Waterbox X90.3 Experiences

[RossB]

Looking at a Waterbox X90.3 as I have limited space. 24" wide is too wide for my location and I don't have 4 feet of length. The 90.3 seems like the perfect size for my location but I was looking at some of the technical manuals. Not a big fan of how the stand goes together. I hate cabinets that are built with the type of connectors they use. But my main issue that sounds like a bad design is that the sump, return pump and return line need to be installed in the sump and the sump moved into position before the control box is installed inside the cabinet above the sump. It makes it sound like I won't be able to get the return pump out of the sump without removing the control box.
Does anyone have some experience with this setup and can provide more info? I got one response back from Waterbox customer support, but they just referred me to the manual :(

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Here are some people who have had one up and running! Maybe this will help you out!

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/shandoee’s-waterbox-marine-x-90-3.781021/
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/cincy_reefers-waterbox-marine-x-90-3-build.887891/
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/my-free-is-good-waterbox-marine-x-90-3.1072715/

 

[Jambler]

My experience is with the WB Marine EX90.3, probably very similar to the 90.3. I faced the same size constraints and am happy with the model I bought (and being new to the hobby, maybe even a little relieved I didn't go larger!). I received mine about 12 weeks after ordering it and immediately set out to assemble the cabinet. The way it's put together is straightforward, easy, and results in what seems to be a sturdy cabinet. I'll admit I questioned if it could really hold the weight of 60 gallons of water, but it seems solid and stable. If anyone is interested, I can elaborate on the issue I ran into with an improperly manufactured panel for the cabinet, but once resolved, it seems fine. But for the control box, not so happy. Perhaps I've plumbed my system wrong or "oddly" (though it works just fine), but I cannot fit the control box against any wall inside the cabinet: left, back left, back right is out of the question due to return pump plumbing, or on the right. Against the left, it interferes with the cover over the filter socks. If it was fixed to the back left, it would allow the filter sock cover to be removed, but the control box would have to sit on the union for the emergency drain, which I don't like. And it simply doesn't fit on the right wall as there's too little space between the return pump check valve and the door hinges. So for me, the control box is useless. I'm considering custom-building an external dry zone/control box.

 

[biofish]

My experience is with the WB Marine EX90.3, probably very similar to the 90.3. I faced the same size constraints and am happy with the model I bought (and being new to the hobby, maybe even a little relieved I didn't go larger!). I received mine about 12 weeks after ordering it and immediately set out to assemble the cabinet. The way it's put together is straightforward, easy, and results in what seems to be a sturdy cabinet. I'll admit I questioned if it could really hold the weight of 60 gallons of water, but it seems solid and stable. If anyone is interested, I can elaborate on the issue I ran into with an improperly manufactured panel for the cabinet, but once resolved, it seems fine. But for the control box, not so happy. Perhaps I've plumbed my system wrong or "oddly" (though it works just fine), but I cannot fit the control box against any wall inside the cabinet: left, back left, back right is out of the question due to return pump plumbing, or on the right. Against the left, it interferes with the cover over the filter socks. If it was fixed to the back left, it would allow the filter sock cover to be removed, but the control box would have to sit on the union for the emergency drain, which I don't like. And it simply doesn't fit on the right wall as there's too little space between the return pump check valve and the door hinges. So for me, the control box is useless. I'm considering custom-building an external dry zone/control box.

What did you end up doing.. I have the 90.3 coming in in a few weeks. Trying to prepare. I assume i may need to mount the control box on the outside of the cabinet.