Waterbox Nano Owner's Thread

[Chris882003]

On 3/1/2019 at 7:53 AM, shaner014 said:

That was me. It’s def worth the risk in my opinion. I’ve had the Tunze 9001 in the past and it’s far superior to that. Can’t speak to any other nano skimmers though.

 

It does require a little finesse to get dialed in, but what skimmer doesn’t? It is absolutely inaudible in my experience. No noise at all unless I have my ear right to the collection cup.

 

There is some margin for error in modifying it, just go slow grinding away the extra material and keep test fitting. Grind a little more then makes it fit as the acrylic may expand slightly over time as submerged.

 

Good Luck

 

White Collar removed from skimmer body

 

Non-structural lip that has to be ground down

 

Fruits of my labor

 

Smells like warm death

Shaner014 is the collar the only thing you had to modified? I got my skimmer in today and the clear body would need to be modified. It's a tight fit and I don't want to force it.

 

[russ722]

just picked up a waterbox 20, anyone know the nozel size? wondering if my 1/2 random flow generator will fit?

[msummerf]

On 5/19/2019 at 3:34 PM, russ722 said:

just picked up a waterbox 20, anyone know the nozel size? wondering if my 1/2 random flow generator will fit?

Mine didn't fit, it is a weird connection which is super close to 1/2". I had to buy a 1/2" threaded piece that connects to the tubing and return pump so I could use my 1/2" nozzle. I was using loc line stuff though so can't say for sure yours won't work. 

[russ722]

13 hours ago, msummerf said:

Mine didn't fit, it is a weird connection which is super close to 1/2". I had to buy a 1/2" threaded piece that connects to the tubing and return pump so I could use my 1/2" nozzle. I was using loc line stuff though so can't say for sure yours won't work. 

Would you happen to have a pic or link to what you used?

[shaner014]

On ‎5‎/‎3‎/‎2019 at 4:29 PM, Chris882003 said:

Shaner014 is the collar the only thing you had to modified? I got my skimmer in today and the clear body would need to be modified. It's a tight fit and I don't want to force it.

 

 

On my skimmer and tank, yes. I think I mentioned in the Cadlights thread though, that manufacturing tolerances could certainly render the skimmer unusable. Luckily mine were wide and small enough respectively.

[msummerf]

12 hours ago, russ722 said:

Would you happen to have a pic or link to what you used?

I believe I used this. 

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/loc-line-male-npt-connector.html?sku=202748&gclid=CjwKCAjw27jnBRBuEiwAdjQXDP6ZEUTByz1MNbHx4SBDtnzujvd5fNer7s8mLyc24NIJ5lBOTUUy_hoCwe0QAvD_BwE

 

[russ722]

9 hours ago, msummerf said:

I believe I used this. 

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/loc-line-male-npt-connector.html?sku=202748&gclid=CjwKCAjw27jnBRBuEiwAdjQXDP6ZEUTByz1MNbHx4SBDtnzujvd5fNer7s8mLyc24NIJ5lBOTUUy_hoCwe0QAvD_BwE

 

Thanks .appreciate it.

[Symbiotic]

I just started a waterbox 4 gallon, how do you all deal with the film on top of the water?  The AIO back does not really allow for the scum to overflow.  

[Symbiotic]

Ignore my old threads, I haven't posted in years.   But I would note that my JBJ had a skimmer like one sold by InTank and that kept the surface clean.  But again, I think the extra baffles in the waterbox prevent adequate overflow.  So I am open to ideas, it's a beauty of a little tank.

[Krish87]

On 5/2/2018 at 5:40 AM, Raindog3030 said:

So I finally had an opportunity to try the other return pump that I picked up, a Cobalt Mini-MJ 404.  This pump is awesome!  It blows the little Sicce MiMouse out of the water, and it doesn't push up against any of the walls in the return chamber.  So, no rattle at all!  There is even a little bit of space around the pump int he chamber, I highly suggest this and have communicated my findings to Waterbox support.

Hey there! I'm looking at using a Cobalt Mini-MJ404 instead of the stock pump I got with my Waterbox 7G as I want to take out the Hydor Koralia 240gph from the tank as -

 

1. I believe it's great in circulating water, but kinda pissing some of my LPSs off

2. It takes up a lot of real estate 🙂 

 

Anything else I would need to keep in mind before I go for the Cobalt Mini-Mj 404? For e.g. will I need a special tubing from this return to the nozzle?

