Red Sea Reef-Frame 500 - Oak Cabinet

The Red Sea Reef-Frame 500 - Oak Cabinet combines the largest aquarium in Red Sea's REEF-FRAME range with a classic oak-finish marine-spec cabinet. This 515 litre (136.3 US gallon) reef-ready system includes a 405 litre (107 gallon) eurobraced ultra-clear glass display and a spacious 110 litre (29 gallon) REEF-SPEC filtration sump, providing a substantial platform for a customized marine reef aquarium.

With a 150 cm (59.1 inch) length, 57.5 cm (22.6 inch) front-to-back depth, and 55 cm (21.7 inch) display height, the REEF-FRAME 500 offers room for extended aquascapes, larger coral colonies, and separated swimming areas. Its 15 mm ultra-clear front glass, perimeter eurobracing, dual curved return outlets, ReefGate precision valve, and ReefMat-ready sump combine the structural and water-management features of Red Sea's larger reef systems with the wood-inspired appearance of the classic oak cabinet. Lighting, return pumps, skimmer, circulation equipment, and aquarium controls are selected separately.

Red Sea Reef-Frame 500 Oak Aquarium and Cabinet Design

• Classic oak cabinet finish: The natural wood-inspired appearance offers a warmer alternative to black or white aquarium furniture while retaining the same marine-spec construction and equipment layout.
• 405 litre (107 gallon) display aquarium: The large viewing area provides room for extended rock formations, separate coral zones, and open swimming channels without placing filtration equipment inside the main display.
• 15 mm (0.59 inch) ultra-clear front glass: The thicker low-iron viewing panel reduces unwanted glass tint and is reinforced by perimeter eurobracing for additional structural strength.
• 150 x 57.5 cm (59.1 x 22.6 inch) footprint: The longer and deeper aquarium accommodates multiple rock islands, stepped coral arrangements, and open areas around the aquascape for circulation and cleaning.
• Reinforced marine-spec plywood cabinet: The stand supports the full contour of the aquarium and incorporates splash-resistant doors, stainless steel hinges, and adjustable leveling feet.
• Customizable reef-ready configuration: The aquarium, cabinet, sump, and plumbing are included, allowing customers to select their own lighting, skimming, circulation, and monitoring equipment rather than purchasing a predetermined MAX package.

Dual Return Outlets and Quiet ReefGate Plumbing

The REEF-FRAME 500 uses a centrally located surface-skimming overflow to collect aquarium water before sending it through the downflow plumbing into the sump. An enlarged rectangular inlet reduces turbulence, while the ReefGate valve allows precise adjustment of the water level inside the overflow. Two curved return outlets provide flexibility when configuring the return pump system.

• Dual 25 mm (approximately 1 inch) curved returns: The two outlets can be supplied by a single return pump or two separate pumps, depending on the selected equipment and plumbing arrangement.
• ReefGate high-precision valve: Fine adjustments regulate water entering the sump, helping achieve consistent and near-silent overflow operation.
• Main and secondary downpipes: The overflow system uses a regulated main drain and secondary bypass pipe, with the operating water level maintained between their intakes.
• Removable surface-skimming combs: The comb sections surrounding the overflow can be removed for cleaning to maintain unrestricted surface-water collection.
• Hydrodynamically designed plumbing: The supplied pipework minimizes unnecessary flow restrictions, while optional metric and USA connector kits provide additional customization options.

110 Litre Sump for Flexible Reef Filtration

The REEF-FRAME 500 includes a 110 litre (29 US gallon) REEF-SPEC sump with separate mechanical filtration, adjustable protein skimmer water height, and return circulation areas. This larger sump provides room for compatible filtration equipment while supporting optional automated roller filtration and a dedicated refugium arrangement.

