QOR’s Waterbox 220 Build

Alexdiaz

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Update — I have something that is beginning to resemble an aquascape! The left base structure!!

I’ve decided I want to make two separate rock structures for this build that are very minimalistic and bonsai-esq. :) Trying something different with this aquascape and making a cement base that will be hidden under the sand. I extended this base further along the route of the longest arch (yet to be attached) to support the weight, but will probably have to thicken it up more.
I don’t really know how to accurately describe what I have pictured in my head yet, but will give a better update soon as it starts to take shape more!

My attack plan moving forward is to build and cement the main arches for this larger rock structure on the left, then add all the pretty “details” — extending different branches out and placing shelf rock pieces, and camouflaging the concrete seams using broken rock pieces. Then of course building the second smaller structure using the same process!

LOT more left to do before it starts looking like an aquascape and it’s been a bit tedious having to do it in stages but it’s been a fun process and I’m enjoying it.

I’m using Real Reef Rock from (amazing to work with & has made this process actually enjoyable!) and a mix of purple and regular eMarco cement!

I will hopefully have a video out this week where I show how I actually constructed this thing up to this point, I’ll post it here as soon as it’s done!

6DB0D5A3-DC93-4568-B89F-AEB28EF27A1A.jpeg
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6705B45B-54EF-42B4-9D3A-735D4495CED5.jpeg
794BD990-0614-4440-963C-9C0841B4E1CE.jpeg
Nice aquascape !
 

P-Dub

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Well, this has been fun so far!! Looking forward to more! Patience is something that all of us reefers really never are able to fully incorporate. That's why there's Dr. Tim's... Haven't watched the videos yet but certainly will soon.
 
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Queenofreef

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Well, this has been fun so far!! Looking forward to more! Patience is something that all of us reefers really never are able to fully incorporate. That's why there's Dr. Tim's... Haven't watched the videos yet but certainly will soon.
Aw thank you so much!! 100%, as someone with no patience I can’t believe I’ve made it so far in this hobby haha
 
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Queenofreef

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:) Made some more progress on the aquascape! Will make a proper update here soon, but here’s the video coverage in the meanwhile! Appreciate all the kind and helpful comments and messages from you guys!! So excited to see this thing finished..

 

jblasi

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You have an awesome start to your setup. Your going to absolutely love your Waterbox! I’ve had mine for 2 years and it is worth every penny.
Loving the rock work by the way! Keep it up, I can’t go see what’s to come.
 
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Queenofreef

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You have an awesome start to your setup. Your going to absolutely love your Waterbox! I’ve had mine for 2 years and it is worth every penny.
Loving the rock work by the way! Keep it up, I can’t go see what’s to come.
I’m getting super impatient to see her filled!! Can’t wait to see what it looks like filled with water, so exciting. Thank you so much :D
 
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Queenofreef

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The aquascape is coming along! Finally have the base and concrete support solid, and now just working on adding small pieces of rock additions and those “little touches.” I feel like it’s starting to finally take shape and I’m really happy with the result!

1B09E9BE-D246-45D2-B630-6ABBD1E53DDF.jpeg


06146931-394F-437E-8CD0-69EA8FF332E8.jpeg
 
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Queenofreef

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THE AQUASCAPE IS FINALLY COMPLETE! Well, except for reinforcing a bit more cement on the bottom — but easy, quick last detail. I’m so happy with it honestly. Not bad for the second time ever making an aquascape in my opinion! Let me know what you guys think?
The larger structure:

48402F9A-9877-441A-A342-1447B4E8355D.jpeg

FE90F105-0AAD-40E4-B555-C6C4E4BAB7AC.jpeg

Smaller structure:
80FD0585-9C70-43D1-968C-AFD606164DB7.jpeg

7F5708B1-D360-4945-9B1A-98B9A3A6D4A6.jpeg


the whole scape! :

B784E160-867D-4BE4-A150-9664C8528BDA.jpeg
 

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I am so bad at keeping this build thread alive. I promise to do better!