 

Thank you for your input! 

[Raindog3030]

On 6/2/2019 at 1:32 PM, Krish87 said:

Hey there! I'm looking at using a Cobalt Mini-MJ404 instead of the stock pump I got with my Waterbox 7G as I want to take out the Hydor Koralia 240gph from the tank as -

 

1. I believe it's great in circulating water, but kinda pissing some of my LPSs off

2. It takes up a lot of real estate 🙂 

 

Anything else I would need to keep in mind before I go for the Cobalt Mini-Mj 404? For e.g. will I need a special tubing from this return to the nozzle?

 

Thank you for your input! 

Yes, actually!  The tubing is a different size for the Cobalt pump as from the stock pump, well, at least the stock pump that I had received.  From checking around, it looks like they have changed the stock pump they are including...so it may or may not be the same size now.  I would just expect to have to go buy some tubing after you get everything in.

[Raindog3030]

On 5/31/2019 at 6:06 PM, Symbiotic said:

I just started a waterbox 4 gallon, how do you all deal with the film on top of the water?  The AIO back does not really allow for the scum to overflow.  

I replaced the stock pump in my 7g with a more powerful unit, this pushed more water into the overflow and really helped with the surface film.  Although, I would say that most systems have some sort of film on the top...at least in my personal experience.

[Krish87]

On 6/4/2019 at 5:43 AM, Raindog3030 said:

Yes, actually!  The tubing is a different size for the Cobalt pump as from the stock pump, well, at least the stock pump that I had received.  From checking around, it looks like they have changed the stock pump they are including...so it may or may not be the same size now.  I would just expect to have to go buy some tubing after you get everything in.

You are right. I received an Aquatop pump (as the stock). The cobalt has a 0.5" diameter if I'm not mistaken. I have a tubing that fits the 404's nozzle but the other end is way bigger for the tank's return nozzle, and that's where it gets a little tricky.

[Krish87]

WATERBOX CUBE 7 - ALL SET!

 

[frahny]

here is my 28.2

[Krish87]

8 hours ago, frahny said:

here is my 28.2

Love this tank! Great setup... 

[AnotherBotDown]

On 6/11/2019 at 4:30 PM, Krish87 said:

WATERBOX CUBE 7 - ALL SET!

 

What mesh lid are you using on this? I just got a WaterBox Cube 15 and trying to find a lid.

[Krish87]

23 minutes ago, AnotherBotDown said:

What mesh lid are you using on this? I just got a WaterBox Cube 15 and trying to find a lid.

Hey @AnotherBotDown - that a DIY lid. I used the BRS Screen Kit bundle to make one. It looks good.

 

Thanks!

[kbowlsby]

On 5/31/2019 at 5:06 PM, Symbiotic said:

IO

Hello, 

 

I just dove into the world of SW tanks. I grew up with FW tanks but kind of let the hobby go the past 15 years. I'm one month in though and this is addicting.

 

I purchased a Waterbox 20 about six weeks ago. Tank cycled with live sand, live rock and the shrimp method. I religiously tested my water throughout the process and just recently got a single Clown (been in tank for a week and seems to be doing great... did the drip method for a little over an hour). I knew virtually nothing about SW aquariums and still feel a bit intimidated after reading multiple forums the past month. As you all know, there are many opinions on the order of doing things and there is a big gap in budgets. I pretty much have the most basic equipment IE the contents of the Waterbox package plus lighting and heater I got from our fish store in Dallas (which is very nice). I ordered two Hydor Koralia Nano 425's for powerheads and just have the stock pump from Waterbox.  

 

My plan for the tank is as follows: likely one more clown, two more fish (not sure which species yet), clean up crew (leaning towards no hermits, mostly snails...) and coral down the road. This tank is mostly for my five year old son but I'm the one taking care of it and I just love the hobby. He would enjoy some critters that are fun to watch but I want a peaceful tank (any advice?). My specialist at the fish store recommended adding one fish to start... then an additional one in 2-3 weeks then a clean up crew of sorts (because there wouldnt be enough food for them right now, I dont have any algae). She recommended adding coral last and slowly in first year.  

 

My questions: 

- Do I need a skimmer... I plan on doing 10-15% water changes weekly

- Do I need a wavemaker in addition to the two powerheads? 

