Adding a Media Chamber to the Waterbox Cube 20

The Idiot Proof Reef Tank is cruising along really nicely, but I am mindful of the fact that there is a decent coral load in the tank now and I want to put measures in place to avoid any problems down the track. I also am not a fan of the stock filter sock in this setup, its pretty small and a bespoke size, which makes getting replacements tricky and expensive.
So looking around on the internet for solutions, I can across the awesome accessory line from the good folk at InTank accessories. I have a bunch of their products from over the years and loved the concept they had for re-purposing the rear chamber of the Waterbox 20.
Being a simple concept with basic materials and trying to avoid sending something like that half way around the globe, I set about getting a similar version made locally. This is how it turned out!

[@yoshimoto2600]

Very nice. I see your friends great white is working to its full potential. Also looks like it needs a clean😁😁.

[@ParkersReef]

Yeah I need to get a video together on it, been a bit over a week and it’s chugging along well!

[@jahsreef8386]

Great thing about those all in one tanks. It’s basically a reactor with it forces water to go through the media

[@ParkersReef]

Certainly makes life easy!

[@aquaticsaddiction2152]

Ok I posted when I thought it was close to done but then you answered the question about using egg crate stuff... Love your work keep it up :-)

[@ParkersReef]

Haha all good mate. Egg crate would work a treat, I was just lucky to know someone who could make me something a bit “prettier”

[@aquamate]

Fits like a glove, backwards haha, another great video

[@ParkersReef]

haha never tried a glove backwards :P

[@MK-ye5mw]

Hi. Great video. Just wanting to know where do you get your white/blue filter pad from in Melbourne? Can’t seem to find one like it. Thanks 😊

[@ParkersReef]

Afraid I bought that a loooong time ago. Not sure where you’d buy it these days

[@CherryHaze86]

I forgot the filter sock was in there in the first place ... seems like you've made a good improvement. ps. when your kitchen renovations are done I think you should move this little aquarium where the last one was sitting - it's smaller, it has a clean look and the animals look great (if your wife gives you an Ok-Go ... ;) )

[@ParkersReef]

It’s my secret plan 😎

[@volteface69]

Merci pour cette vidéo PARKER !!! 👍👍👍

[@ParkersReef]

Merci!

[@denisgauthier7999]

I like the fact that you don’t have to modify the chamber with your friend basket. It’s not the case with the intank one.

[@ParkersReef]

You do have to remove the little ledges For the filter sock holder. That is easy to do so and you can put them back if need be

[@houseofbreaks]

How would they go back in though after cutting them out?

[@emilybarrett9997]

This look great. Would love the contact as I need one. Also do you have to take out the lip that the sock filter sits on??

[@ParkersReef]

Check out NVS Aquariums on Facebook and say Parker’s reef sent you :)

[@melindaarrmegeddon1281]

Do they have lids for the Peninsula 15?

[@ParkersReef]

Not sure they’re still making them, you’d have to reach out

[@bbird1927]

Hi, thanks for the video. I am getting a cube 10. Thinking of ditching the sock too. I can see inTank make basket for 1st and 2nd chambers. May I ask Why you went with 1st chamber and not 2nd chamber ?

[@ParkersReef]

I kept the second chamber free for the light mount, skimmer and some media :)

[@bbird1927]

I see. Thanks

[@bmwe30init]

Hey ! Just got me a cube 20 , I would buy on of these aswel, the shipping from intank USA is killer

[@ParkersReef]

there are a couple blokes with CNC's in australia cutting them now, pop a post up on one of the aussie reefing facebook pages and say you need some acylic work done :)

[@zachlindeman174]

Did you have to take off the sock brackets? I'm supposed to with mine and I can't get them off! I'm so frustrated

[@ParkersReef]

Yes you will need to remove that. I simply pushed it out with my thumb :)

[@zachlindeman174]

@@ParkersReef could you elaborate? I am having so many difficulties haha. Did you push it “down” with your thumbs? Or up? If that makes sense lol. Are you talking about the two “line” pieces that hold the square sock price? You got those out with your thumb?

[@khittikalnikom1546]

what protein skimmer you are using that can fit into middle rear chamber of Waterbox 20g? Thanks in advance

[@ParkersReef]

Tunze 9001

[@khittikalnikom1546]

@@ParkersReef will get that. Fluval evo ps2 does not fit. Not sure if I miss anything from this video. You use Inthank chamber to replace your filter sock in first chamber. How about your middle chamber? Do you remain placing two filter sponges, bio-balls, carbon which come originally with Waterbox? :)

[@rayzorhead]

Is there a website we can look at for that locally made Media Basket?

[@ParkersReef]

yeah mate, check out NVS Aquariums on Facebook :)

[@danielmuhar]

Hello Sam, I have just picked up one of these for a small side nano tank, do you know where I can obtain one of these now. I know the video is pretty old? Thanks

[@ParkersReef]

I do have a contact who can make them, shoot me a message and I’ll connect you to him 👍🏻

[@milanmilu]

Hey Sam, did you need to cut the OEM strips that hold to filter sock in place off to fit this in?

