AIO Frag Tank

[Xclusive Reef]

So I am thinking about putting together a Zoa Frag Tank. I Can't connect this to my main display and I am not doing any over the tank as I had bad experience (floods) with those. So frag tank will be it's own tank. My plan was to remove 2-3 gallons from main display and do water changes every 5 days. i am looking for help on what filtration etc to use and setup. here are some pics of the tank.

 

[saintsreturn]

Are you going to have frags only or any working fish? I have seen a lot of frag specific tanks contain smaller fish that work like tangs. This of course has its own challenges as they will need to be homed when they grow and all that stuff.

The reason i ask...

If this is to be setup like a show tank for mobility and ease, then i would run a small carbon reactor and filter floss. Check out my buddy at North Texas Corals. I forgot what it is called, but he bought a new reactor that is sexy and fits these tanks great.

If it is going to contain fish, or be more permanent, then i would run a nano skimmer as well. This will help with your nutrient export and give you some breathing room on water changes. If you are growing corals out, you are going to want FSW for some of your changes versus just your DT water to ensure the highest of nutrient replenishment.

The reason i am pushing the carbon reactor is you will most likely have your hands in this system more than you DT, and with its size, you will have lower tolerances for variables like the oil on your skin, etc. Carbon will help offset this.

So short answer:
Carbon reactor, mechanical filtration (sock or floss), small protein skimmer. Start with that and then see if your tests show you need a different or more medium.

 

[Xclusive Reef]

It would be permanent tank. I would probably add 1 fish to it. tank Height is only 6 inches so looking for a nano skimmer might be a little hard. Zoa's like a little dirty water so i think skimmer can be skipped. I was thinking middle section i can add some bio balls and right chamber I can add some filter floss and maybe carbon bag. ? do they make intank media basket this small or what options are there for the filter floss and other things.?

What fish would you recommend for the frag tank?

 

[Tihsho]

you could run polyfil on the first chamber with some cut to size filter mat on top of it, in the second chamber run your bio media (LR would probably be a good idea unless you have something with a lot of surface area already) and then a pad of ChemiClean Blue Nano and a small bag of Seachem Matrix Carbon to keep the tank all sparkly clean looking. It won't be a huge nutrient sponge, so you don't have to worry about your Zoa's not getting their Nitrates or Phosphates, but the tank should look crystal clear.

 

[Spdjnky]

Thanks I plan on leaving it just the way it is and yes I'm sure I will be using some kind of your suggestions. I also have a steiner pump that I can use to do continues water changes any ideas on this will be welcome as I'm not sure if thats the way to go with Zoa's as I'm told that your water should be a little dirty

 

[Tihsho]

IMO if you're looking to keep this as a continuous water change system, I'd look into tying this into your main tank. It can be as simple as one pump in the sump area to drain the Zoa tank into the main display and pulling water from the display to refill it. Your display tank's filtration will be keeping up with the bio load and the tank water going back in will make sure that it's still providing organics for the Zoa's.

 

[Spdjnky]

Thanks that's interesting I was planning on doing it from my saltwater mixing station meaning fresh saltwater being exchanged. I am thinking right now that I could use the Steiner pump to do the same thing with my main aquarium. When I set it back up.

 

[VOLCANOfire]

What are the demension? It looks really nice

 

[PizzaSlayer]

R

So I am thinking about putting together a Zoa Frag Tank. I Can't connect this to my main display and I am not doing any over the tank as I had bad experience (floods) with those. So frag tank will be it's own tank. My plan was to remove 2-3 gallons from main display and do water changes every 5 days. i am looking for help on what filtration etc to use and setup. here are some pics of the tank.

Random and a day late but I just snagged an identical tank today. Any idea what size that return hole is? I’m going to order some new plumbing/loctite for it.
Also, what did you end up doing with your filtration? I was thinking LR rubble and filter floss with a bag of chemi clean.

 

[Hooz]

What tank is this?

 

[PicassoClown04]

Since it’s just zoas, I’d throw rubble from your DT into a caddy with some bioballs and floss just for bio media, an ATO, heater, return and you’re good. Cheap light like AI Prime should be perfect