Waterbox 100.3 Mixed Reef Build

[NPD_289]

Hi folks. My name is Chris and I am finally starting a build thread after a few years of lurking on here (research). My current tank is a Cobalt C-Vue 45g AIO which I will be transferring most of my fish to the new Waterbox 100.3. This will be my first tank with a sump system and I look forward to the advantages this offers.

I ordered the Waterbox at the end of August from my LFS (Ocean State Aquatics) and took delivery of it late September. I had to hide/store it at a friend's house until the interior of our house was painted. That was completed this week so I was able to bring it home today.

Here is what I plan on using for the system:

Lighting: Aquatic Life 36" DX18 Dimmable T5 Hybrid with (2) Hydra 26HD LEDs

Neptune Apex EL with ATK v2 ATO and Cor-20 return pump

Skimmer: Coral Box D700 Plus

Powerheads: (2) Reef Breeders RPMs on the back wall to start. May add a gyre or MP40 in the future.

Heaters: (2) Blue Line 250w titanium with Inkbird Wifi Controller.

Aquascape: A few months ago I was very lucky to find an pukani aquascape for sale by a R2R member, @fernalfer, who did an amazing job cleaning, curing and gluing together a piece of art. As soon as I saw it I knew it was much better than I could do on my own.

I just assembled the stand and with the help of my Crossfit strong wife, we managed to muscle the tank onto the stand and get it level. Then I carefully placed the aquascape inside the tank which made my wife happy because it was sitting on the dining room table for about three months.

Enough typing, here are some pics...

 

[NPD_289]

My plan for tomorrow is to get the plumbing in and mount the lights. Then I need to figure out how to manage all the cables since there is very little room inside the cabinet. More to follow...

 

[djray77]

Very nice, love the aquascape!

 

[NPD_289]

Very nice, love the aquascape!

Thank you! I'm super happy with it. Cant wait to add the sand and get it wet.

 

[NPD_289]

It was a productive day. I glued up a manifold and attached it to the T fitting on the return line. All plumbing was then installed as well as my return pump. I temporarily put the skimmer inside the sump to see if it would fit ok, boy is it a monster. Quickly removed it so I have room to install my Apex and other controllers. I then installed the Aquatic Life using their floating wall mounting system. I wished it extended farther out from the wall as I have a 24" wide tank. I really cant scoot the tank closer to the wall. We'll see how the light coverage is once I fire it up.

Here are some pics from today:

 

[Naturalreef]

Beautiful setup NPD! Where did you get those wall brackets for the T5 fixture?

 

[NPD_289]

Beautiful setup NPD! Where did you get those wall brackets for the T5 fixture?

Thanks for the compliment! I ordered them from Bulk Reef Supply. They come in white or black.

 

[LadyMac]

Lovely build, that scape is gorgeous!

 

[Naturalreef]

If you need to, I’m sure Home Depot or lowes has spacers for the floating brackets or you could find some decorative trim to put behind the brackets to extend the light further. just an idea, cut two 2x4’s to length mount to wall use white cabinet trim to finish And mount brackets to finished product.

 

[NPD_289]

Lovely build, that scape is gorgeous!

Thanks! Wish I could take credit for it but as soon as I saw it for sale, I knew I had to have it. I can't wait to get the tank matured and throw some SPS on it with some LPS/Zoas around the bottom.

 

[NPD_289]

If you need to, I’m sure Home Depot or lowes has spacers for the floating brackets or you could find some decorative trim to put behind the brackets to extend the light further. just an idea, cut two 2x4’s to length mount to wall use white cabinet trim to finish And mount brackets to finished product.

Awesome ideas! Now I will be up most of the night thinking of possibilities...lol

 

[buddy.]

I am liking that super slick set up you have there! You weren't wrong about that skimmer... it absolutely dwarfs that sump haha

 

[NPD_289]

I am liking that super slick set up you have there! You weren't wrong about that skimmer... it absolutely dwarfs that sump haha

Thanks. This will be my "dream tank" for the next five years until I retire and move to Florida. Then it becomes a 6ft dream tank. The skimmer seems well built and I like that it has a float switch in the skimmer cup to prevent overflows. Now I just hope it runs quiet once I fire it up.

 

[wrasse hole]

Looking great!

What are your plans for the electronics and ATO container? I really wish they would start making these stands with a built in shelf/cabinet above the sump for a doser/electronics.

 

[NPD_289]

Looking great!

What are your plans for the electronics and ATO container? I really wish they would start making these stands with a built in shelf/cabinet above the sump for a doser/electronics.

I was planning on using the built in ATO section in the sump. As far as the electronics, I'm still trying to figure that out. It needs to all fit inside the cabinet so thinking of building my own shelf and utilizing cable raceways.

 

[NPD_289]

Not much done on the tank today due to the fact I had to work. Nothing would make me happier than winning the lottery and being a stay at home fish dad. I did fire up the aquatic life for a few hours to start the 50 hour burn in of the T5 bulbs as recommended before making them dimmable. I am starting with 2 ATI Blue Plus and 2 ATI Coral Plus.

 

[djray77]

I like the new aqualife fixture better than my older version, Looks alot nicer. I dont think Im going to use mine on my 130.4 build I'm doing. I ordered some mounting arms for my kessils and gonna just run them.

 

[ShaggyRS6]

Following! Let me know if you need any help or advice. Feel free to check out my build of the same tank Oh wait.......

 

[NPD_289]

I like the new aqualife fixture better than my older version, Looks alot nicer. I dont think Im going to use mine on my 130.4 build I'm doing. I ordered some mounting arms for my kessils and gonna just run them.

It was pricey but I got a good open box deal through BRS. Once I figure out to extend it about 2" more from the wall, I will be happy with it.

 

[ShaggyRS6]

Your gonna move the Ecobee right ?