Red Sea Reefer 170 G3 - Black Cabinet

The Red Sea Reefer 170 G3 - Black Cabinet is a premium compact reef-ready aquarium system for hobbyists who want Red Sea’s proven sump-based REEFER platform in a clean 60 cm footprint with a modern black marine-spec cabinet.

Designed as a serious foundation for a custom saltwater reef build, the REEFER 170 G3 combines a rimless ultra-clear glass display, reinforced cabinet construction, REEF-SPEC sump, ReefMat-ready mechanical filtration section, silent downflow system, ReefGate precision flow control, integrated ReefATO+, and an improved return/overflow layout. It is ideal for aquarists who want the flexibility to choose their own lighting, return pump, skimmer, heater, wavemakers, dosing equipment, and filtration upgrades while starting with a clean professional reef-ready tank and sump system.

Red Sea REEFER 170 G3 Compact Reef Foundation

• Premium compact reef system: The REEFER 170 G3 gives reef keepers a sump-based aquarium platform in a manageable 165 L / 43.6 gal total system size.
• Custom equipment flexibility: This base REEFER system lets you choose your own return pump, skimmer, lighting, heater, wavemakers, controller, and dosing equipment instead of locking you into a preconfigured MAX or Deluxe package.
• Black cabinet finish: The black marine-spec cabinet gives the system a clean, high-contrast look that helps equipment and shadows visually recede while coral colour stands out.
• Rimless display style: The smaller REEFER G3 models use a rimless format with smooth beveled edges for a clean modern presentation.
• Ideal first serious reef: The 170 is a strong choice for aquarists moving beyond basic all-in-one aquariums into a more expandable sump-based reef system.
• Red Sea ecosystem ready: The platform is designed to work naturally with Red Sea ReefRun pumps, REEFER skimmers, ReefLED lighting, ReefMat filtration, ReefATO+, and ReefBeat-connected devices when selected separately.

Ultra-Clear Rimless Display and Black Cabinet

• Compact 60 cm display: The 60 cm length makes the REEFER 170 G3 easy to place in homes, condos, offices, reception areas, and smaller reef spaces.
• 128 L / 33.8 gal display volume: The display size gives enough room for a refined aquascape, small reef fish, soft corals, LPS corals, and carefully planned mixed reef layouts.
• Ultra-clear glass construction: The low-iron viewing panels improve clarity and reduce the greenish tint associated with standard glass.
• Balanced reef proportions: The 60 x 50 x 51 cm display provides useful front-to-back depth for rockwork, coral islands, open sand areas, and natural negative space.
• Marine-spec plywood cabinet: The cabinet is designed for aquarium use with leveling feet to help create stable support on suitable flooring.
• Modern black furniture look: The black finish pairs well with dark furniture, entertainment rooms, office spaces, and high-contrast reef displays.

G3 Water Management and Quiet Operation

• Redesigned flow system: REEFER G3 systems use improved hydrodynamic piping and water management designed for stronger circulation and more efficient operation.
• Silent downflow design: The enlarged rectangular inlet to the downflow pipe helps reduce turbulence for quieter operation.
• ReefGate precision valve: The bespoke gate valve allows fine downflow adjustment so the system can be tuned for stable, near-silent sump operation.
• Central overflow: The overflow includes a removable surface skimmer to help remove film from the water surface and improve gas exchange.
• Curved return outlets: Improved return outlets help distribute water more effectively back into the display.
• Pre-assembled plumbing: The included downflow and return plumbing helps simplify setup compared with sourcing plumbing parts separately.

REEF-SPEC Sump and ReefATO+ Control

• Glass sump included: The REEFER 170 G3 includes a REEF-SPEC sump designed for efficient filtration, equipment placement, and day-to-day maintenance.
• ReefMat-ready mechanical chamber: The sump’s mechanical filtration compartment includes micron socks and media cups and is designed for optional ReefMat installation.
• Optional refugium capability: The sump layout supports flexible filtration planning for nutrient export, media use, and advanced reef equipment.
• Integrated ReefATO+: The included smart ATO system helps stabilize water level and salinity while adding temperature monitoring and leak detection functionality.
• Cleaner cabinet organization: A dedicated sump cabinet keeps filtration equipment, plumbing, ATO components, and future upgrades contained below the display.
• Upgrade-friendly design: The system is ready for a more advanced reef build with optional skimmer, return pump, roller filtration, dosing, and monitoring equipment.

