Setting-Up Waterbox Peninsula 25 & Cycling - Nano Reef Tank (No Skimmer) | Blue Reef Tank

Setting-Up Waterbox Peninsula 25 & Cycling - Nano Reef Tank (No Skimmer) | Blue Reef Tank
In this week's video, I am really excited to share the start of a new chapter - I'm starting a new reef tank! This time, I am setting up the Waterbox Peninsula 25 and I wanted to bring you on the journey of how I do it, from Unboxing, Aquascaping to Cycling.
I can't wait to explore the new possibilities for this new tank. If you have any suggestions of what I should add, let me know in the comment section.
I hope you enjoy this week's content and don't forget to subscribe so you don't miss out on the exciting things to come!
🔔 Click the bell when subscribing to get notified when I upload a new video (It's FREE).
Stay positive and Happy reefing guys!
[ Support Creator ] ☕
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Want to buy me a coffee to support me making more content like this?
Go to: www.buymeacoff...
[ Camera Gear ] ⚙️
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Body
Canon EOS M50: amzn.to/37FOdjv
Lens
Canon 100mm Macro Lens: amzn.to/3iCltPb
Canon 15-45mm Lens: amzn.to/3CBS937
Tripod
K&F Concept Tripod: amzn.to/3CwpqN8
[ Equipment I Personally Use ]
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Cycling New Tank
Dr. Tim’s Nitrifying Bacteria: amzn.to/3AuLypt
Dr. Tim’s Ammonium Chloride: amzn.to/3yDpxnH
Dr. Tim's First Defense: amzn.to/3z8LpI7
Red Sea Multi Test Kit: amzn.to/3fUyNMT
CaribSea Live Sand: amzn.to/3xBu2y0
Pumps
Sicce 1.0 Return Pump: amzn.to/3lTsRb1
AI Nero 3 Wave Pump: amzn.to/3lXqGD8
Light
Kessil A360X Light: amzn.to/3AsKGBu
Kessil Wifi Dongle: amzn.to/3iAQ0wz
AI Prime 16HD Light: amzn.to/3CH1IxG
Auto Top Off
AutoAqua Smart ATO Lite: amzn.to/3fW6SfB
AutoAqua Duetto: amzn.to/2VJ2xp6
Coral Food/ Supplements
Red Sea AB+: amzn.to/3sgNUFk
AquaForest Amino Mix: amzn.to/3CFLogK
Cleaning
Squeeze Bottle: amzn.to/3lPXz4N
Mist Sprayer Bottle: amzn.to/3fW7baf
Water Testing
Hanna Alkalinity Checker: amzn.to/3ADIVBT
Hanna ULR Phosphate Checker: amzn.to/2VNVqLG
Hanna pH Tester: amzn.to/2Xna7GJ
Other Equipment
IM AccuDrip Acclimation Kit: amzn.to/3AzMBEq
Milwaukee Digital Refractometer: amzn.to/3CDQFWd
Mandarin/ Shrimp Feeder: amzn.to/3jO65yo
Coral Glue: amzn.to/3yFTJyv
ReVive Coral Dip Solution: amzn.to/3xJwxhz
[ Subscribe ]
/ bluereeftank
[ Follow me ]
Instagram & Facebook @bluereeftank
[ Music ]
Sleepy Fish - Metro Lines chll.to/3771c028
Ruck P - Coffee Break chll.to/2684b657
Cloudchord, Soul Food Horns - Morning Crackle chll.to/d961cfee
Ruck P - Reason chll.to/7b2c364a
[ Timestamps ]
0:00​​​​​​ - Intro
0:23 - Unboxing Waterbox Peninsula 25
1:15​​​​​​ - Unwrapping The Tank
2:08​​​​​ - Setting-Up
4:20​ - Preparing The Sand
4:48​ - Bring The Tank To Life
5:23​ - Rock Aquascape
5:59 - Preparing RODI water
6:49 - Salt + Water
7:19 - The Start of Cycling
[ Business inquiries ]
[e-mail]
#WaterboxPeninsula25 #NanoReefTank #Waterbox

[@areyouarobotz]

you need way more subscribers because this is fire

[@BlueReefTank]

Thank you so much for the kind words :)

[@hugmenuts]

You should run with no filter socks or sponges with Dr Tim’s one and only. You want the bacteria to attach the sand and rocks, not the sponges or filter sock. Love your vids! I recently setup a PM25 as well! 🤙🏼🤙🏼

[@BlueReefTank]

Thanks for pointing that out 😁 I forgot to include the footage where I took out the filter sock but yes, I did leave it out for 2 days

[@user-tv8fk9tw2g]

He is correct about not running filter media when cycling bacteria!!!! Your scape looks incredible. I can't wait to see it grown in!!!! Lice your videos as well. Treat technique for spreading your sand bed as well!!!!!

