20 gallon long frag tank

503reefdroid · Jan 7, 2020

I've started building my first frag tank after being in this hobby for a year. Ive built the stand and got the tank, I also have a lot of the little things. Just looking for a light and maybe a small powerhead pump. The second picture with the tank, the stand is on its side. I built so I can add a second tank later.

Any tips would be great, thank you.

24/7ReeFTime · Jan 7, 2020

Can’t wait to see how it goes. I’ve been looking at getting a frag tank to!! Keep it up.

503reefdroid · Jan 7, 2020

jaxon meller said:
Can’t wait to see how it goes. I’ve been looking at getting a frag tank to!! Keep it up.

I'm building it on a budget, but might save up for a good light.

503reefdroid · Jan 13, 2020

Just a quick update on the build. Painted the back and bottom. Just waiting until I have all the items to finish every thing else. Not sure what light I will buy or how I will mount it.

Peace River · Jan 13, 2020

This sounds like a great project! Are you planning to paint the stand?

503reefdroid · Jan 13, 2020

Peace River said:
This sounds like a great project! Are you planning to paint the stand?

I think I'm going to just sand it and use several coats of a good polyurethane. Nothing fancy as this is a budget build and if I ever sell it someone can make it theirs.

Peace River · Jan 13, 2020

503reefdroid said:
I think I'm going to just sand it and use several coats of a good polyurethane. Nothing fancy as this is a budget build and if I ever sell it someone can make it theirs.

Poly will work fine. IME you’re better of sealing the wood whether it is paint, poly, or something else that is similar. The only other recommendation is to let the poly fully dry. Good luck!

old salt reefer · Jan 13, 2020

Following.

503reefdroid · Jan 19, 2020

Almost done with the stand. Just need to add some polyurethane and move it inside and add some water.

503reefdroid · Feb 2, 2020

Got some water in the tank and mixing some salt in it. Cycle will be starting soon.
Tank cost 20 dollars
Stand cost 30 dollars
Heater 30 dollars
Filter 28 dollars
Light & flex arm 230 dollars
Power head 37 dollars
Total cost 375 dollars
Honestly I will need one more light to light to fully light the tank. But I think it's not to bad for a start up on a budget.

btmedic04 · Feb 3, 2020

sweet little set up. I started what was supposed to be a frag tank, but last second it became a second reef tank lol

MamaP · Feb 22, 2020

503reefdroid said:
Got some water in the tank and mixing some salt in it. Cycle will be starting soon.
Tank cost 20 dollars
Stand cost 30 dollars
Heater 30 dollars
Filter 28 dollars
Light & flex arm 230 dollars
Power head 37 dollars
Total cost 375 dollars
Honestly I will need one more light to light to fully light the tank. But I think it's not to bad for a start up on a budget.

I'm starting a 20g long up as a frag tank as well. I've been picking up things here and there getting ready for it. I got some reef rock, live sand, and the rack, but I'm stuck on what kind of light to get for it. Any recommendations for a 20g long for frag lighting?

24/7ReeFTime · Feb 22, 2020

MamaP said:
I'm starting a 20g long up as a frag tank as well. I've been picking up things here and there getting ready for it. I got some reef rock, live sand, and the rack, but I'm stuck on what kind of light to get for it. Any recommendations for a 20g long for frag lighting?

Would a dual T5 be too big? Or do you want LED?

MamaP · Feb 22, 2020

24/7ReeFTime said:
Would a dual T5 be too big? Or do you want LED?

Not sure. I want to start growing corals and this would be my QT for them until they go into my DT. The tank is about 30" long, 12" wide, and 12" deep, so it needs more spread than depth power. It would also need to be mounted to the tank, since there's no lid to hang them from.

503reefdroid · Feb 22, 2020

Do you have a budget on how much you want to spend? I know reef breeders has a light that will work of this tank. I was actually thinking about getting it because it would light the whole tank.

MamaP · Feb 22, 2020

503reefdroid said:
Do you have a budget on how much you want to spend? I know reef breeders has a light that will work of this tank. I was actually thinking about getting it because it would light the whole tank.

Ideally not a fortune, as I already have a reef ready light in the DT, but it needs to be good enough to grow healthy corals, and may end up being a secondary reef tank. What is the light you're thinking about?

503reefdroid · Feb 22, 2020

MamaP said:
Ideally not a fortune, as I already have a reef ready light in the DT, but it needs to be good enough to grow healthy corals, and may end up being a secondary reef tank. What is the light you're thinking about?

https://www.reefbreeders.com/shop/photon-24-v2/ that was the light I was going to get. But I'm going with 2 ai prime 16hd

503reefdroid · Mar 6, 2021

Here is a my update over a year later.
Been growing mostly zoas in the tank but I have lots of other corals as well. But the frags have helped me save some money on corals and fish at my lfs.