Waterbox 70.2 Platinum Reef Build

[Tripptastic]

Not sure how I missed this before but this is AMAZING. What does your new valve look like? I need to get one. The overflow noise is one of my main complaints about my system. Thanks for posting this, this is definitely one of the most helpful build threads I’ve followed.

Thanks! This is my first build thread and I'm taking my time, documenting everything so someone would be able to duplicate what I have done with ease.

 

[Tripptastic]

I’ll send you a PM when I get home later if that’s okay. I don’t want to hijack Tripp’s build thread. It may just be tank envy since his is turning out so beautifully! Can’t wait to see what the stand looks like skinned too!

Wait till you see the pictures I'll be posting tomorrow. All the skin samples came in and there are some AMAZING ones!

 

[nickkohrn]

Wait till you see the pictures I'll be posting tomorrow. All the skin samples came in and there are some AMAZING ones!

I’m excited to see them!

 

[Tripptastic]

Got a few updates for everyone tonight. First, I have the rock out and I have been playing with it. These are just a few options that I was looking at. I really liked the idea of building a cove. Let me know your thoughts please. I think I spent maybe 10 minutes on these two designs. I also have the Dremel and a killer bit that does cuts through the rock like butter. So, if I have a few pieces that don't want to fit together, I can just shave down parts to make them lock into each other. Next, I have been playing with the Dremel, using the bit to cut out areas, like caves and overhangs, and it's pretty amazing. Hopefully I will settle on a design in the next week or so. Work has been killing me.

 

[Tripptastic]

Next, the skins...now, with the system running, it would be possible to skin the stand, but I want to do it right and perfect the first time. Once I settle on a skin, I'll take the stand apart and wrap the two sides and then the door. I have so many great options but I think Im going to look at some others. Still looking for the perfect skin. Found three that I really love.

 

[NY_Caveman]

I like this one. Interesting and inviting. Just my opinion.

 

[Tripptastic]

I also got a new toy delivered today from Amazon. I have been looking for a good return pump with plenty of power that would fit in the small return chamber of the sump and I found a basically no name brand pump that looks good so far. It cost $94.99. At zero head pressure, it's 2,377 gallons per hour, much more than I will ever need. It's 24v DC and I ran it for a while in a bucket and it was DEAD silent. I am eager to see how this pump holds up over time. All of the other pumps that had the GPH to run my system cost between $200-$300 , and many still have mixed reviews, so we will see. If the pump last me a few years, I'll be happy.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075LH1YGZ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[Tripptastic]

I like this one. Interesting and inviting. Just my opinion.

I agree!!

 

[Tripptastic]

The final update of the week, I have been looking into ideas for how to light the inside of the stand, just a utility light to make it easy to see what I'm doing for cleaning, service and maintenance. I have two options now, one requires no drilling and the second will require two holes drilled.

 

[Tripptastic]

Option 1:

4 - 12" waterproof LEDs
Barrel Connectors
1 way to 4 way power splitter
1 12v Power Supply

I did a quick mock up on top of the stand to give an an idea, but I will just mount these under the top piece and route all the wires to the back.

 

[Cyked1]

If you're looking for something permanent, you could maybe glue a square of metal inside the cab and use something like an LED flashlight with a mag?

 

[Tripptastic]

Option 2:

Got this off of Amazon for $15. Holy crap this thing is super bright! I would mount it on the back so the screws or washers are hidden.

 

[Tripptastic]

If you're looking for something permanent, you could maybe glue a square of metal inside the cab and use something like an LED flashlight with a mag?

I thought about doing something like this, but I'm a perfectionist at heart and I would need something to not only be functional, but look good as well. Many of the items I looked at didn't have the spread to cover everything without shadows, so I came up with the two options. With the LED strips, it was $44 for all the pieces. The lamp was $15 but will require some type of mounting screws.

 

[Tbone2u]

Got a few updates for everyone tonight. First, I have the rock out and I have been playing with it. These are just a few options that I was looking at. I really liked the idea of building a cove. Let me know your thoughts please. I think I spent maybe 10 minutes on these two designs. I also have the Dremel and a killer bit that does cuts through the rock like butter. So, if I have a few pieces that don't want to fit together, I can just shave down parts to make them lock into each other. Next, I have been playing with the Dremel, using the bit to cut out areas, like caves and overhangs, and it's pretty amazing. Hopefully I will settle on a design in the next week or so. Work has been killing me.

You gotta love the dremel - though some of the bit prices can be insane.

 

[Tripptastic]

You gotta love the dremel - though some of the bit prices can be insane.

This tile cutting bit cost me $14 and I have already used it for so many other things around the house. Worked out well.

 

[Tbone2u]

I also got a new toy delivered today from Amazon. I have been looking for a good return pump with plenty of power that would fit in the small return chamber of the sump and I found a basically no name brand pump that looks good so far. It cost $94.99. At zero head pressure, it's 2,377 gallons per hour, much more than I will ever need. It's 24v DC and I ran it for a while in a bucket and it was DEAD silent. I am eager to see how this pump holds up over time. All of the other pumps that had the GPH to run my system cost between $200-$300 , and many still have mixed reviews, so we will see. If the pump last me a few years, I'll be happy.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075LH1YGZ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

SWEET! It pays to shop for sure. It's hard to beat amazon most of the time.

 

[Adam Kuhn]

I agree!!

I may have to try this pump as well, can't beat less than $100. On an unrelated note... do you have any idea how tall your overflow pipes are by chance? I cannot for the life of me get mine to be half as quiet as yours is in the video you posted. I'm sure it's likely user error, but it either sounds like a water fall (when the water is closer to the main drain) or a toilet flushing (when it right at the emergency drain). There's basically nothing in between no matter what I do. I wrote Waterbox this weekend asking if I could buy one of the newer gate valves but there has to be something else I'm doing wrong. I can turn the valve a millimeter and you'd think I'd opened/closed Hoover Dam.

 

[Adam Kuhn]

p.s. I was going to say I liked the LED strips bc the install would look clean but WOW that LED light is bright. Sort of like that one.

 

[Fudsey]

@Adam Kuhn I have mine right at the top of the overflow and it is very quiet. I did put a small piece of filter floss pinched in between the overflow and the return just to quiet the trickling water noise and it worked great. And I have 2017 tank so same as yours with ball valve

 

[Adam Kuhn]

@Adam Kuhn I have mine right at the top of the overflow and it is very quiet. I did put a small piece of filter floss pinched in between the overflow and the return just to quiet the trickling water noise and it worked great. And I have 2017 tank so same as yours with ball valve

This is with the valve all the way open so I could get a clear shot. I'm sure it's user error but I must be the world's worst person at this because Tripp's video sounds like the vacuum of space compared to my Niagara Falls. Waterbox's response was that "[They] have never had an issue with that version being able to be fine-tuned enough" and that they do not offer the newer plumbing parts outside of their tank kits.