Waterbox 25 AIO

[ocellarisoasis]

Hello people of the reefing community,

Excited to share my journey.

Some background on the build: this is my first tank in over two years. I had a 20 Long and an IM 15 running for about six months before I had to sell both during a move. Between living in a small apartment and moving around a lot, it didn’t make sense to set anything up for a while. Now that I'll be in one spot for the next 2 years, at least, I figured it was time to get back into it.

I went back and forth between a 20 Long, IM 15, IM 25 Lagoon, and a 20 Cube while planning out this next build. Right before I was about to buy the 20 Cube from Waterbox’s website, I saw a listing on Marketplace that I couldn’t pass up — a full turnkey setup from a local reefer. I got the tank, lid, heater, Mighty Jet, Nero 3, rear chamber cover, and Radion RMS mount all for $400.

I think this is the perfect size, especially being on the fifth floor. I originally wanted to go with a 40 Breeder, but that’ll probably be the upgrade later on. Water’s mixed and ready to go, just need to build the aquascape now. I'm finding the aquascape the most tedious part. I'm not very creative.

Goals
I want a tank with some serious flow and sway, whether that comes in the form of softies or euphyllia. I tend to run a whiter spectrum so I'll most likely go with more pinks, whites, and yellows. Time will be somewhat limited as I'll be a full time med student so I want to make it as simple as possible. At some point, I want keep seahorses, but for now just some clowns, a Bengali and a blenny.




FTS of my old 20 Long

Equipment List​

Tank Equipment

• Tank: Waterbox Cube 25 Peninsula AIO
• Lid: Waterbox Cube 25 Peninsula lid w/ clear mesh
• RODI: BRS 4-stage Value 75 GPD (added dual TDS meter and pressure gauge)
• Rock: Marco Reef Saver – 25 lbs
• Sand: Aragonite Special Grade
• Salt: Instant Ocean Sea Salt
• Powerheads: AI Nero 3 and Hygger 2600 GPH (will end up using the Nero for display and the hygger for mixing)
• Light: AI Prime 16HD Reef w/ Prime mount
• ATO: Tunze Osmolator 3

Stand​

The stand has been the biggest part of the project. DIY build out of 2x4s and plywood. In the past, I just built the frame and lightly sanded it (if that). This time around I wanted it to feel more like a piece of furniture, so I skinned it in plywood — ½ inch on top, ¼ inch on the front and side panels — and added a shelf.

One thing I didn’t account for: the slant of the floor where it’s going. Just over a ¼ inch difference from front to back. Instead of shimming, I cut the front supports ¼ inch longer. Definitely more work than just buying a stand or doing the basics, but I’m proud of what it’s become. Still have to add trim and doors, and one final coat of paint.

In AIO Equipment​

• InTank Chamber Media Basket (will run filter floss)
• Heater: IM Helios 200W
• Return Pump: IM Mighty Jet 266 GPH

Other​

• Leveling Mat: I tore the original one — plan is to replace it this week

Testing Equipment (so far)​

• Salifert Alkalinity
• API Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate (leftover from last build)
• BRS Refractometer

Edit: Deleted duplicate image

 

[Aaron75]

Very nice, that's a ton of heater for that tank!

 

[MushroomMan101]

Looks great! Can't wait to see it get wet

 

[ocellarisoasis]

Finally was able to get some water in it. It passed the 48 hour leak test (going on 4 days now). The next step is building my scape. I attempted breaking up Marco rocks today but I didn’t want to disturb my neighbors. I think I’ll go to a park or something to smash them up.

 

[ocellarisoasis]

Found some time to finish the scape. Overall satisfied with it. Helps to have a partner who’s creative and supportive of the reefing addiction. Sadly, broke off a tiny piece when the level fell in the water. Plan on reattaching it.

Now for the fun stuff. I’m cycling with Dr Tim’s ammonia and microbacter start xlm. I’m hoping I’ll be able to find even one piece of established rock from a local reefer to jumpstart the process and give me some life in the tank. I know that helped a lot last time.

I’ve had some ORA posters lying around for the last 2 years and finally got some poster frames to hang them up. I’m thinking one goes next to the tank or in my office. We’ll see. Thanks for whoever is following along.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Found some time to finish the scape. Overall satisfied with it. Helps to have a partner who’s creative and supportive of the reefing addiction. Sadly, broke off a tiny piece when the level fell in the water. Plan on reattaching it.

Now for the fun stuff. I’m cycling with Dr Tim’s ammonia and microbacter start xlm. I’m hoping I’ll be able to find even one piece of established rock from a local reefer to jumpstart the process and give me some life in the tank. I know that helped a lot last time.

I’ve had some ORA posters lying around for the last 2 years and finally got some poster frames to hang them up. I’m thinking one goes next to the tank or in my office. We’ll see. Thanks for whoever is following along.

Love the aquascape!

 

[Kradoc]

Looking good!

I'm targeting about 5 fish for mine.

 

[ocellarisoasis]

I know it’s been a while. School is kicking my butt lol. But the tank is hanging in there and honestly doing pretty well. During my cycle, I noticed ammonia was not moving in the slightest, so like any other impatient reefer, I added a a piece of seeded rock from my LFS. A few days later, ammonia went down to zero and nitrates started showing up. Cycling with dry rock and sand is a painful process, but life is slowly starting to populate the tank.

Since last time, I added an azure damsel. He’s super active and eating like a pig. Yesterday, I picked up two medium-sized Darwin clowns. They're in observational QT (which I know is not the best, but it's better than nothing). I was debating between going with one Darwin and one OG ocellaris, but at the end of the day I couldn’t resist the uniformity. If one of them doesn’t make it, I’ll take that as my sign to mix in an OG and keep it interesting. If things keep going well, I plan on adding a yellow watchman/pistol pair next.

The current stocking in the display:

• 1 azure damsel
• 2 blue legs

As for coral, I’ve added Xenia and a Kenya tree. Yeah, I know both are notorious for growing like weeds, but that’s kind of the point. This setup isn’t forever, probably a year, maybe two max, so I want the tank to fill in quickly. The Kenya is more of a test coral; I’m not sure if I’ll keep it long term or eventually swap it out for something with more pop. Since I’m running the lights on a bluer spectrum, I’ll probably lean toward something more fluorescent down the line.

I went through a short diatom phase that lasted about six days, and right around day two I started noticing pods showing up. Now I’m seeing a little algae creeping onto the rocks, which is expected at this stage. I recently tweaked my light schedule too—made a few edits so it fits better with my daily routine. It’s running slightly bluer than I’d normally choose, but it’s starting to grow on me.

For anyone curious, here’s the lighting inspiration I based my schedule on:
https://www.aquaillumination.com/signature_series/kelsey-lund

Everyday, around 5:30 the sun peeks through the trees and give the tank some direct light. It's pretty serene. I'll try to keep the updates coming.