The New Guy's Build (Featuring a Waterbox 190.5)

[The Last Strider]

Hello all!!

I'm very excited to announce my first build thread here on R2R!!! I'm excited and nervous at the same time though. I need some thoughts from this awesome community rather quickly if possible.

Here's why:

I ordered and paid for a very expensive Waterbox 190.5. (Maybe not very expensive to some, but certainly to a single income family with 3 little ones who wont stop growing and are always hungry!!) All the reviews I saw on You tube were great!! Tanks looked absolutely stunning! I decided to go for it. It just so happened that when I ordered everything from my friend Scott over at Aquarium Specialty that he suggested I checkout R2R to get some build ideas. Naturally, the first thing I did after signing up was type "Waterbox" in the search field. I spent days analyzing some amazing builds. Then I came across a few that had some issues with damaged panels and such (@Manny Tavan ) but I concluded 'hey, these things tend to happen during shipment, but it looks like Waterbox is all over it!' However, last night I came across @nickkohrn build thread. The experience he had with Waterbox really concerned me. Waiting on replacement for damaged items is one thing, but essentially being told tough luck on damaged defective gear that clearly occurred before it was shipped is another. Wayyyy too much money spent to be told that in my opinion.

Equipment list:

Waterbox 190.5 Aquarium
Nyos Quantum 220 Skimmer
Vectra L1 Return Pump
(2 MP40's) Circulation Pumps
Maxpect Gyre XF-150 Circulation Pump
(3 Kessil A360x) Led's
48" Aquaticlife T5 Hybrid fixture
Apex Next Gen Controller
Tunze Osmilator ATO
2 Finnex 500 watt heaters

 

[Big G]

I always take lots of pictures when receiving a big or heavy items shipped to me before taking it off the pallet. And I make note, clearly printed when I sign if there is any sign of potential damage: scrapes, dents, cuts, etc.

 

[blackizzz]

Hi Fred, nice to see you've started a build thread!

Your concerns are understandable, however I think these kind of non-liability clause are fairly standard when shipping glass items. Inspect the tank as well as you can, take pictures, and make sure you don't sign before you're comfortable in that the tank is as should! You could even have someone film when you open the crate so that there won't be a discussion regarding if you damaged it or not.

They use these kinds of disclaimers / clauses due to their contract with the carrier, which most likely says that the receiving customer has to inspect thoroughly etc.

 

[Manny Tavan]

took months for me to finally set up my tank but overall I am super happy. Quality of the tank is amazing. Love the all glass overflow compared to the red sea. I love the sump design. The plumbing is a lot better than red sea. It's super quiet too.

If I had to do it again, even though I ended up with a lot of issues, I would buy waterbox again. Their customer service is great imo. They sent me replacement panels without any issues. I just sent an email, they apologized and then sent the next one. The damages occured because of the transport company and ups. Not their fault

 

[Manny Tavan]

by the way, every time I go to the LFS, I see all these big red sea tanks (525, 750 etc) and I realize how better looking the waterbox is.

 

[The Last Strider]

by the way, every time I go to the LFS, I see all these big red sea tanks (525, 750 etc) and I realize how better looking the waterbox is.

Your words are helping me feel better about things! Thanks

 

[The Last Strider]

Hi Fred, nice to see you've started a build thread!

Your concerns are understandable, however I think these kind of non-liability clause are fairly standard when shipping glass items. Inspect the tank as well as you can, take pictures, and make sure you don't sign before you're comfortable in that the tank is as should! You could even have someone film when you open the crate so that there won't be a discussion regarding if you damaged it or not.

They use these kinds of disclaimers / clauses due to their contract with the carrier, which most likely says that the receiving customer has to inspect thoroughly etc.

Thanks for the sound advice! I will be sure to have the iphone set to 4k at 60 frames!

 

[nickkohrn]

I highly suggest setting up one, or multiple cameras, so that you can capture the entire process. Capture the delivery driver unloading it, you inspecting the crate, signing the release form, and the removal of the products from the crate.

I have seen hobbyists have great experiences with Waterbox, and others have horrible experiences. I think you will have that with any company and product, but how the company handles it says more to me than anything.

I hope that you have a great experience with Waterbox and your order.

 

[The Last Strider]

Tank is set for delivery tomorrow between 12 and 4. Wish me luck!! First pictures coming soon.......

 

[jsbzcmcdaniel]

I had a great experience with WB. I made sure to photo everything from the truck pulling up to the unboxing everything. I made the driver stay until I uncrated the tank and inspected for damage. The stand boxes had some slight damage and I noted it on the BOL and contacted WB to let them know what I found. I was told if I found anything wrong to contact them and they would send replacements if needed. I did not setup my tank for two months after delivery but I had 0 issues. Very happy with my WB, in fact I am ready to pull the trigger on another for my wife. The tanks are absolutely beautiful. You will be very happy with you purchase.

 

[nickkohrn]

Tank is set for delivery tomorrow between 12 and 4. Wish me luck!! First pictures coming soon.......

Good luck!

 

[The Last Strider]

Tank has arrived! I'm still very excited. But my excitement is tempered as there is some damage to the cabinet. The tank itself looks so good in person! But even then there are some silicone issues I noticed with the tank still in the crate. I just hope they don't turn out to be leaks. My main concern on the cabinet is the damage to the side panel and one of the door panels. The damage is small but obvious. I recorded the entire cabinet unboxing from 2 angles just in case it's needed.

Side Panel

Door Panel

This is where the tank will live.

 

[The Last Strider]

More pictures:


Side Panel

 

[The Last Strider]

Update:

I discussed the damage with Waterbox. They were very quick to respond and we came to an agreement. I can say that I'm happy so far. However I still haven't put any water in the tank or sump so I'm still praying for no leaks. I'll probably start that process early next week. My Aquaticlife T5 Hybrid took quite a while to installed. I got the Kessil A360x's in it, did quite a bit of wire management, and mounted it only to find that one of the fixtures isn't working. I'm really hoping that I'm doing something wrong here and suggestions are appreciated. When I flip the power the lamps act like they want to fire but never do. They flicker for a moment then nothing. If any others with this fixture have had this issue please let me know how you resolved it.

 

[AquariumSpecialty]

Looking good! Many thanks to you for using us on all of your equipment needs and maybe some livestock needs as well .

Following along...

 

[jsbzcmcdaniel]

Looks good. You will love the WB tank. Very happy with ours. In fact, I am pulling the trigger on another today for the wife.

 

[The Last Strider]

Had to back up on the t5 fixture. Too much light spillage for me. Gonna go with 4 Kessil's for a while and see if I like it. It certainly looks cleaner. Also started filling the tank and putting the control board together.

 

[The Last Strider]

Looks good. You will love the WB tank. Very happy with ours. In fact, I am pulling the trigger on another today for the wife.

Thanks! What are you going to go with for the Mrs?

 

[Bj’s Reef]

Hey brother in-law the tank looks great. Keep the pictures coming. By the way send the three rug rats back to South Carolina . I can't wait to see the tank up and running. I'm thinking of a new build myself. However your sister in law wants a quarter round tank. We will see what happens. I'm glad you are back in the hobby.

 

[The Last Strider]

Thanks brother!! Will do!