[@WaterboxAquariums]

Stellar job on this video! Can't wait to see what you have in store for your new PENINSULA MINI.

[@BlueReefTank]

Thank you Waterbox Team 😊

[@aslamabraham4555]

Wow, this video looks so satisfying. Nice!

[@BlueReefTank]

Thank you Aslam! :)

[@prnoidndroid]

Lovin' the backdrop lights

[@JimmySchofieldx]

Yes yes yes, I am so exited to see this tank grow, I also followed your insta and I gotta say you’ve got some fire pics! Good luck bro.

[@BlueReefTank]

Thanks a lot Jimmy! :D

[@ccody8063]

the rock looks so good

[@JREMMACLIPS]

This is actually the best KZbin video I have ever seen. The quality, camera shots and so much more. You deserve way more subscribers. Keep up the great work

[@BlueReefTank]

Hey Austin, thanks a lot for your kind words 😎Glad you like the video!

[@lukejsmodels2331]

What a nice scape!

[@BlueReefTank]

Thanks mate! :)

[@yigitsanes5992]

Lets gooo

[@BlueReefTank]

💪

[@lorenzospina3174]

Great job as always 😉.

[@BlueReefTank]

Thank you mate :)

[@kempzhong]

Wow, another nano tank! Good one mate!

[@BlueReefTank]

Thanks mate. This hobby is too addictive. It's never enough 😅

[@kempzhong]

@@BlueReefTank I have a 10g nano atm and been thinking getting a 4ft tank with sump. Now you make re-think this again. A bigger nano or 4ft tank...

[@BlueReefTank]

@@kempzhong if I can go bigger, I would go bigger 😂 I just don't have enough space and can only fit a peninsula 25

[@kempzhong]

@@BlueReefTank Thanks. BTW where did you get the clams and coco worm?

[@nicolejohnstone300]

well done video! bravo

[@luizassuncao2881]

Good luck on this new project!! 🤩

[@BlueReefTank]

Thanks Luiz! :)

[@Re5p3c7]

Hi. Nice video. I like your style. Just something to think about: putting your aquascape first and the sand second makes the rocks more stable. Now they are sitting on the unstable sand. Peninsula tanks are recognized by the viewers, because they can look from the 3 sides of the aquarium. I like your placement and lighting from behind tho.

[@BlueReefTank]

Thanks Vanyo :) Good point. It's also best to place a rubber mat or something similar at the bottom when you place rock first because if the rock surface is uneven, it can create a point pressure on the glass and crack the glass

[@754welive5]

@@BlueReefTank yeah

[@tiloalo]

Nice setup 👍 To start the cycle, you could have added one dirty filter sponge and some bio media from an already cycled tank. It makes the cycle super fast ☺️

[@BlueReefTank]

Totally agree with you! The reason why I use the bottled bacteria is because I want to avoid any cross contamination :) Things like hair algae or other pests can be easily introduced to the new tank by doing that but no doubt it will speed up the cycle significantly

[@natesaquatics4713]

Very cool!! :)

[@BlueReefTank]

😎 Thanks mate

[@richardportelli1983]

The waterbox tanks are so well built, I think I will get a 15 peninsula soon and do a nice lps tank with acans etc

[@BlueReefTank]

Great idea 👍

[@RobBoryckiGolf]

Love the videography mate

[@BlueReefTank]

Glad you enjoyed it mate! :)

[@freedomaquatics6328]

I have the same tank as well for my daughters bedroom. I just got her a pair of mocha clowns over the weekend.

