Waterbox Cube 20 - a new start (1 Viewer)

[SeanB]

After MANY years away from the hobby, I recently got the urge to start a new reef tank. I used to be a very active MARSH member and was pleasantly surprised to see my account hadn't been deleted after such a long absence! Lol

I'm currently in the set-up process on a Waterbox Cube 20 and figured I'd share the details and would welcome advice and suggestions.... a lot has changed in the last 13 or so years! So, here are a couple pictures and my equipment list:

Light is an AI Prime 16HD. I'm currently using the stock circulation pump and have an Icecap 2k gyre being delivered tomorrow from Premium Aquatics for additional flow. I also just installed an Autoaqua ATO / AWC, although I'm just using the ATO for now.

I'm using Marco rock and special grade sand. I started cycling the rock in a container for a couple weeks while waiting on my tank and stand to arrive. I just moved the rock I to the new tank about a week ago. I added bio-spira initially and am now adding microbactr7 (I think that’s what it is called). For additional surface area, I added a bag of Marinepure gems to the filter chamber.

I filled the tank with boxed seawater from Petco. I've made the decision that, for now, I dont want an RODI and with this size tank, the cost will be pretty minimal.

I'm not 100% certain what I will be keeping fish and coral wise but will start with a pair of Clowns. Probably soft and lps corals.

Looking forward to getting back into the hobby and getting to know y'all! More to come...

 

[SeanB]

Forgot, lid is by KrakenReef.

 

[flipside]

Very nice! I’m pretty setup the same way on mine. I have the black one. [emoji41]

Can’t wait to see how it transpires and... welcome back!


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[ITreefer]

Welcome back!
Looks like a solid build. Can't wait to see it stocked

 

[decimal]

Yep. First real pic I’ve seen of that kraken lid. Looks great. Can’t wait to see how it continues. Welcome back.

 

[RR-MAN]

Welcome back! I do remember you. [emoji4]

 

[Betcao01]

Welcome back. I'm going to get the 16HD too. I noticed you have a visor on it. Does the light spill over that much?

 

[SeanB]

Welcome back. I'm going to get the 16HD too. I noticed you have a visor on it. Does the light spill over that much?

Thanks, good to be back! The answer on spillover for a Cube 20 is no, its not that bad. But the line of sight from the sofa made it kind of bright to look at and this helps with that. I've read that the diffuser also reduces the discoball effect.

 

[decimal]

the "disco ball " thing really is the only drawback to LED's... nothing beats MH for that pleasing gentle slow shimmer. more like waves versus a tornado imho anyways..

 

[flipside]

3D Reefing makes an excellent diffuser for the Prime HDs. I believe that’s what Sean has in this build, and I used them on my prior build. Cheap and easy.

I’m looking forward to see how this one is stocked.


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[SeanB]

Just added the icecap 2k gyre. I think I have it set good but wishing I had some corals in the tank to sway and let me know if I have it dialed in.

 

[decimal]

I am really liking the nano thing. What is you opinion on ”stax“ rock? I came across those from 2 little fishies (Marco rock) and was something allowing for new options.

 

[SeanB]

I like the stax a lot in moderation, but too much is a little too uniform, imo. In a nano, you don't have much wiggle room so I tried to be selective, getting a couple cut bottom pieces for base rocks, then a couple for overhangs and a couple standard shapes. Premium Aquatics did a great job of selecting the pieces and also had it wrapped like fragile glass so there was no breakage.

Hindsight being 20/20, I should probably have done less overhang. If I'm sucessfull with coral growth, I may have more shade on the bottom of the tank that I might want.

 

[decimal]

Well it was something totally new to me when I got back in. I mixed it with some branches and actually took a larger rock and sawed it in half so I could incorporate some more “natural“ aesthetics.

 

[SeanB]

Well it was something totally new to me when I got back in. I mixed it with some branches and actually took a larger rock and sawed it in half so I could incorporate some more “natural“ aesthetics.

Sounds awesome!

 

[decimal]

Lol well, to everyone their own.. I am pretty happy with it but already sort of itching for a bigger tank hehe..

 

[SeanB]

Lol well, to everyone their own.. I am pretty happy with it but already sort of itching for a bigger tank hehe..

Very nice! I like all the swim throughs. What did you use to hold it all together? I used mortar on mine and it worked well but is more visible than I would like.

 

[decimal]

Thank you. Sorry for posting pics on your build thread. Your tank looks great and i am really excited to see how you stock it and what you do with it.

I was able to use the stax as a base and then just built up from there. The slabs allow you literally stack towers to create stable and level columns to support larger slabs as platforms. So I used branch pieces to the front side and small stax pieces in the rear to level it with the branch to support a larger platform. No putty required. Finally, you can take pieces and superglue them together to make custom sized/shaped platforms and drill frag plug holes. Idk.. just a lot of options.

 

[SeanB]

Thought I'd add an update. Added a few corals and a pair of clownfish. Ready to maybe add a goby shrimp pair. Also considering a birdsnest, but will probably let the tank mature a little longer.

 

[SeanB]

Just ordered this Australian Trachyphyllia from Austin Aqua Farms. Loving the colors...can't wait to get it in the tank!