Waterbox 35.2 AIO New Build

[antihackable]

Hi All!

I am new to saltwater aquariums, this would be my first attempt at building a reef tank. My goal is a simple reef tank with a couple fish and softie/LPS corals. This will be setup in my home office. I look forward to experiencing both the challenges and joys of taking care of this tank, with my son.

Equipment List:
Waterbox 35.2 tank with white stand
Lighting: Prime 16 HD LED Reef Light
Flow: Ai Nero 3
Return Pump: MightyJet 538 GPH DC
ATO: Red Sea ReefATO+
Heater: 200w Titanium Aquarium Heater with Controller
Sand: 20 lb. Fiji Pink Arag-Alive! Reef Sand - CaribSea
Rock: CaribSea LifeRock
Fritz 9 Nitrifying Bacteria

Buying List (misc):
Kraken Reef Lid
RO/DI 75 5 Stage

Livestock (Open to ideas)
2 Clownfish
1 Yellow Watchman
Mandarinfish (maybe?)

Looking forward to the build!

Mark

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Following along!

 

[boisblancboy]

Definitely following! I’ll be ordering this tank soon.

 

[antihackable]

Updates:
I had some issues getting the tank/stand from wobbling from left to right, front to back it was stable. I contacted Waterbox support and they sent me a " reinforcement kit" + some extra bolts. I was also able to find the same aluminum bars they use on the stand on amazon (if anyone has a similar issue).

Aluminum 2020 bars:
Bolts and nuts:
Right Angle Brackets:

You will have to cut them to size but you can do it with a $10 hack saw at Home Depot.

With the extra aluminum bars I was able to create a small shelf to hide cabling.

 

[boisblancboy]

Clean up crew yet?

 

[antihackable]

Clean up crew yet?

Not yet, added water and bacteria a week ago, just added two clownfish to start the cycle. Probably wont be adding anything for a couple weeks until I'm past the ugly stage.

 

[boisblancboy]

Not yet, added water and bacteria a week ago, just added two clownfish to start the cycle. Probably wont be adding anything for a couple weeks until I'm past the ugly stage.

Looking good! I think I’m going to go with a hydra 32 instead of a prime. Just to give myself a little more options when it comes to corals down the road.

 

[Reefer Brent]

Looks great! Wish I had thrown the extra cash at a Waterbox in the beginning but was just learning. Love the size of their chambers and double socks. Their peninsula will be my next tank way down the road.

 

[antihackable]

Looking good! I think I’m going to go with a hydra 32 instead of a prime. Just to give myself a little more options when it comes to corals down the road.

Thats a really nice light! I am super new to this so I am probably only going to start with simple/basic corals so I think an AI 16 should be fine for now. I have seen these 35.2 builds with two ai primes.

 

[boisblancboy]

Thats a really nice light! I am super new to this so I am probably only going to start with simple/basic corals so I think an AI 16 should be fine for now. I have seen these 35.2 builds with two ai primes.

I am also very new and have seen the 2 AI’s for the 35.2 builds. I just figure instead of spending the money which would be more for 2 AI’s vs 1 hydra 32 it just made sense to me. Obviously more than one way to skin a cat.

But yeah very interested in watching your progress since I’ll be doing the same.

 

[1000rrstunna]

Does it take a standard 4” sock im debating between water box and innovative marine for a office tank at work

 

[antihackable]

Does it take a standard 4” sock im debating between water box and innovative marine for a office tank at work

2.75" Filter sock

Innovative marine tanks are awesome, I had a 50 AIO Lagoon, but it was too large for the room.

 

[antihackable]

What would you recommend for stocking fish? I currently have two Clowns. What would you add next?

 

[1trickpony]

This post was the basis for my weekend conversion of my Waterbox 35 AIO. Thank you for posting it.
Mark I'm curious about your return pump the MightyJet. Is it quite and do you like it better than the Sicce 1.5 that came with your Waterbox originally?

 

[antihackable]

@1trickpony I liked the control panel that came with the MightyJet. It has a feed mode which is super nice. I use the Sicce as a salt mixer in my basement. Both pumps are super quiet.

 

[antihackable]

Update to the tank: Added more rock to the tank. Currently have two clowns, 1 six line wrasse, 1 royal gramma & CUC.

Added the intank media baskets, removed the filter socks, replaced with filter floss.. so much easier!

 

[1trickpony]

@1trickpony I liked the control panel that came with the MightyJet. It has a feed mode which is super nice. I use the Sicce as a salt mixer in my basement. Both pumps are super quiet.

Good to know. Will keep my eyes open since the MJ pushes 200 GPH more than the Sicce

 

[antihackable]

Update: It's been awhile since I updated this build, a lot has changed. I have added a new Aqua Illumination Hydra 32 HD LED, removed the AI Prime.

Added an AuqaShield 10 Watt UV Sterilizer.

Installed a Hydros X10 for ALK, PH, Salinity Testing. Dosing All 4 Reef daily.

Installed a MP10 on the right side for more additional flow to the tank. Added new nozzles from VCA Vivid Creative.

Created my own controller board from Home Depot PVC Board.

 

[antihackable]

Display

 

[Reefer Brent]

Controller board looks great great!