Waterbox 100.3 Mixed Reef Build

[NPD_289]

Your gonna move the Ecobee right ?

I was planning to but it came with a remote sensor so after running the T5s for 4 hours, it only throws off the thermostat by 2 degrees. I will experiment further but I think I can set the thermostat to compensate for the difference.

 

[ShaggyRS6]

I was planning to but it came with a remote sensor so after running the T5s for 4 hours, it only throws off the thermostat by 2 degrees. I will experiment further but I think I can set the thermostat to compensate for the difference.

Not just the temp though. That will stick the humidity up I would have thought.

 

[NPD_289]

Not just the temp though. That will stick the humidity up I would have thought.

I don't have a humidifier attached to my furnace if that is what your referring to. The thermostat just controls temp. I am concerned about salt creep but plan on getting a Clearview top which will help prevent that with the acrylic frame around the edges.

 

[ShaggyRS6]

Gotcha. Be interesting to see how that goes. Cant wait to see that tank setup!

 

[NPD_289]

Gotcha. Be interesting to see how that goes. Cant wait to see that tank setup!

Thanks! I'm hoping if all works out because moving the thermostat to a different location would have been a big pain in the butt. I did move it 2 " higher to accommodate the Waterbox...lol

 

[djray77]

Hows the tank build coming along? Im following you as I am doing a waterbox build myself right now lol.

 

[NPD_289]

Thanks for checking in! I have the tank half filled with RODI water and plan to hook up the electronics tomorrow. I just picked up a second powerbar for my Neptune and it may take a while to get everything programmed into the Apex. I'm hoping to have it all running by Monday and will post pics.

 

[NPD_289]

It's wet! Only RODI but the DT is leak free and I'll fill it more once I get the sump area squared away.

 

[djray77]

YAY! Awesome

 

[djray77]

What salt are you using?

 

[NPD_289]

What salt are you using?

I just used up the last of my Red Sea Coral Pro to salt my new tank but plan on transitioning to Tropic Marin Reef Pro.

 

[djray77]

I would like to try tropic Marin, I just cant seem to bring myself to spend that much on salt.

 

[djray77]

I just found a heck of a deal on chewy.com, so I went with good old faithful. You can't beat that price.

 

[NPD_289]

I just found a heck of a deal on chewy.com, so I went with good old faithful. You can't beat that price.

$35.74 for three? Wow!

 

[djray77]

No, it was 35ea, I ordered 3.

 

[NPD_289]

No, it was 35ea, I ordered 3.

Still a good price...lol

 

[NPD_289]

It's been a few days since a tank update so here is what I have done so far. I filled the DT with RODI and not surprisingly it held water. I then mounted all the electronics inside my cabinet. I will tidy up the wiring at a later date once I make sure everything is operating as it should. I plan on "hiding" everything by placing white PVC trim pieces on the inside of the sump behind the door hinges.
Once everything was wired up, I filled the sump and fired it up. It took a bit of tweaking between the return pump and drain gate valve but finally got it whisper quiet. The COR20 return pump is running at 50% and holding steady. I ran the tank with just RODI water for a full day and no leaks.
I then added salt to 1.025 and ran the tank for another full day. During that time, I fired up the Coral Box skimmer for the first time and I have to say this skimmer is awesome! I was able to run it at full power and adjusted the outflow to keep the foam right at the base of the neck. At full power, it was extremely quiet.
Yesterday, I turned off the skimmer and added rinsed dry sand and a combination of Fritz Turbo start and Microbacter 7. I then added ammonia to start the cycle. Let the waiting begin...lol.

 

[NPD_289]

Forgot to add that part of the deal for my wife to allow this tank build was a new livingroom set and kitchen table which were delivered yesterday. Happy wife, happy life I guess.

 

[djray77]

I am going through the cycle too, the waiting part sucks lol

 

[NPD_289]

Yep. Especially the very long wait until the tank is mature enough for sps corals.