and plumbing with connector O-rings properly positioned. Hand-tighten threaded fittings without tools and avoid overtightening.
• Install the selected return pump arrangement, protein skimmer, and filtration equipment before filling. Follow the manufacturer's initial-fill procedure and check all plumbing connections for leaks.
• Set the adjustable skimmer chamber water depth according to the requirements of the selected protein skimmer.
• Adjust the ReefGate valve gradually, 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. Repeat the test after making significant equipment changes.
• Clean the filter bags, media cups, removable overflow combs, and return nozzles as required to maintain unrestricted circulation.
• Register the aquarium with Red Sea within 90 days of purchase to qualify for the extended structural warranty.

What's Included

• REEF-FRAME 500 eurobraced ultra-clear glass aquarium
• Black reinforced marine-spec plywood cabinet with adjustable leveling feet and stainless steel hinges
• 110 litre REEF-SPEC glass sump with adjustable-height skimmer chamber and removable ReefMat-ready mechanical filtration compartment
• Two 225-micron mechanical filter bags
• Two filter media cups
• Internal downflow and return plumbing with ReefGate precision valve
• Central overflow with removable surface-skimming combs
• Two curved 25 mm return nozzles