Bcarl's Waterbox 135.4 Custom Build

bcarl77 · Jun 7, 2019

Hi All,

About a week ago I picked up an older model Waterbox 135.4, that was in pristine condition from a local reefer who was making an upgrade. Over the past week I have been cleaning, researching, planning, on how I can customize this tank to make it my "dream tank". After countless google searches of how people modified their Waterbox aquariums I decided to make a build thread to document my modifications and journey to help everyone doing a similar project. This build is going to happen slowly in phases. Phase 1) Sump and Plumbing Redesign, 2) Hardscape and cure, 3) Full tank set-up (control board/ATO/equipment), and 4) Reefin'

I have been under way on Phase 1 which consist of the following changes:
1) Remove/move sump baffles (to fit a Clarisea Gen2)
2) Add a proper Gate valve to the drain pipe
3) Replumb the metric grey piping to english and proper size for equipment
4) Configure the ATO area
5) Install lights in the sump area
6) Install the random flow nozzles on the tank return.

bcarl77 · Jun 7, 2019

Here is the current picture of the tank, which is just finishing up cleaning in the garage.

bcarl77 · Jun 7, 2019

Here is my current design for the sump and what I am thinking for layout

bcarl77 · Jun 8, 2019

Here is project number 1 update. Removing the baffles was mostly okay until the last piece which unfortunately cracked. Luckily I didn’t get cut because that would have been stitches... Anywho I can confident I can repair the broken piece but I am thinking of just removing it altogether. There is one more baffle set before the return pump. Thoughts?

count krunk · Jun 8, 2019

I would remove all the baffles and redo to how you would like it. Since you almost have already

bcarl77 · Jun 8, 2019

count krunk said:
I would remove all the baffles and redo to how you would like it. Since you almost have already

This is a great idea! Also would help in making the ATO to a refugium conversion. Given the weird dimensions I would like to get some custom baffles (yes I could go to a glass shop). Any one know of a custom baffles guy?

count krunk · Jun 8, 2019

You can go to home Depot or Lowe's and by some thins glass sheets that you can cut to size.

You cut them with a cutting wheel and some lube like wd40. With thin glass it is very simply. There are lots of YouTube videos out there that go thru the steps.

bcarl77 · Jun 9, 2019

Has anyone replaced the entire plumbing on this thing from the bulkheads down? I know I can do the conversion to English but also considering doing it from the bulkhead. Its a 25/22MM bulk head which is what I think the challenge is.

count krunk · Jun 9, 2019

people definitely have. I've never owned one so no help sorry.

As for the baffles, any local glass shop will also cut you some. It would be best to call in or go in to explain the purpose.

PookieGV · Jun 9, 2019

Following

bcarl77 · Jun 10, 2019

Installed my VCA random flow generators last night. Very easy install, can’t wait to see them in action!

Interested in getting some custom sump baffles made to replace all the baffles. The sump width is similar to a 40 breeder but will need some mods. Can anyone recommend someone that builds acrylic baffles?

bcarl77 · Jun 23, 2019

Went the custom sump route after removing all the Waterbox baffles. More details to follow!

NY_Caveman · Jun 24, 2019

bcarl77 said:
Went the custom sump route after removing all the Waterbox baffles. More details to follow!

Nice job!

LVE · Jun 24, 2019

Excited to see this come together! Following along

bcarl77 · Jun 24, 2019

Alright! So as you can see I decided to go ahead and remove the last few baffles and redo the whole sump. I had Jaxracks (highly recommend) design and cut these custom acrylic baffles. The two on the right are adjustable dividers and the last one on the left is a bubble trap. I wish my silicone skill was a bit better, but other than that they seem to be solid. Going to be performing a water test tomorrow.