Basic Frag Tank Set ups?

[Max2000]

Hi guys, im relativly new here but i was so fascinated by fraging that I wanted to give it a go before i establish a Full reef tank. I did do a little research before i thaught of starting this hobby. I read The New Marine Aquarium book by Micheal S 3 times. I was wondering the best filtration method. I was arguing to buy a canister filter system to save some time and money or a Wet/Dry filtration system. I am probably getting a 30Gallon breeder. Also if anyone else has this same size tank could give me there set up and some pics it would be great. I do believe in equvalent exchange and will do my best to help the reef community. :angel:

 

[oceanparadise1]

go with a sump its a must! i run a frag tank thats a 65, i have a hydor k4 and k2, an aqua clear 70 for carbon, no skimmer and a sump with a fuge

 

[Max2000]

one like this one I should get?
http://www.bigalsonline.ca/edealinv...664&siId=3478906&catParentID=17906&scId=17906

 

[Max2000]

I have to shop from this site cause its down my street >_<

 

[Russellaqua]

I would definitely go with a sump. It gives you more room in the frag tank and provides extra filtration. As frag tanks are often heavily stocked this is important so that you don't have as much chemical warfare between corals than you would without one. I use a skimmer, wet/dry filter, live rock, and chaeto in my sump. At the height of things I also had a calcium reactor with pH monitor and an auto-topoff unit running RO water. I literally just had to let things grow in that tank and do some water changes. The calcium reactor and auto topoff are totally optional. Below is a pic of what I refer to as the "overkill sump." It's a 20L attached to a 40Br.

 

[oceanparadise1]

lol thats an awsome sump! i dont like bio wheels, plus you dont need to spend that much on a sump get ur self a 20 long and some baffles use the extra money for a skimmer

 

[Max2000]

if i where to make it by hand what three stages would i have to include, with what equipment

 

[Max2000]

nvm on that last not i didnt some youtube hunting and found DIY vids

 

[Russellaqua]

I like to put mechanicals in the inlet portion of the sump, skimmer, filter, heater because the water level is the highest so the skimmer and filter aren't working to move water up, and the heater always stays completely submersed. The second chamber I use as a refugium and extra biological filtration with the chaeto. The third chamber is really just a place to put the return pump. Having the third chamber helps keep your pump from sucking in chaeto and spitting out in your tank. Mine is a glass 20L tank with 0.25" acrylic baffles held by aquarium silicone. It was a DIY project that took just a few minutes to do.

 

[Max2000]

Thanks Russellaqua and OceanParadise1 i will be going to BigAls today to pick up a 20 gallon for a sump