Back after a 10 year break - 25G Waterbox Peninsula build.

[dskibs]

Hey all -

Hopping back into reef keeping after a decade off (previously ran a 220G mixed reef). Snagging a Waterbox 25G Peninsula, which is a company and product line I have never used! Stoked if anyone has used this tank, if they recommend a hang-on skimmer, and if there's anything I should be on the lookout for? Thinking I'll start off with the following equipment -

Light - AI Prime16 HD
Waves - Nero 3
Heater - something 100W and simple
Skimmer - If I snag one, looking at the Comline 9001 unless there are strong opinions elsewhere!

I have always wanted to start a tank with a Tampa Bay Saltwater "The Package", so I think that's happening as well. Want to really slowly build this tank up into a mixed-reef.

Stoked to be back after a LONG time off, and happy to take any advice.

 

[reefing102]

Welcome back! I can’t say I’ve heard anything bad about Waterbox. One recommendation is a temp controller just in case of heater failure but otherwise looks like a good list

 

[griss]

I don’t have any advice on a HO skimmer but will definitely follow your build.

 

[dskibs]

Welcome back! I can’t say I’ve heard anything bad about Waterbox. One recommendation is a temp controller just in case of heater failure but otherwise looks like a good list

Yeah, thinking when I go to a controller I may just go all-in and find something that does a bit more than just temp. Not sure who makes the best controllers/testers these days but seems to be more options than before!

 

[reefing102]

Each controller has its own perks. I personally use an APEX but that’s the only controller I’ve ever had and is generally pretty user friendly.

Hydros seems to be the next most popular. I honestly can’t say I’ve heard much bad about it @n2585722 runs Hydros if I’m not mistaken.

There’s also ReefPi. This one, from what I understand is more for the DIY’er and I’m not aware of anyone on here running it, I could be wrong though.

A lot of people will run redundancy controls with heaters. Some have them hooked to a temp controller that’s also hooked to an aquarium controller. It’s definitely optional though, but most experiences are heaters fail in the on position

 

[griss]

I'm running an Apex as well. But, I'm cheap, and was able to find a used unit for a very reasonable price. I have the Apex Jr, (2) EB8s, PM1, and LSM.

I've also heard very good things about the Hydros.

I'll also echo Shane's thoughts on the ReefPi. I too believe those are more for DIY'ers.

 

[dskibs]

Hydros I think are what I remember spending a lot of time messing around with in the past. Will check out! What's the good word these days for bio media? Not sure I wanna use the bio balls the Waterbox comes with.

 

[Rammess]

Hey man I have a 15G Waterbox. You can check out my specs over on this thread. 15G Nano Reef Help

I run a Hygger Nano Skimmer and tbh it would be perfect for your set up too. It is a great little skimmer. Requires a bit of tuning, and a break in period to develop some slime coat on it, but its been sucking out some gross crap which I know means its working. It was very cheap too.


I had some questions though on my thread too so if you know them feel free to let me know.

Here is the link to the skimmer I run. It has a nice little mounting bracket to clip on to the glass in the middle section of your Waterbox. I run no other media in the middle chamber besides the skimmer.

hygger Internal Mini Protein Skimmer - hygger

hygger protein skimmer includes DC water pump with needle wheel impeller, it's the perfect skimmer for small tanks, freshwater, and reef tanks up to 57 gallons.

www.hygger-online.com

 

[dskibs]

Updates! Decided to skip the skimmer and go heavy on bio filtration - Here’s evolution from set up to TBS Package 1, then 2, then a One Month photo from this weekend. Extremely impressed with TBS. Currently stocked a Midas, red-tail fairy wrasse, yasha, and Randall’s gobies.

 

[dskibs]

For some reason the One Month didn’t attach, but here we are!

 

[reefing102]

Looking really good!

 

[Misled]

Looks good, TBS is the bomb!!!