Red Sea Reefer 170 G3 Black Specifications

• Total system volume: 165 L / 43.6 gal.
• Display volume: 128 L / 33.8 gal.
• Sump volume: 37 L / 9.8 gal.
• Display dimensions: 60 cm L x 50 cm W x 51 cm H / approx. 23.6 x 19.7 x 20.1 in.
• Total height with cabinet: 137 cm / approx. 53.9 in.
• Glass thickness: 10 mm front glass, 12 mm side glass, 10 mm bottom glass.
• Display format: Rimless ultra-clear glass aquarium.
• Cabinet: Black marine-spec plywood cabinet with leveling feet.
• Filtration: REEF-SPEC sump with mechanical chamber, micron socks, media cups, ReefMat-ready layout, and ReefATO+.
• Recommended return pump: Red Sea ReefRun G2 4000, sold separately.
• Recommended lighting: Red Sea ReefLED G2 115, sold separately.

Application Notes for the REEFER 170 G3

• Best use: Ideal for saltwater reef aquariums, soft coral systems, LPS coral displays, carefully planned mixed reefs, and compact custom reef builds.
• Equipment planning: This base REEFER system requires a return pump, lighting, heater, and protein skimmer or alternate filtration plan before livestock is added.
• Lighting flexibility: Choose lighting based on coral goals, mounting preference, intensity needs, and desired ReefBeat integration.
• Flow planning: Add appropriate wavemakers or circulation pumps based on rockwork, coral selection, and nutrient transport needs.
• ReefMat planning: The sump is ReefMat ready, making it suitable for future automatic fleece-roll filtration.
• Not included: Lighting, return pump, protein skimmer, heater, wavemakers, rock, sand, salt, livestock, dosing equipment, test kits, and optional ReefMat are sold separately unless otherwise stated.

Red Sea REEFER G3 Series Video

Setup and Installation Notes

• Assemble and level the cabinet: Build the black cabinet according to Red Sea’s instructions and confirm it is level before placing the aquarium on top.
• Plan equipment before filling: Select and install the return pump, skimmer or filtration plan, heater, lighting, and flow pumps before cycling the system.
• Install plumbing carefully: Confirm the downflow, return plumbing, overflow, ReefGate valve, sump, and ReefATO+ components are correctly installed before adding livestock.
• Leak test first: Fill and test the system with freshwater before final saltwater setup to confirm plumbing, sump operation, and flow adjustment.
• Tune the ReefGate valve: Adjust the downflow gradually until the overflow and sump run quietly and consistently.
• Use RO/DI water: RO/DI water is recommended for salt mixing and top-off to help maintain stable reef chemistry.
• Cycle before stocking: Establish biological filtration before adding fish or corals, then stock gradually for better stability.

What’s Included

• Ultra-clear rimless glass aquarium
• Black marine-spec plywood cabinet with leveling feet
• REEF-SPEC sump with mechanical chamber, micron socks, and media cups
• Pre-assembled downflow and return plumbing with ReefGate precision valve
• Central overflow with removable surface skimmer
• Curved dual return nozzles
• Integrated ReefATO+ sensors and controller

Shipping Notes

• This item is exempt from our free shipping policy.
• To avoid delays, please order Red Sea aquariums by themselves. If you are wishing to order multiple things, please place two separate orders: one for the aquarium and one for the rest of your products.
• Please call for a shipping quote if ordering from NWT, YK, or NUN.
• All Red Sea aquariums are brought in and shipped out on an as-ordered basis. The average turn-around time to ship an aquarium to you is two business days, except where noted below.
• All shipments outside of the Vancouver area are shipped via trucking company with residential and power tailgate delivery, and are fully insured.
• Tanks ordered within BC and, in some circumstances, Alberta may take an extra 5-10 business days to process. Systems ordered from Alberta and east of there usually ship within two business days direct from the distributor in Ontario.
• If you are ordering for pick-up from our store, please select in-store pickup to avoid delivery charges. You will be notified when the tank arrives, usually within 5-10 business days.
• Red Sea Max S Series aquariums are always special order and will take from 3-6 weeks to ship.
• Please note the freight company is only responsible for getting the aquarium to the destination address and off-loading it. They are not responsible for carrying it inside.
• All freight charges have been greatly subsidized to help you get up and running with your new Red Sea system.