• Adjustable skimmer operating depth: The chamber water level can be set between 17 and 23 cm (6.7-9.1 inches), allowing compatible protein skimmers to operate at their required depth.
• Two 225-micron mechanical filter bags: The supplied fine-mesh filters capture suspended debris entering the sump and can be removed for routine cleaning.
• Two filter media cups: The mechanical filtration compartment includes media cups that provide alternative filtration arrangements alongside the supplied filter bags.
• ReefMat-ready mechanical section: The filter tray and removable divider can be taken out to accommodate compatible automated fleece filtration without redesigning the aquarium's standard plumbing.
• ReefMat 1200 compatibility: Red Sea specifies the ReefMat 1200 for the equivalent REEF-FRAME MAX 500 configuration, providing an automatic filtration upgrade option for the standard system.
• Optional dedicated refugium: A compatible divider allows the sump to be separated into skimmer and refugium areas for aquarists planning additional biological filtration.
• Bubble-stripping arrangement: A bubble trap with coarse sponge helps reduce air bubbles passing from the filtration area into the return pump compartment.

Equipment Selection for a Large Custom Reef

The REEF-FRAME 500 provides a reef-ready foundation for a substantial marine fish display, soft coral or LPS reef, or an appropriately equipped mixed reef aquarium. Its large display and sump make careful equipment selection important, especially when planning lighting coverage, return flow, internal circulation, and access for regular maintenance.

• 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.
• Return pump configuration: The two return outlets can be operated from one pump or separate pumps, allowing the plumbing arrangement to be designed around the chosen equipment.
• Reef lighting: Red Sea uses two ReefLED G2 170 fixtures with the corresponding MAX 500 package. Lighting for the bare system should be selected for the 150 x 57.5 cm (59.1 x 22.6 inch) footprint and the intended coral requirements.
• Protein skimmer compatibility: Choose a skimmer that fits the sump and operates within the adjustable 17-23 cm (6.7-9.1 inch) water-depth range.
• Supplementary water movement: Additional wavemakers can direct circulation through larger rock structures and around coral colonies beyond the flow supplied by the sump returns.
• Automatic top-off and monitoring: An ATO system is recommended to maintain stable sump water level and salinity. ReefControl hardware, top-off equipment, and additional monitoring devices are sold separately.
• Planning for maintenance: The larger sump and dual-return arrangement should be considered when positioning pumps, skimmer equipment, controller wiring, and any optional refugium or automatic filtration components.

REEF-FRAME 500 Size and Installation Considerations

• Largest REEF-FRAME display: The 500 provides 30 cm (11.8 inches) more length than the 350, along with greater front-to-back depth and display height.
• Greater sump capacity: The 110 litre (29 gallon) sump offers substantially more filtration volume than the 71 litre (18.8 gallon) sump in the 350.
• Thicker front glass: The 500 uses 15 mm (0.59 inch) front glass, compared with 12 mm (0.47 inches) on the REEF-FRAME 350.
• Additional mechanical filtration: Two filter bags and two media cups are supplied, compared with one of each on the smaller 350.
• Floor loading: Red Sea lists an approximate fully loaded system weight of 772 kg (1,703 lb). The installation location must be capable of supporting the aquarium, cabinet, water, and equipment.
• Cabinet finish options: Black, white, and oak versions share the same aquarium dimensions, sump capacity, plumbing, and equipment compatibility. The cabinet finish is the main difference between them.

Red Sea Reef-Frame 500 Oak Specifications

• Total system 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: Classic oak-finish reinforced marine-spec plywood with adjustable leveling feet and stainless steel hinges.
• Return outlets: Two curved 25 mm connections for single- or dual-pump configurations.
• 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 clearance behind the aquarium and recommends approximately 60 cm (24 inches) of side access for maintenance.
• Assemble and level the oak-finish cabinet according to the manufacturer's instructions before installing the aquarium. The glass aquarium alone weighs approximately 133 kg (293 lb), so arrange appropriate lifting assistance.
• Install the sump, downflow, and return plumbing with all connector O-rings correctly seated. Hand-tighten threaded fittings without tools and avoid overtightening.
• Install the selected return pump arrangement, protein skimmer, and other equipment before filling. Follow Red Sea's initial-fill instructions and inspect plumbing connections for leaks.
• Set the adjustable skimmer chamber operating depth to match the requirements of the selected protein skimmer.
• Tune 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 aquarium when circulation stops. Repeat the test after significant changes to the sump equipment.
• Clean the mechanical filtration components, removable overflow combs, and return nozzles as required during routine maintenance.
• 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
• Classic oak-finish 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