Waterbox 50.3 Filter Setup

Demoic · Apr 17, 2022

Can anyone make any recommendations on how to properly setup the filter area and what media to recommend. I was looking at replacing the filter socks with the InTank Media baskets. Other than that I know the protein skimmer and heaters are probably going in chamber two but I'm a little lost on how all to set this all up well.

blaxsun · Apr 17, 2022

With InTank you have the option of 3-shelf or 4-shelf media baskets. Assuming you plan to replace both filter socks, I would probably look at the 4-shelf clear version:

* Filter floss on top
* ChemiPure Blue on one side, ChemiPure Elite on the other (this may take up 2 chambers on each)
* MarinePure Gems in the bottom chamber

Demoic · Apr 17, 2022

blaxsun said:
With InTank you have the option of 3-shelf or 4-shelf media baskets. Assuming you plan to replace both filter socks, I would probably look at the 4-shelf clear version:

* Filter floss on top
* ChemiPure Blue on one side, ChemiPure Elite on the other (this may take up 2 chambers on each)
* MarinePure Gems in the bottom chamber

Would you put anything in chambers 2 or the return chamber? I have a Aquaamax 1.5 HOB i figured that should such out of chamber 2 along with heaters in both side. I wasn't sure if there was anything other then refugium in chamber 2 that would work.

blaxsun · Apr 17, 2022

Demoic said:
Would you put anything in chambers 2 or the return chamber? I have a Aquaamax 1.5 HOB i figured that should such out of chamber 2 along with heaters in both side. I wasn't sure if there was anything other then refugium in chamber 2 that would work.

I always left my return chamber empty, but I did run a skimmer and reactor in my second chambers - and I know refugiums are another popular choice. If you're planning to go the refugium route, I'd probably run that in one side and the heater in the other. You typically want to keep the return chamber available for an ATO sensor at some point.

Demoic · Apr 17, 2022

blaxsun said:
I always left my return chamber empty, but I did run a skimmer and reactor in my second chambers - and I know refugiums are another popular choice. If you're planning to go the refugium route, I'd probably run that in one side and the heater in the other. You typically want to keep the return chamber available for an ATO sensor at some point.

What sort of reactor did you run in it? Media and brand may I ask for fit.

blaxsun · Apr 17, 2022

Demoic said:
What sort of reactor did you run in it? Media and brand may I ask for fit.

I ran an IM reactor, which I wouldn't necessarily recommend as I'm not sure it actually did anything. I think you'll have better success with a protein skimmer and/or refugium, to be honest.

EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal · Apr 17, 2022

Demoic said:
Would you put anything in chambers 2 or the return chamber? I have a Aquaamax 1.5 HOB i figured that should such out of chamber 2 along with heaters in both side. I wasn't sure if there was anything other then refugium in chamber 2 that would work.

Good move using the Aquamax skimmer... That was the only thing about that tank (WB 50.3) that was a problem for me; could not find a skimmer to fit! The Tunze 9004 was not nearly powerful enough.

Demoic · Apr 18, 2022

accidental post

Demoic · Apr 18, 2022

Could I added additional Marinepure Gems or the marinepure bricks in the bottom of chambers 2? Or is 2 boxes probably enough in the bottom of the intank media? If I were to add it down there should I put something like eggcrate under it to lift it up or how should it be done?

blaxsun · Apr 18, 2022

Demoic said:
Could I added additional Marinepure Gems or the marinepure bricks in the bottom of chambers 2? Or is 2 boxes probably enough in the bottom of the intank media? If I were to add it down there should I put something like eggcrate under it to lift it up or how should it be done?

You could. yes. You typically want filter floss, Chemipure and bio media with good flow in separate chambers.