Cube 20 -- FIRST time reefer!

[513ReefGal]

Alright...here goes nothin'!

After 5 years of having a 75 gallon fish and rock canister disaster I finally have the time and resources to start my idea setup! I have spent so much time scrolling and scrolling dreaming of an nano reef in my living room. Video after video I sat and thought "how hard could it be?" Well, I'm about to find out! I bit the bullet and purchased a:

Waterbox Cube 20 with matching black stand.

My master plan is 2 - 4 fish. (mostly clowns because how cute are they!?) and easy corals.

Return Pump: Sicce Syncra Slient 1.0

Lighting: Noopsyche K7 Pro II

Filtration: This is where I need opinions. LFS says run filter sock (change weekly) with bio-cube media in the center. Plain and simple. I have read so much about replacing the filter sock, refugium, etc, etc. HELP!

ATO: TBD (but definitely plan for one)

10lbs live sand

Existing live rock from my current tank

 

[BaysEndReef]

It sounds like you have a plan. Excited to see it start coming together. Following!

 

[Chrisjordan004]

Hey there @513ReefGal welcome to the community! When you have a chance check out my build thread. I've got a Waterbox 20 as well and I've modified it pretty significantly, including upgrades tot he filtration and adding an ATO. Happy to help if you have any questions. Best of luck!

Build Thread - Check Out My Waterbox 20 Build!!!

What's up Reefers! Just moved into my new house and it didn't take long for me to start my 3rd Reef tank build. Super excited about this one and I've got some lofty plans for it. Hoping to fill the aquascape with some gorgeous corals and collect some rare fish along the way. I'm in the 3rd week...

www.reef2reef.com

 

[513ReefGal]

The FedEx fairy is the best!!! Stand comes tomorrow!

 

[ReeferBoi]

Everyone really recommends using an InTank media basket in chamber 1 and ditching the filter sock. I ordered one for my WB Peninsula Mini 25. I’m going to put filter floss, Fluval biomax, and Chemi-pure blue in mine. I heard that carbon isn’t as useful because it becomes ineffective quickly.

 

[513ReefGal]

Everyone really recommends using an InTank media basket in chamber 1 and ditching the filter sock. I ordered one for my WB Peninsula Mini 25. I’m going to put filter floss, Fluval biomax, and Chemi-pure blue in mine. I heard that carbon isn’t as useful because it becomes ineffective quickly.

I really like the idea of this product and want to use it but I’m not keen on the idea of having to remove the filter sock pieces. I don’t like the idea of altering the tank. I know they are super small pieces and it’s minor but I’m just torn.

 

[ReeferBoi]

I really like the idea of this product and want to use it but I’m not keen on the idea of having to remove the filter sock pieces. I don’t like the idea of altering the tank. I know they are super small pieces and it’s minor but I’m just torn.

That’s fair. I would just keep using the filter sock until you know for sure you want the basket like maybe you realize it just doesn’t cut it anymore. You can always cut the sock pieces out later but it’s hard to undo. Also, technically you don’t really need the basket as it just makes changing out the media easier. You can just throw media bags down there similar to chamber 2. Then you can make a simple grate that will rest on top of the filter sock mounts and then lay a sheet of filter floss on top of that. The basket is really just for convenience I think.