[@BlueReefTank]

Very nice! Such a good father 🙂

[@uygartanyeri]

good

[@chiroxxxrt]

Sick set up

[@garypegler6707]

Great video. I have the same tank. I would replace the sponge and filter media that came with the tank with some bio balls and also replace the filter sock with a filter floss cup and filter floss. You can add some carbon in a bag in the bottom of the cup as well. If you use the carbon that comes with the tank then rinse it first because it is poor quality and full of dust. Better to get some decent carbon like the Red Sea stuff or similar. I have the bio balls threaded onto some cable ties to make a loop which hangs off the light bracket into the water of the middle section. No skimmer required.

[@BlueReefTank]

Thanks for the advice, Gary 😁

[@jorgecano7351]

What size filter floss cup I have a waterbox 25 as well? And you put the carbon in the same cup as the filter floss?

[@garypegler6707]

@@jorgecano7351 It is a 3D printed cup I bought from a UK online aquarium store. The same size fits the Waterbox cube tanks so that might help in your search as they are very popular. The filter sock is 2.75 inch so I guess the cup is the same size. The carbon goes in a bag at the bottom of the cup with the floss on top. Works very well.

[@CzarnaWroc]

@@garypegler6707 how often do you change the water and how many liters ?

[@garypegler6707]

@@CzarnaWroc I change 15 litres every 2 weeks. The tank is over a year old, when it was newer I changed 15 litres every week. The actual water volume in the tank is 75 litres. So a 20% change is I think a good amount.

[@jameschapman6169]

I would throw the bio balls into the recycling if I was you invest in some biohome ultimate marine filter media! Which is amazing stuff!

[@paulshockley8632]

Man I’m jealous! Another tank! Excited to see more new nano fish🙌 Yellow watchman goby/pistol shrimp?

[@BlueReefTank]

Going to be stocking fishes that are rare or hard to keep :D

[@paulshockley8632]

@@BlueReefTank nice! Got any livestock names you want to share? Or I have to wait for a video😅😅

[@BlueReefTank]

@@paulshockley8632 Gotta have to wait unfortunately 😜

[@chiroxxxrt]

Clear af dammmmmmm 💪💪💪💪

[@sailorjbn]

I allways place pumps on sponges to reduce any vibrations.

[@BlueReefTank]

Agree, you can do that too :)

[@glasscanvasart5273]

Fabulous video production! I’d say you need more rockwork depending on the coral you intend on keeping, as the negative space is too dominant.

[@BlueReefTank]

Yeah, I was thinking the same. I might have to add a bit more rock to it :D

[@tiffhill]

Love your channel! I'm a newbie and setting up my first Waterbox cube 20 on Friday! Wondering what lights you use for the backlight of your tank? Keep it up!!! Looking forward to the next video.

[@BlueReefTank]

It's just a normal strip led lighting :) Goodluck setting up the tank and welcome to this very "addictive" hobby 😁

[@blackbeardAquatics]

Hows the tank now Tiffany?

[@tomzz5224]

Hi there, i have the same aquarium and my return pump is giving off a hum and slight vibration noise, is it because mine is new or is yours the same ? Is there anything to fix this or does it fix itself over time ?

[@user-rj1xx8cy8e]

First🙌

[@BlueReefTank]

🙌

[@richardzapatero3209]

Love your video - very chill and relaxing to watch. After your setup how long do you have to wait before adding fish?

[@BlueReefTank]

I usually wait until it's fully cycled before I add any livestock 🙂 That can take anywhere from 14-30 days

[@DinoGooch]

Hi! Great vid 👍🏻 I have a few questions. When you washed your filter media in the sink was it tap water? Also what kind of salt did you use in your tank in the video? Your process of making fish safe water seems easier as you add the rodi water in that tank first and then add salt.

[@BlueReefTank]

yes it was tap water but after that I rinsed it again in RODI water :) I am using AquaForest Reef Salt for all my tanks and I only add salt last when I am setting up new tank and there's no livestock in it. If you have fish / corals, it is definitely a no no to mix the salt in the tank :)

[@bensimpson4091]

@@BlueReefTank even without livestock and definitely not that temp this can complete throw your levels through calcium precipitation at that temp

[@vivennaidoo]

Waterbox should come out with a 40 gallon cube and a peninsula

[@scottrobert2724]

wouldnt it be better if there was a hole in lower portion of tank in chamber one so if the water level runs low the pump wont run dry? Also another intake cant hurt as well

[@techtrader9858]

Is there anything I should keep in mind when mixing the salt in the tank. Should I keep the filters off? Does it mix in well?