[@ParkersReef]

I did yes, but they just pushed out with my finger :)

[@jordandixon125]

Mine were a bit tougher so I used a steak knife between the strip and tank. They came off easy. Really happy with the upgrade for my planted tank

[@ParkersReef]

Nice one

[@wigneshwaranganesh7575]

Hi where can I get that net cover for my CUBE 20 in Melbourne.....☺️

[@ParkersReef]

I'm not making them at the moment as my supplier is completely backlogged with covid-19 jobs. That being said, I am hoping DeerPark Aquarium will have them available soon

[@MsAkiman]

There any 3d printer files to get this done in the UK? Great vid

[@ParkersReef]

It’s a fairly large piece to 3D print, but you could easily make one out of acrylic or even egg crate if you are handy!

[@MsAkiman]

@@ParkersReef Thanks for the response ended up ordering the bit from the states, my handy skills aren't quite up there with your mates

[@ParkersReef]

@@MsAkiman yeah fair enough! You won't be disappointing with the InTank versions, I have ordered from them before and been very happy with the product :)

[@tuttheman]

What type of skimmer are you using in the tank.

[@ParkersReef]

A tunze 9001 :)

[@stevedell7674]

Hey Sam another very informative video. Can you send any details where I could purchase the media basket locally in Australia thanks

[@ParkersReef]

Hey Steve, sure thing - look up NVS Aquariums - they can sort you out

[@darkphoenx3930]

Is that a 20th all on and if so, what cabinet are you using?

[@ParkersReef]

It is a waterbox cube 20 if that is what you are asking? Just using a filling cabinet as a cabinet for it :)

[@darkphoenx3930]

@@ParkersReef sorry I didn’t realise my phone had auto corrected, yeah I was asking if it was the cube 20 :) I’ve just had one delivered without cabinet and was looking for an alternative. Thank you :)

[@ParkersReef]

@@darkphoenx3930 no worries!!

[@peach0221]

Looking great, any plans to add more fish?

[@ParkersReef]

Yeah potentially down the track :)

[@peach0221]

Parkers Reef Awsome :)

[@BL_Denni]

I did the same install on a waterbox 15. You have to remove 2 glass spacers to install this. Isn't super easy for someone with weak fingers and not good dexterity with a razor blade.

[@ParkersReef]

Mine popped out with minimal effort, I wonder if they siliconed mine in on a Friday afternoon 😅

[@BL_Denni]

@@ParkersReef haha I was digging at them for a good few minute one of them was so tight I had to snap it out.

[@bibii7874]

hey! thanks for this video, i wanna copy your work, so my question is if this is the only filter media you are using? :) or do you also use sponge, filter sock...? thank you so much! :)

[@ParkersReef]

hey! I use filter floss and some chemipure blue now - working well

[@bibii7874]

@@ParkersReef also one last question, do you use the hole chemipure for your 20g or just the half of it? Thanks!

[@ParkersReef]

I use the whole one, unless I can buy the nano size :)

[@bibii7874]

I just found the answer woopsi, anyway thank you for quick response! :3

[@vyger6336]

Thanks ..I have a Waterbox 20 Cube . They want 50 bucks for the tray..Looks exactly like the one that was made for your tank...I think I'll hold off as I think it too much money for what it is....Maybe I'll try and make one myself..

[@ParkersReef]

Yeah make it yourself!!!

[@Burritosarebetterthantacos]

Your not paying for the plastic. Your paying for the convenience.

[@ParkersReef]

@Burritosarebetterthantacos spot on

[@mattpicone8894]

Where can i purchase one of these?

[@ParkersReef]

you'd need to have these made yourself at a local plastics place now :)

[@karlhal8165]

I have a question iam new to reef tanks setting a 250 litre tank up is it worth running a uv light on it I have a small Nano tank witch doesn’t run with one and runs fine so just wondering do u need these on big tanks can you give me some advice plse ty Karl

[@ParkersReef]

Hey Karl, no I wouldn’t bother with UV on a 250l tank. Not that they are bad things, they are helpful, I just don’t think it’s needed on a tank that size.

[@Sativa098]

if you mean UV sterilizer than no its not needed but very useful so if its in the budget, def beneficial

[@karlhal8165]

Thanks guys for advice 👍 get told so many deferent things and end up buying things not really needed 😁 .

[@ParkersReef]

Yeah it can be a minefield!

[@jeremysim5302]

Hey Sam, I need this exact thing just a different size? How can I get one?

[@ParkersReef]

Hey Jeremy, I'll private message you :)

[@karlhal8165]

Certain make things easier and less mess 👍keep the wife happy 😆

[@ParkersReef]

Always a good move!

[@xXFUZZYMONK]

Hi, I use filter cups with floss in the first chamber... in the second chamber I have 2 sponges and carbon. Shall I just get rid of the sponges considering I’m using floss??? Thanks

[@ParkersReef]

I still use the sponge, but it should be cleaned out pretty often

[@civicekhatch9]

Should you use coarse sponge on first chamber to trap big items and floss on second chamber for water clarity?

