20g Waterbox Build

[greetl01]

So I started with a 29 gal Aqueon tank. It was my first ever saltwater and it was not drilled. I was too intimidated by a sump bc I didn’t even know what one was, much less how one worked. Well the HOB got old fairly quickly so I will be converting that to a freshwater tank and transferring all my saltwater fish to the Waterbox20.

After buying the WB20, I realized how expensive yet cheaply built its stand was so I decided to try another first. DIYIng a stand. My father is super handy but he lived by “help by staying out the way.” I managed to pick up a little something from him nonetheless. I was still a little nervous. It turned out OKAY…. Let’s just say shims will be necessary and I can’t figure out if I need support beams for a measly 20 gallons. Advice would be appreciated.

I plan on wrapping it, but it’s already heavy. I made it 3 feet tall. I know. I was being extra…but I think it will be gorgeous at that height. Im thinking MDF for the wrap. I’m not sure if that will be strong enough to hang equipment but really don’t want to add too much plywood and make it that much heavier.

It will have 2 shelves. 1 for a 5 gallon ATO & a small one for tools & tests. I may switch to a 2 gallon reservoir for more space.

I currently have 4 fish. A YWG, a Royal Gramma and 2 clowns. One may have to go. The gramma is mean but she’s pretty and YWG is small but boring….I might see him more if I get rid of the gramma. LOL. Actually I know I will.

i went bare bottom but im considering add sand back….I really want a pistol shrimp but bare bottom maintenance has me spoiled. Still haven’t decided.

any feedback is welcomed!

 

[Peace River]

It looks like you are off to a good start with your tank and your build thread! Congratulations on the adventure!

 

[greetl01]

got my stand built. Just waiting on hinges and handle to arrive in the mail. I decided to transfer the tank over while I wait. Ordered my lid from clearview ….probably should have done that weeks ago as my goby took a dive….first fish to do that in the 7 months I’ve had the tank. It was still alive but I think it’s blind and seems crooked….hopefully it recovers before the gramma gets comfortable. Question. Which chamber should I put the heater in? Also, is that sponge that comes with the tank necessary?

 

[greetl01]

Finally finished! I’ve got to recut the shelf but I won’t post updates on that. Everything made it through the transfer. The goby that took a carpet dive survived and must not have been out of water long bc he still has his sight. Even the anemone is looking better. Just waiting on my clearview lid which will talk 6-8 weeks…..

 

[greetl01]

My Clearview lid came in the mail! Got me some hermit crabs that came w/ flukes torch is doing great, as is my mushroom. Chalice still looks sick & well….my anemone isn’t dead…

 

[JohnNYC8]

My Clearview lid came in the mail! Got me some hermit crabs that came w/ flukes torch is doing great, as is my mushroom. Chalice still looks sick & well….my anemone isn’t dead…

Great looking nano. Any updates?