Jayce's Waterbox 50.3 AIO

[JayceTheGaymer]

Welcome to my build thread showcasing my very first tank!​

Start Date: 2/26/25​

Because I'm starting this thread a little late, I'm going to break down some progress steps that I took pictures of along the way in the replies.

The tank was purchased second hand off Facebook Marketplace. All together I got the tank, both Aqua Illumination lights, return pump, and 2x cheaper powerheads. During initial setup the only thing I added was a heater. My cycle took a bit longer then what seems to be normal (Just under 2 months) and I experienced a bit of stall. But thanks to the help of the awesome people at my LFS (they hooked me up with some free extra bacteria and other supplements to really give it a kick) I got through it!
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Initial Setup & Fill:​

 

[JayceTheGaymer]

First Coral Frags Added

 

[JayceTheGaymer]

First Clean Up Crew Added​

 

[JayceTheGaymer]

First Fish Introduced​

Pictured is my beautiful pair of clownfish that were the first fish inhabitants of the tank.​

 

[JayceTheGaymer]

May Overall Update Picture​

 

[JayceTheGaymer]

The Great Flood of 2025​

I made my first major mistake when doing a water change. I started the siphon out of the tank for my water change and got distracted. Ended up with roughly 15 gallons of water spilled all over the ground and a very stressful weekend spent cleaning it up.​

 

[JayceTheGaymer]

Cleaner Shrimp​

Not long after the Great Flood of 2025 I added what is honestly one of my favorite inhabitants so far. This little guy has a very big personality. Every time I go to feed the tank he swims right up to the top of the water and essentially runs upside down just under the surface waiting for the food.

 

[JayceTheGaymer]

RODI System​

Ten months into this hobby I finally decided I should get my own RODI system so I can stop the weekly trips to the LFS to buy water. I purchased a Bulk Reef Supply 150 GPD with the Water Saver attachment. I was a bit hesitant originally as I live in an apartment and neither of our sinks have an end I could use the screw on adapter with. Eventually I figured out how to setup a splitter under the kitchen sink.

I'm still not set on salt to use (Got a good deal on a bucket of Reef Crystals on sale at Petco to start with). Open to any recommendations on the best salt to use!

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[JayceTheGaymer]

January 2026 Update​

Over the last 10 months I experienced all the woes of having a reef tank. Different pests, learning how to balance various parameters, filtration methods, etc. I lost a few frags along the way (Including my large beautiful Duncan which was one of my favorites).​

 

[JayceTheGaymer]

Relocated Green Star Polyp Rock​

I recently relocated my rock from the back left corner to directly behind my main arch. I love watching the flow and I think it adds great visual interest to the tank.​

 

[JayceTheGaymer]

Auto Water Change System & Under Tank Makeover​

This weekend I got in an Auto Water Change (AWC) system ordered from BRS and set that up. At the same time I redid the entire underside of my tank to really clean up wires and added a LED light strip to have a bit of a work light. Everything for the tank is connected to 2x smart power strips so I can turn individual devices off from my phone or with Siri while doing maintenance, water changes, etc.

Right now I've setup the AWC to change 1 gallon every 24 hours. I'm going to monitor parameters and decide where to go from there. I'm considering changing it to half a gallon every 12 hours but not certain yet.
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Before:​

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After:​

 

[FroggieJonnie]

Now that's a build thread! Can't wait to see how your tank evolves. Hmmm maybe I should do something like this.

 

[Soyebk]

Auto Water Change System & Under Tank Makeover​

This weekend I got in an Auto Water Change (AWC) system ordered from BRS and set that up. At the same time I redid the entire underside of my tank to really clean up wires and added a LED light strip to have a bit of a work light. Everything for the tank is connected to 2x smart power strips so I can turn individual devices off from my phone or with Siri while doing maintenance, water changes, etc.

Right now I've setup the AWC to change 1 gallon every 24 hours. I'm going to monitor parameters and decide where to go from there. I'm considering changing it to half a gallon every 12 hours but not certain yet.
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Before:​

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After:​

Nice build. Where did you get those water jugs from?

 

[JayceTheGaymer]

Auto Water Change System & Under Tank Makeover​

This weekend I got in an Auto Water Change (AWC) system ordered from BRS and set that up. At the same time I redid the entire underside of my tank to really clean up wires and added a LED light strip to have a bit of a work light. Everything for the tank is connected to 2x smart power strips so I can turn individual devices off from my phone or with Siri while doing maintenance, water changes, etc.

Right now I've setup the AWC to change 1 gallon every 24 hours. I'm going to monitor parameters and decide where to go from there. I'm considering changing it to half a gallon every 12 hours but not certain yet.
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Before:​

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After:​

Nice build. Where did you get those water jugs from?

Thanks! They are just the ones that my LFS carries. The orange sticker you can see on the side of one is their logo, not any special brand. Not sure what brand they are actually as they aren’t marked anywhere I’ve seen.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Auto Water Change System & Under Tank Makeover​

This weekend I got in an Auto Water Change (AWC) system ordered from BRS and set that up. At the same time I redid the entire underside of my tank to really clean up wires and added a LED light strip to have a bit of a work light. Everything for the tank is connected to 2x smart power strips so I can turn individual devices off from my phone or with Siri while doing maintenance, water changes, etc.

Right now I've setup the AWC to change 1 gallon every 24 hours. I'm going to monitor parameters and decide where to go from there. I'm considering changing it to half a gallon every 12 hours but not certain yet.
​

Before:​

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After:​

That auto water change system looks awesome!

 

[JayceTheGaymer]

Auto Water Change System & Under Tank Makeover​

This weekend I got in an Auto Water Change (AWC) system ordered from BRS and set that up. At the same time I redid the entire underside of my tank to really clean up wires and added a LED light strip to have a bit of a work light. Everything for the tank is connected to 2x smart power strips so I can turn individual devices off from my phone or with Siri while doing maintenance, water changes, etc.

Right now I've setup the AWC to change 1 gallon every 24 hours. I'm going to monitor parameters and decide where to go from there. I'm considering changing it to half a gallon every 12 hours but not certain yet.
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Before:​

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After:​

That auto water change system looks awesome!

Thank you! I’m really happy with it.

 

[JayceTheGaymer]

First Plate Coral​

Just added in my first plate coral, love how this guy looks. I was feeding Reef-Roids to my other corals shortly after putting him in and he already had a feeding response which I'm taking as a good sign!
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[JayceTheGaymer]

N-Clear Nano Fleece Rollers​

I recently swapped out my filter floss for a pair of N-Clear Nano Fleece Rollers while they were on sale on BRS. Still trying to get the sensor positioned just right but overall happy with the product. I had one show up with a missing part and they were super quick to respond to my message and get me a replacement shipped out.