Waterbox 130.4 - Mixed Reef

[kris1351]

After being out of the hobby for over 20 years I decided it's time to come back. I was lucky enough to pick up a second hand Waterbox 130.4 in good condition with quite a bit of equipment. I am taking my time and trying to do things properly, it's amazing how much new learning I am having to do. At this time I am planning a mixed reef due to kids wanting some pretty fishes. I love the corals mostly so we are compromising since this is in the family room. I'm installing enough lighting to do SPS in the future, but for now some fish and softies/LPS. First year or two keep it easy and go slow is the goal.

Waterbox 130.4
3xReefled90
Aqua Excel AE-EC50 Skimmer
Clarisea SK-5000
Neptune Apex
Apex WAV 2 x 2
CoralBox DCA-6000
BRS Heater Controller with 2x500w Finnex Heating Elements
Upgrading Plumbing for Gate Valves, Check Valve and Manifold
60-80lbs Arag-Alive Pink
80lbs Liferock
20-30lbs dead rock (previous owners, bleached and cleaned at this point)


The build list seems to be growing daily, the more I read these forums. There are a couple of WB builds here I have been following and gotten a lot of ideas from. The wife was smiling in that one picture, but she's second guessing that now with all the boxes arriving. Once I get the final fittings tomorrow I will dry fit and get water in over the next week.

 

[kwall737]

How’s everything going? I’ve got a 130.4 showing up on Tues, and wanna see how your tank and equipment are working out!

 

[kris1351]

Things are moving along slowly right now. I started test fitting my rocks together this past week and am still waiting on some plumbing pieces to arrive. 2 of the bulkheads had cracks from the previous owner over tightening or they were damaged in moving. Not sure, but still waiting on that to get here before we add water.

 

[kris1351]

I also was able to modify the sump to get the Clarisea SK-5000 installed. It's a little tighter than I wanted, but there is plenty of room to work on it and pull it out without too much hassle. At this point I am just at the mercy of USPS and UPS for parts. Waterbox was kind enough to send all new cabinet hardware since there is rust on the current.

Current project is e.the 6 Stage RO/DI unit. The wife and I are discussing (arguing) about where I can install it in the house. Looks like it will be going on the washer cold water spout and be mounted in the garage. I was trying to get the shelving unit next to the washer/dryer, but lost that battle.

 

[kris1351]

For lighting I decided to go with the Radion XR30 G5 Blues. They should be shipping on the 24th according to the pre-order.

 

[kris1351]

Question for others. I picked up 2 Biocube 32 complete setups before I found this and they are just sitting. Would that be overkill for a QT? I thought adding the InTank with filter media would be all I need besides some PVC and medication. These have the LED upgrades, power heads and heaters already.

 

[kris1351]

Had some setbacks on plumbing parts getting here. Wrong pieces showed up so should have that corrected Tuesday.

 

[TheShrimpNibbler]

Question for others. I picked up 2 Biocube 32 complete setups before I found this and they are just sitting. Would that be overkill for a QT? I thought adding the InTank with filter media would be all I need besides some PVC and medication. These have the LED upgrades, power heads and heaters already.

You could maybe use one of them as your fish quarantine, and use the other one as a coral quarantine or frag tank. I don’t think it would be overkill as fish always enjoy more room. Plus, with a display as big as yours, you may want tangs or other larger fish, and a larger qt like this would be nice. I would recommend that you use some fake plastic decorations like plants and logs that the fish can hide in instead of just pvc. It makes them feel more at home. I’m glad that you are quarantining; it’s one of the best decisions I’ve made.
I’m excited to see how this build progresses and have fun!

 

[kris1351]

This hobby is too expensive not to quarantine honestly. I bought the inTank inserts for it this past week and am getting new heaters ordered. The wife liked the idea of a Seahorse tank so that might be the second tank. The first I will be tearing down and cleaning in between quarantines.

 

[kris1351]

Hopefully things will calm down next week as everything has finally arrived. I’m fortunate that work has actyally picked up in the past week. I’m worn though.

 

[kris1351]

Had some time to play around with things today. Test fitted most of the plumbing and think it will work out well. Unfortunately 2 of the 3 bulkheads were cracked by the previous owner. Anyway new stuff is going on this week and we Koch see some water by the end of the week. I have to put the RODI unit together first.

The Radion XR30 G5 Blues are mounted finally. They are seriously bright, might need the diffusers as our whole living room is lit up.

 

[kris1351]

With things calming down from work I’ve been able to work on things. Finished up the aquascape today.

 

[kris1351]

Also, all the plumbing is dry fitted and ready to be glued. There were two cracked bulkheads from the previous owner so o had to start from scratch. The only original piece is the return pipe essentially. Having never plumbed a sump this was a learning experience and hopefully I got it right.

Everything fits snug and I can get the Clarisea and Skimmer our without too much difficulty. Tomorrow I’ll be gluingit all in and letting it cure for a day or two.
Tomorrow’s big project will be putting the RODI station together and start making water. With any luck the tank will finally be wet this week.

 

[TheShrimpNibbler]

Sounds like you’re making good progress! I can’t see the pictures, so I can’t comment on the aquascape, but I’m sure it looks good. I can’t wait to see the tank once it’s wet!

 

[Radman73]

Good to see the progress. Just joined the Waterbox 130.4 club myself 6 days ago. I'm very impressed so far. Little trouble getting the return nozzles to line up with the return line in the overflow correctly, but was able to make it work. I look forward to following along!

 

[kris1351]

Ok she’s ready for water. I have the o reflow box sitting with standing water and the return/drain pipes filled to test all fittings/valves. So far no leaks so I think it’s go time. Mounted the pumps, Clarisea and Skimmer on their places and ha e the wires ready to plugin.

I am working on the water station already and will have updates on it soon. I won’t be fancy, just mounting it all on the wall so it’s easier.

I’ll be adding the Apex in after I have the water making process started. Still deciding how I want to mount. Pretty sure I’m going on the side of the stand instead of inside. Want to add a better ATO and Fuge in the right side of the stand plus I like electronics to stay dry. Found a Blesta wall cabinet that matches the stand specs for mounting.

 

[kris1351]

No leaks on the tank plumbing so moved onto my water station. I had a great spot to build one in our laundry room. After much discussion, arguing and putting my foot down I’ve installed my equipment in they garage. I need some cable and tube management,but it functions with no leaks. Starting the first 60 gallons of water tonight. I can tell already I need to invest in larger water barrels, 2x30 is going to be annoying.

While the water is in process I’ve decided to move both of the Biocube 29s into our front room. Going to use them as QT tanks for a while so they start cycling tomorrow also.

 

[kris1351]

First of several Brutes is just about full. I didn’t think this out when I bought those. They had the massive ones and 20 gallons, I chose poorly.

 

[kris1351]

Almost done with the water production so I took time to get the Apex setup and put everything into the cabinet. I’ll mount it all on a board soon, but will be starting the cycle very soon it looks like.

This has been a long startup

 

[kris1351]

It’s been a long 2 days, but she’s finally running. Turned on the pumps about two hours ago and started setting up all the other stuff in the Apex. Hopefully the substrate settles down in a couple of days and I can see how badly I dumped the sand in.