[@BlueReefTank]

Hey mate, It's best to pre-mix the salt in a separate bucket 🙂 I only mix it in the tank because there's no livestock

[@CzarnaWroc]

Hi , How often do you change the water? It's no protein skimmer there . Don't you have problems with the bacterial film, water circulation, its oxygenation, so pH ..?I have aqua medic blenny qube 80 liters and I'm thinking of changing to a waterbox but I'm afraid of the lack of skimmer

[@BlueReefTank]

I change the water once a week and so far I haven't had any of those issues luckily. I am going to be making a video in the future on setting up a nano skimmer in my Waterbox Cube so stay tuned :)

[@pandanese90]

Wow unstoppable!! Love the videos! Are you keeping the Waterbox 20G on top of this 25G peninsula? And which do you prefer so far?

[@BlueReefTank]

Thanks mate! Yes, I am keeping both of them :) I probably liked the peninsula more than the cube just because it has more footprint to it :)

[@justchillin46]

Awesome video mate! Curious to what RODI filter you use? Trying to find something now we are all locked down

[@BlueReefTank]

Thanks mate! I got mine from shieldfilter.com.au

[@sedmands5]

Hi love the video nice production, what light are you running about to buy this aquarium but obviously dose not include the lighting cheers

[@MrNixtt]

First of all what a great channel. I subscribed ASAP. I have a question maybe You can help. I want a nano and I’m between the Peninsula 25 which has nice Glas and more space or the Red Sea max nano. Can you add a skimmer in the chambers of the pen. 25? thank you and greetings from Europe

[@BlueReefTank]

I am pretty sure you can add a nano skimmer in the back chambers but I haven't tried it yet myself. I reckon the Tunze nano skimmer will fit

[@mattb2906]

For some reason my back chambers are all very full. First chamber same as tank, 2nd chamber a bit below that and slightly above the height they just be at and then 3rd pump chamber that same height. I tried taking water out tonight so that it was pouring into my filter sock, but then the 2nd and 3rd chambers quickly got too low. Maybe my pump is too weak?

[@mattb2906]

2nd chamber being a bit below the first chamber and a bit above the height it must be at for the water to flow into the 3rd chamber*

[@chino4real617]

Hey i love your videos, are you still using the factory pump or did you replace it for a name brand one?

[@BlueReefTank]

For this tank, I am still using the factory pump :)

[@underthec7480]

does all that equipment come with the waterbox 20 as well? Im thinking of purchasing it.

[@BlueReefTank]

Not all of them. It only comes with the pump, filter media (black sponges, carbon & bio balls), and the filter sock. You'll still need to add heater, ATO, and light to it :)

[@techtrader9858]

I’m looking to get my first saltwater tank but I don’t no wether to get the cube 20 or the peninsula 25? Any advice? I plan to keep 4-6 fish and not a lot of corals just 2-3.

[@techtrader9858]

Also I’m planning to use the tank stock, just heater, filter action included no skimmer

[@BlueReefTank]

Further to my previous comment, I guess it depends where you want to put the tank . The peninsula is good as a "space" separation and I also liked the footprint of this tank.

[@un69perron]

How long take your cycling and do water changes?

[@keenonphillips7454]

I’ve watched majority of your videos, all of them on the Waterbox Cube 20. Do you prefer the Cube 20 or the Penisula 25. New to saltwater and have narrowed it down to these 2 tanks. Thanks for any response.

[@BlueReefTank]

Sorry for the late reply mate! I like them both to be honest but if you can, try to go for the bigger tank :) It will give you more room to scape and more things to put in the tank

[@MiniManAu]

@@BlueReefTank they are exactly the same size in water capacity...... 90L

[@techtrader9858]

What pump would you recommend or do you think the one that comes with it is fine? I just ordered the same tank, can’t wait 😄

[@BlueReefTank]

The stock pump is perfectly fine 😁 Good luck with your tank!

[@GuangleiLiu]

Could you please tell me what sand do you use?