[@ParkersReef]

@civicekhatch9 you could, but there shouldn’t be much coarse items getting in there anyway.

[@bobbyiceman]

Hey, I wanted to know what skimmer you are using and where did you get the lid?

[@ParkersReef]

I made the lid. Skimmer is a Tunze 9001. Check out my other videos man, covered both in detail 👍🏻

[@saurabhdoha]

Hi there, can you mk a cover and the media basket for cube 20, and can you ship to Dubai

[@ParkersReef]

Hey, i could although if shipping from australia to Dubai, your probably better off getting from America. Check out top lids and intank accessories, if you’d still prefer me to make and send I can though :)

[@saurabhdoha]

Parkers Reef how much wud it cost me, for both the media basket and the top, the build n the shipping?

[@Marinetuck220]

Question. I see that everyone in Australia either has chillers and or fans over their tanks. How hot do you keep your houses that you need to chill your tanks? I live in texas and keep the house at 72F.

[@ParkersReef]

Not all our tanks have fans or chillers, but most will. It get's pretty hot here, in summer we will quite often hit 45c which is 113F. When it is that hot, you can't have your house that cool (because its hard on the A/C but also because it is just too far from the outside temp that it is hard to go out and back in.

[@Marinetuck220]

@@ParkersReef interesting. It gets that hot here too. Guess we just have massive over sized AC lol Thanks for replying

[@ParkersReef]

@@Marinetuck220 yeah perhaps. Personally, if it is 45c outside, I don't like it 22c inside, makes you feel sick going in and out of the house :P

[@Marinetuck220]

@@ParkersReef Yeah you step outside in the summer and you need shower again

[@johnjohnson8962]

Does those media boxes fit into the fluval 13.5 / 52 lt rear chambers ?

[@ParkersReef]

You can make them fit any rear chamber :)

[@caramelkyd]

Hey mate, looking to order one of these media chambers. How would I do this?

[@ParkersReef]

if you are on facebook - hit me up and I can put you in touch with a local who is making them now

[@Nathan-wn5mc]

2:08 This cat wants to know why you are disturbing him lol.

[@ParkersReef]

He’s always keeping an eye on things!!

[@ericbowers71]

You put the basket in backwards. The solid back on the basket should face the front of the tank.

[@ParkersReef]

good to know, thanks

[@scottwilson4203]

Hey Sam would like to set you the challenge of attaching the auto water changer to the idiot proof reef water box cube 20 cheeers

[@ParkersReef]

It’s easily done and I might do it now that this series has “officially” finished. I thought it was cheating before, but now it’s just another one of my tanks - why not :)

[@scottwilson4203]

Parkers Reef good on you Sam...any update on the lids.?

[@ParkersReef]

Yeah they have been backlogged so much with the surge of sneeze guards for stores :/ Get in touch with a guy called Osman on Facebook, he is making them now :)

[@WilliamRas]

Bit late, but you put it the wrong way around. The bended side should be on the right side between the two chambers. Then the open side of the media chamber is facing to the back of the aquarium.

[@ParkersReef]

Yes it does go much better that way 😅

[@johnjohnson8962]

Can you send me their address please. Thanks for the coral ,Blake dropped it over on Friday. I am getting my new tank tomorrow ,an aqua 90lt reef tank and stand so I will be paying for the bubble tip nem. Soon

[@ParkersReef]

I’ll send you a message to his contact on Facebook. Congrats on the new tank!!!

[@Sativa098]

The waterbox just sucks period. cant run it with a filter sock messes with the ato, changes water level, then you dont have a filter sock your sump is a nitrate sink. i do my water changes from the sump just to clean it out and the stuff sitting in there after just a week is incredible. filter wool is just as bad if not worse.

[@ParkersReef]

Lol fair enough. How is the sock or wool altering the height in your return chamber?

[@Sativa098]

@@ParkersReef it restricts flow very quick as it gets build up and lowers the chamber due to less pump pressure. have you checked your salinity lately? I thought this might have been an issue with my tank but i have a few friends who have one also and same deal.

[@ParkersReef]

@@Sativa098 yeah I keep an eye on salinity - cant say I've encountered any issues, the baffles seem to ensure that the only chamber that fluctuates is the final chamber (where the ATO is?)

[@Sativa098]

@@ParkersReef yup and it goes down quick and not from evaporation but due to flow being restricted and the ATO tops it off when there is no need. then i switched to filter pads like you and it was even worse than the sock from buildup and kills return chamber

[@Sativa098]

i was cleaning them every second day just so it would flow, now i just use a really course sponge and clean the sump out with water changes

[@htowner1327]

Where can I buy this

[@ParkersReef]

Either from InTank or you can make them yourself at your local plastic store

[@htowner1327]

@@ParkersReef what do I use ?any videos ?eggcrate ?

[@ParkersReef]

Yeah egg crate or acrylic like in this video

[@htowner1327]

@@ParkersReef ok thanks .I looked it up and looks like it’s a easy diy .I’ll give it a try thanks

[@LoughlanBell]

What skimmer do you run

[@ParkersReef]

Tunze 9001