This is the start of my Waterbox 100.3 build that should be here by the end of the month. It feels like the order that I placed for the system on September 9, 2018 has been on backorder for much longer than it has. I've been trying to learn patience since this hobby demands it, and I guess there is no better place to start than having to wait more than two months for the tank. In the meantime, I have been slowly acquiring equipment and getting my thoughts and plans together.
Onto the details!
Aquarium/Stand/Sump
Waterbox Aquariums Reef 100.3
Return Pump
Neptune Systems COR-15 Intelligent Return Pump
Display Water Movement
(2) EcoTech Marine VorTech MP40wQD
Lighting
(2) EcoTech Marine Radion XR15W G3 Pro
Substrate
Bare-bottom
Skimmer
Reef Octopus eSsence 130
Controller
Neptune Systems Apex
Automatic Top-off
Neptune Systems ATK
Heating
(2) 200-watt EHEIM JÄGER
Filtration
MarinePure (8"x8"x1" plate & 8"x8"x4" plate)
As for my aquascape, I decided to go with a bonsai structure from West Mariculture due to its unique form, ability to allow for high flow, and plenty of room for corals. The main selling point for me is that the shelves are removable. This means that maintenance will be easier, future moves will be easier, and they can be replaced. I know that a lot of people think that they look unnatural, but I think that the structure will allow for the corals to be the points of focus by getting out of the way and providing a nice, supportive, minimal foundation.
Below are the pictures of the structure that I ordered, and they were taken from the West Mariculture product page.
I plan to hard-plumb the system so that I can add a manifold for future equipment, such as an algae reactor, UV sterilizer, and possibly another type of reactor since this hobby has been exploding with new products within the last few years.
I would like to have an SPS-only system because I don't want to try to satisfy the needs of other types of corals, such as LPS and soft corals. I want to keep the bottom of the tank clear of detritus, and having a high-flow, bare-bottom system seems like a good starting point for SPS colonies. Also, I don't want to pack the tank full of frags; I want to be intentional when I place corals in the tank and have their growth patterns dictate their placements. I feel that too many tanks look like frag tanks and many hobbyists don't give their corals time to grow out and fill in.
I hope that you enjoyed the first post of my upcoming build. I can't wait to share its progress, read your opinions and suggestions, and share this amazing hobby with you.
Onto the details!
Aquarium/Stand/Sump
Waterbox Aquariums Reef 100.3
Return Pump
Neptune Systems COR-15 Intelligent Return Pump
Display Water Movement
(2) EcoTech Marine VorTech MP40wQD
Lighting
(2) EcoTech Marine Radion XR15W G3 Pro
Substrate
Bare-bottom
Skimmer
Reef Octopus eSsence 130
Controller
Neptune Systems Apex
Automatic Top-off
Neptune Systems ATK
Heating
(2) 200-watt EHEIM JÄGER
Filtration
MarinePure (8"x8"x1" plate & 8"x8"x4" plate)
As for my aquascape, I decided to go with a bonsai structure from West Mariculture due to its unique form, ability to allow for high flow, and plenty of room for corals. The main selling point for me is that the shelves are removable. This means that maintenance will be easier, future moves will be easier, and they can be replaced. I know that a lot of people think that they look unnatural, but I think that the structure will allow for the corals to be the points of focus by getting out of the way and providing a nice, supportive, minimal foundation.
Below are the pictures of the structure that I ordered, and they were taken from the West Mariculture product page.
I plan to hard-plumb the system so that I can add a manifold for future equipment, such as an algae reactor, UV sterilizer, and possibly another type of reactor since this hobby has been exploding with new products within the last few years.
I would like to have an SPS-only system because I don't want to try to satisfy the needs of other types of corals, such as LPS and soft corals. I want to keep the bottom of the tank clear of detritus, and having a high-flow, bare-bottom system seems like a good starting point for SPS colonies. Also, I don't want to pack the tank full of frags; I want to be intentional when I place corals in the tank and have their growth patterns dictate their placements. I feel that too many tanks look like frag tanks and many hobbyists don't give their corals time to grow out and fill in.
I hope that you enjoyed the first post of my upcoming build. I can't wait to share its progress, read your opinions and suggestions, and share this amazing hobby with you.
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