[@melaniesimpson6322]

Nice scape!! Any preference between the waterbox 20 and the peninsula 25? I'm trying to decide between the two...of course the 25 is a little more volume, but I've always liked the cubes. New subscriber...love your videos

[@BlueReefTank]

Thanks Melanie! It really depends on how you want the tank to look like I guess? To be honest, I like both of them but I would definitely go with bigger space 🙂 I know my fish will appreciate an extra space

[@melaniesimpson6322]

@@BlueReefTank Thanks!!

[@jaminpetree4541]

When you going to post more man? Been waiting and waiting for some more videos from you

[@BlueReefTank]

When this becomes my full time job :P

[@ccody8063]

what type of rock is that? i notice it’s more flat than the regular rock i get at my lfs

[@BlueReefTank]

It's marco rock 😁 I like how it has a lot of flat surface

[@Dhira125]

lovely are y getting fish for the new tank?

[@BlueReefTank]

I will be :)

[@techtrader9858]

Also what rodi system you using, I ordered the aquati 5 stage system. Would you say it’s all the same as long as it has DI?

[@BlueReefTank]

I only have the 4 stage system and it's working perfectly fine for me 🙂 Unless the water in your local area has a high tds, I don't think you'll need 5 or 6 stages. Just make sure to install tds meter to know if the filter is working :)

[@VicctorS9]

If you don’t mind me asking, I have this exact tank And I’m wondering how many drops of ammonia I need to put? How many did you put in for your cycle?

[@youronlycow]

Hi! I've been watching your videos for awhile since the days of the royal gramma. I guess you must have photography/videography as part of your other hobby as this is amazing work. Good job! Curious though as I heard you can experience 4 seasons in a day in MEL. So for a mini tank like this how do we consider addition of chillers for eg? Or are you always in a controlled environment eg room with ac.

[@BlueReefTank]

Sorry for the late reply mate! Thanks for following the content until now :D Haha yep that sums up Melbourne. My apartment stays around 22-25C during the day and I have a heater in the tank that keeps the tank around 25C all day long. The only issue is during summer but we always turn the AC on during summer

[@utekevin]

Hey, vergy good video I just start a same system how much sand you used only one bag, 20 ponds? Will you use proteinskimmer?

[@BlueReefTank]

I only use 10 pounds of sand in this tank :) 20 pounds would be too thick. Nah, I'm not planning on using protein skimmer. Just trying to keep it simple this time :D

[@utekevin]

Thank you so much for the reply! :)

[@palamo123]

How did you fancy the 25 peninsula?

[@techtrader9858]

Any tips for when I set up this tank? Going to be my first salt water tank 😅

[@BlueReefTank]

I would say just be patient and take things slowly 😅 I would recommend watching BRS 52 weeks of reefing. It covers the entire reefing topic from setting up aquarium, picking fish and corals as well as how to prevent disease/ pest getting into your tank. All the best with your tank 😄

[@techtrader9858]

Also I got a 50w heater. Would that be okay?

[@BlueReefTank]

That should be plenty I reckon. Best to check the heater box/ manual as they usually write what tank size it's suitable for.

[@sandorkarcza7124]

hihi!Do you have no protein skimmer?

[@hunner4265]

Are you supposed to rinse your carbon in tap water? Not going to nitpick you, I was just confused because I was always advised to just rinse it in dirty WC water and that tap water was bad to rinse with or something?

[@BlueReefTank]

There are many conflicting info out there but what I would say is it depends on the tap water itself. My tap water has a very low tds and rinsing it for a short period of time is not going to hurt. The carbon will absorb some of the organics from the tap water but it can hold a lot more. I have done this and many have too with no ill effect on the tank. But I guess it won't hurt to be extra cautious as well by rinsing it in RODI

[@techtrader9858]

How many drops you add for ammonia. Sorry for asking so many questions 😖🤐

[@BlueReefTank]

All good mate! Haha I would say to follow the instruction written on the bottle as each manufacturer has different standards 🙂 I am using dr Tim's Ammonium Chloride and the instruction says to dose 4 drops per gallon

[@mikeseidu9458]

hi What Rock did you buy and from were

[@BlueReefTank]

It's called the Marco Rock and I got it from my local fish store :)

[@techtrader9858]

My tanks coming tomorrow =D I was wondering can I keep the heater in the pump chamber? Or should I keep it we’re the filtration is like you have done? Thanks for the advice so far ! 👌

[@BlueReefTank]

You must be very excited! It's best to keep it in the filtration chamber as the water level stays the same there. The water level in the pump chamber fluctuates and if it drops too low (from evaporation), you'll expose the heater to air and you don't want to know what'll happen next 🙃 Good luck setting up your new tank and if you have any questions, feel free to reply here or my instagram

[@3mate1]

What light do you use with this choral tank?