- Should I be changing out the Waterbox provided pump for something stronger? 

- Lastly, I would imagine the sock provided by Waterbox and the media is not the best strategy... should I get an inTank media basket for the left chamber instead? 

 

Sorry to pepper with a ton of questions but this seemed like a good place to post due to it being a Waterbox forum. 

 

Appreciate the guidance. Attaching my tank pics so far (just moved some things around so some stuff floating). Open to any and all feedback. 

[Krish87]

Hello @kbowlsby 

 

Welcome to the Waterbox club! Waterbox 20 should be awesome. I have a Cube 7 and love their build quality.

 

To answer your questions -

 

My questions: 

• Skimmer: You would need one if you are planning to stock SPS corals in the future. If you are planning to just keep a simple livestock bundle (soft corals and easy fishes) then you can get away with regular water changes. On a side note, skimmer is always helpful as it helps to remove organic waste. I have a 7G heavily stocked with corals, and will add one fish down the road, but I already have a skimmer running.
• Hydor Koralias should do the trick. You don't need to add one more wave-maker.
• I don't like the stock sump, so I got an InTank Media Basket - and it is so convenient to choose your combination of media along with the filter floss. And so easy to clean it out as well!

If this is for your son, I think you can consider getting a Purple Firefish and a Tailspot Blenny - the three inhabitants will add so much fun and each fish has an amazing character! And you can add a Fire Shrimp if need be 

 

I've a Clownfish, Purple Firefish and a Fire Shrimp in my BioCube 16! They are really amazing! 

[kbowlsby]

14 hours ago, Krish87 said:

Hello @kbowlsby 

 

Welcome to the Waterbox club! Waterbox 20 should be awesome. I have a Cube 7 and love their build quality.

 

To answer your questions -

 

My questions: 

• Skimmer: You would need one if you are planning to stock SPS corals in the future. If you are planning to just keep a simple livestock bundle (soft corals and easy fishes) then you can get away with regular water changes. On a side note, skimmer is always helpful as it helps to remove organic waste. I have a 7G heavily stocked with corals, and will add one fish down the road, but I already have a skimmer running.
• Hydor Koralias should do the trick. You don't need to add one more wave-maker.
• I don't like the stock sump, so I got an InTank Media Basket - and it is so convenient to choose your combination of media along with the filter floss. And so easy to clean it out as well!

If this is for your son, I think you can consider getting a Purple Firefish and a Tailspot Blenny - the three inhabitants will add so much fun and each fish has an amazing character! And you can add a Fire Shrimp if need be 

 

I've a Clownfish, Purple Firefish and a Fire Shrimp in my BioCube 16! They are really amazing! 

Appreciate the response. Very helpful. I think I will def do the InTank Media Basket. Regarding coral, think I will go basic with soft corals. I will see how it goes but having a skimmer seems to make the most sense. 

[AnotherBotDown]

So I recently got a Cube 15 but I am struggling with keeping the waterlevel low in the DT. Is there a way I can adjust the level in the front display?

If I start taking some water out, it first reduces the level in the 3rd chamber. 

[Krish87]

15 hours ago, AnotherBotDown said:

So I recently got a Cube 15 but I am struggling with keeping the waterlevel low in the DT. Is there a way I can adjust the level in the front display?

If I start taking some water out, it first reduces the level in the 3rd chamber. 

Hello!

What’s the water level in the sump? Are you using the stock pump or you upgraded to a better one?

[AnotherBotDown]

On 7/13/2019 at 10:57 PM, Krish87 said:

Hello!

What’s the water level in the sump? Are you using the stock pump or you upgraded to a better one?

The level in the third chamber is about an inch from where the water falls. I do have the cascading waterfall pattern in the sump. Also, I am running the stock pump. 

I was able to bring the level down a bit by removing one of the two filter floss from the imTank basket.

[Hayley D]

Hi all. I have just purchased a 20 and I’m still trying to get my head around all the technicalities! Since  purchasing I have dropped into the odd fish store here and there for a look and asked them For advice, opinions etc and had nothing but negative feedback in regards to the smaller tanks. I am  feeling a bit deflated as I’m new to all of this. I’m having trouble understanding the abbreviations to some of the gear on here being used. Feeling a little lost!