Here she is in all of her glory:
EB4BBD21-393A-4290-8413-360A599F79E5.jpeg


Aquascaping was a challenge. Over a month of work and the whole thing broke on me at one point! Happy to be finally finished with
It. Looking back at it now, I wish I had created a larger base and maybe scaled it out more horizontally. But not really sure how that would’ve even panned out considering I reached max height...plus it’s doubtful that even a larger base would be able to hold something even longer but hey. I want to also add an anemone rock in the right back corner, which is why it still looks a bit unbalanced. What do you guys think of how it turned out? I know minimalist aquascapes are not everyone’s cup of tea, but I really do love it.

Other than the aquascape, tons of progress with getting the tank closer to cycling. Filled the baby up and set up all of the equipment (for the most part — just the ATO/Apex/Trident left). Hung up the four Radion Gen 5 XR30 Blues. Messed around with the settings briefly and so far I’m in love with them. Nyos 220 skimmer is also in place whoopy!

The next step is to get this tank cycling (yay!) I initially was thinking to use Dr. Tims fishless cycle, but now I’m thinking of just Turbo start and ammonia. What is your preferred method?
 

KevPool

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I think it looks awesome. As for cycling have a couple questions did you use dry sand or live sand if you used dry sand you can try MicroBacter dry rock bacteria starter kit I used this with great with great success twice now, I wouldn't use this with live sand as it could stall your cycle a bit longer. what kind of media are you using in your sump?
PXL_20201115_021340058.jpg


Happy Reefing
 

sp1187

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THE AQUASCAPE IS FINALLY COMPLETE! Well, except for reinforcing a bit more cement on the bottom — but easy, quick last detail. I’m so happy with it honestly. Not bad for the second time ever making an aquascape in my opinion! Let me know what you guys think?
The larger structure:

48402F9A-9877-441A-A342-1447B4E8355D.jpeg

FE90F105-0AAD-40E4-B555-C6C4E4BAB7AC.jpeg

Smaller structure:
80FD0585-9C70-43D1-968C-AFD606164DB7.jpeg

7F5708B1-D360-4945-9B1A-98B9A3A6D4A6.jpeg


the whole scape! :

B784E160-867D-4BE4-A150-9664C8528BDA.jpeg
very nicely done.
we have the same "scape table" and blue tape. :cool:
 

sp1187

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I am so bad at keeping this build thread alive. I promise to do better!

Here she is in all of her glory:
EB4BBD21-393A-4290-8413-360A599F79E5.jpeg


Aquascaping was a challenge. Over a month of work and the whole thing broke on me at one point! Happy to be finally finished with
It. Looking back at it now, I wish I had created a larger base and maybe scaled it out more horizontally. But not really sure how that would’ve even panned out considering I reached max height...plus it’s doubtful that even a larger base would be able to hold something even longer but hey. I want to also add an anemone rock in the right back corner, which is why it still looks a bit unbalanced. What do you guys think of how it turned out? I know minimalist aquascapes are not everyone’s cup of tea, but I really do love it.

Other than the aquascape, tons of progress with getting the tank closer to cycling. Filled the baby up and set up all of the equipment (for the most part — just the ATO/Apex/Trident left). Hung up the four Radion Gen 5 XR30 Blues. Messed around with the settings briefly and so far I’m in love with them. Nyos 220 skimmer is also in place whoopy!

The next step is to get this tank cycling (yay!) I initially was thinking to use Dr. Tims fishless cycle, but now I’m thinking of just Turbo start and ammonia. What is your preferred method?
love the scape in the tank. I do think it needs the third added. and maybe...maybe, rotate them slightly so they aren't pointing so right to left? could be the angle the photo was taken.:cool:
 

Mastering the art of locking and unlocking water pathways: What type of valves do you have on your aquarium plumbing?

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