[@BlueReefTank]

It's the AI Prime 16HD

[@Taladrane]

Hello, does the pump make much noise?

[@danielcuevas1044]

What stand did you use for this size tank?

[@BlueReefTank]

It's an ikea table but I wouldn't recommend it as it's not rated for this tank and I had to do some modification to it

[@sporcu1175]

What heater did you put in your tank? where did you put it?

[@BlueReefTank]

It's the Aquael heater. I put mine in the middle compartment of the back chamber because the water level doesn't go up and down there

[@hokemspitter]

Why using Dr.Tim's No Stress Guard with a fishless cycle?

[@BlueReefTank]

That was recommended by dr.Tim's itself 🙂

[@StarOfAthenry]

What salt do you use in your tank?

[@BL_Denni]

cleaning the sand slows the process for cycle, not necessary with arag alive sands

[@bizzfo]

Tap water to clean Carbon? Mixing salt in the tank?

[@BlueReefTank]

My tap water has a very low tds and I rinsed it in again in RODI after 🙂 I only mix salt in the tank when there's no livestock in it.

[@joshthomas2841]

How long did it take for the RO to fill the tank?

[@BlueReefTank]

I would say around 9 hours in total 🤔 I usually get 20L every 2 hours

[@joshthomas2841]

@@BlueReefTank for water changes do you ever premix or pre prep the RO water? Also, do you have to remineralise or alter the water in anyway to reach the higher pH for reef tanks, or does the substrate do most of that work for you? Loving your channel :)

[@BlueReefTank]

@@joshthomas2841 I mix my RODI water and salt in a separate bucket (Note: I only mix salt in the tank when there's no livestock in it. Mixing salt in the tank can harm/ kill the livestock). The salt contains all the necessary trace elements (pH, Alk, Cal, Mg etc.) so you don't have to alter the water at all. :) My newly mixed saltwater usually is at around 8.4 pH

[@clive4369]

Hi was wondering what stand you were using?

[@BlueReefTank]

I got mine from Ikea but it's not rated for the tank so I don't really want to recommend the stand :)

[@conchutgienho6450]

please give me the link to order the set RODI water

[@BlueReefTank]

I got mine from Ebay AU. Are you based in Australia?

[@conchutgienho6450]

@@BlueReefTank I come from Viet Nam . can you show me its detailed picture

[@techtrader9858]

Do you use live sand?

[@BlueReefTank]

When I cycled this tank, I only use dry sand 🙂

[@techtrader9858]

@@BlueReefTank Would you recommend live sand? or dry like the one you used

[@bensimpson4091]

so much wrong here!!! I'd never rinse sand for a marine tank. there should be no dirt to begin with just finer sand particles which will be removed by your filter socket anyway. and should really be starting with live sand 😐 29°?!?! are you trying to cook it. reef tanks should be set at 25°! Then not mixing the salt and water before adding it to the tank 😰 this hurt to watch so much. even though there is no live stock that's such a big no no. which loops me back to the temperature. salt should be mixed before heating then brought up to 25° and you can't get an accurate salinity reading above or below that unless you are measuring it digitally or with a very expensive refractometer. 😭 I'm going to have nightmares of me dying and my partner treating my reef tank like this. I haven't seen your other videos yet but I'm guessing this is your first reef tank and first video on the topic or its just designed to take the piss 😓 but any basic research on setting up a reef tank will tell you this. the instructions on the salt bucket will even tell you this. you just can't do this. to agitate the water enough to devolve the salt your going to need to mix the sand to and like Berry come of the salt which will then slowly devolve and the crud will all stick to your tank. please add a disclaimer to the title so no one does this.. please.... PLEASE 🙏

[@bensimpson4091]

that's a really nice scape though