Xclusive's WaterBox 35.2

[xclusive252]

So I have been planning this build for awhile now asking members for advice and help and looking everywhere for the correct equipment (maybe over kill) to help setup the perfect SPS dominant tank (Some shrooms). I've been in the hobby a long time and not new to having an sps tank as some of you might now me. I understand the time and quality of a system needed to keep the coral and will try and house only eye candy in the tank the road was long but this is what I have. On Saturday 3/29/2025 FedEx dropped off the tank and stand from WaterBox and I was excited to run with what I had in my head, so here we go.
Equipment
WaterBox 35.2 Tank and White Stand
Radion XR15 gen6 blue with diffuser
Sicce 1.5 Return pump
IM UV 10W
IM Reactor
RedSea ReefMat
BRS 100w Titanium Heater
Tunze ATO 5155 gen 3
Ecotech MP10 x 2 (Not sure if 2nd one is needed)
Apex A3 Pro all the bells and whistles
Apex DOS
Eshopps ato reservoir 5G (Custom Case to match stand)
Simplicity 6L Triple Dosing Container (I know DOS has 2 heads)
Skimmer ?????????? Need some advice from the nano community
Rocks MarcoRocks Coralline
CaribSea Pink Fiji (Back Order)

I will be adding shelves to under the Cabinet to help store everything to make a clean look as this is my man Cave.

 

[xclusive252]

Added Some Shelves

 

[xclusive252]

Updated Aqua scaping. I love this Marco Rock

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Updated Aqua scaping. I love this Marco Rock

Marco rock is nice rock! Good job on the aquascape!

 

[xclusive252]

Marco rock is nice rock! Good job on the aquascape!

Thank you

 

[Devaji]

with the reef mat i would just to weekly or by weekly WC.
curious to see what others say about the skimmer.

 

[xclusive252]

I was planning on bi weekly WC

 

[xclusive252]

Just got some of my new toys for the build

 

[xclusive252]

Installed the heater, ATO and Reef Mat with the help and huge shout out to @Reefer911 for how to Mod the tank to fit for the Reef Mat, go check out his build thread if you haven't already. Im still missing a few items before I can add water and start the cycle.

Missing ;
CaribSea Arag-Alive! Special Grade Reef Aquarium Sand
WetSide for second MP10
Probe/hose magnetic holder
Skimmer ?? Not sure what to run or if I will need it with biweekly water changes 5 gal.

 

[xclusive252]

Hello reefers. I did some more work to the stand and tank also added some of the equipment. I’m still waiting on the other reef mat and my skimmer. I added the draw to help store stuff and make it easier to access it.

 

[E.intheC]

Following along- I like the organization under the tank.

 

[xclusive252]

Following along- I like the organization under the tank.

Thank you. If you ever need help let me know and I’ll tell you how and what I used.

 

[E.intheC]

Thank you. If you ever need help let me know and I’ll tell you how and what I used.

I appreciate that.

Also interested in your thoughts on the Red Sea roller mat. I am strongly considering picking one up but have never used one.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Hello reefers. I did some more work to the stand and tank also added some of the equipment. I’m still waiting on the other reef mat and my skimmer. I added the draw to help store stuff and make it easier to access it.

I love the addition of the drawer!

 

[xclusive252]

Thank you

I love the addition of the drawer!

 

[xclusive252]

So an update on the system. I added a 2nd Red Sea ReefMat Nano along with a Shark Skimmer 150.
Yesterday I placed the sand in the tank also Caribsea Special Grade Live Reef Sand and added water Tropic Marine pro Reef Salt mixed to 1.026. 1st pic is yesterday and 2nd was today after it all cleared up. I started the cycle with DrTim's Aquatics Reef One & Only along with DrTim's Ammonium Chloride Solution. Should be cycled by the time I return from Vacation.

 

[xclusive252]

Day 2 after dosing the DrTim's (only dosed day 1) these are the results

Ammonia 2.0 - 4.0 ppm Hard to tell with the API test kit
Nitrite 0.25 ppm

 

[xclusive252]

Day 10 after dosing the DrTim's (only dosed day 1) these are the results

Ammonia 0.0 ppm Hard to tell with the API test kit
Nitrite 5.0 ppm

 

[xclusive252]

A little update. I tested again Ammonia is at 0.0 ppm after getting a spike of 2.0 ppm my nitrites are 2.0 ppm after a spike of 5.0 ppm and my nitrate today was 72.3 ppm. I'm not sure if I should do a large water change or continue to let it cycle. Any and all advice is wanted. Thank you and have a great night.

 

[xclusive252]

A Little update to the live stock
I added a small very small clown, A very small Hippo and a Small Cardinal along with a Cleaner shrimp and some snails. I also have been adding copepods weekly since I culture them at the house