Cheap frag systems! How to do it?

[BARNAKEWLZ]

Let start a little discussion. How cheap can you build a frag system. The goal it go as big as possible, save as much cash as possible for corals to fill it. It would be nice to hear what people are using for a tank, lights, sumps and flow. What are your hacks? It doesn’t have to look good, just grow corals! Please share pics if you have them too.

I am shaping up ideas for a fish room.

 

[Jason_MrFrags]

cheapest is to use what you already have laying around.

 

[BARNAKEWLZ]

cheapest is to use what you already have laying around.

and that I did. I have all 3 tanks that I have owned over the last 10 years plumbed all together. Lite by all the original lights that were used on the tanks originally . 3 different return pumps and an assortment of equipment. Now that I have run out of equipment I want to build out something larger as a second system.

 

[19Mateo83]

one of these tanks with a divider on one end running a skimmer and return pump with bio media or live rock. And wave makers/circulation pumps on the other. Essentially turning it into a huge AIO. You could do this idea in as large of a tank as your budget will allow. OR…. Have several of these plumbed into a central sump and you would have the ability to expand with more tanks very easily.

 

[Mperry622]

I almost got divorced the other day when i sent the wife to use her truck and pick me up one of these She sent me a message asking what i was thinking about buying something so large..


apparently, 300 is far too large for the house and I was given the choice of me or it in the house... I took home the 150 :-(

 

[Mperry622]

I almost got divorced the other day when i sent the wife to use her truck and pick me up one of these She sent me a message asking what i was thinking about buying something so large..


apparently, 300 is far too large for the house and I was given the choice of me or it in the house... I took home the 150 :-(

I have 210 + 125 + 110 + 150Gal Sump now.

 

[MoshJosh]

2X 40 breeders on 50% sale, Rubbermaid stock tank sump/fuge. T5s or cheap LEDs for the corals. plant grow light for the fuge. Aquatop wavemakers. Fluval Heater.

 

[Reefer Matt Verified Media Partner]

one of these tanks with a divider on one end running a skimmer and return pump with bio media or live rock. And wave makers/circulation pumps on the other. Essentially turning it into a huge AIO. You could do this idea in as large of a tank as your budget will allow. OR…. Have several of these plumbed into a central sump and you would have the ability to expand with more tanks very easily.

I put an internal overflow on this and have a side exit sump. Works great!

 

[BARNAKEWLZ]

I put an internal overflow on this and have a side exit sump. Works great!

Im curious what does the overflow look like? I have one of these sitting around.

 

[Reefer Matt Verified Media Partner]

Im curious what does the overflow look like? I have one of these sitting around.

It has to be drilled, but it worked pretty good for me.
ReefCreators 1200 GPH Internal...

 

[BARNAKEWLZ]

It has to be drilled, but it worked pretty good for me.
ReefCreators 1200 GPH Internal...

Oh real nice. It looks like that one is no longer available. I just order a low profile side mount one. I will share once I get it installed this weekend

 

[BARNAKEWLZ]

Just for the conversation, I pieced out what I think is the cheapest route that could be done for a 250 gallon frag system. The only thing I’m not sure about is the lights. Never used them.

Is it worth the trouble at this point? Interesting to see as for 2 grand I think you could get something much nicer, the down side would be water volume. The upside the quality of absolutely everything else

Tank plans

4 rubbermade tubs $400

2 return 8000 Jebao pumps split $200

4 jebao gyres pumps $400

100 gallon return tub $130

4 aqua top 300 watt heaters $220

Lights? Nicrew 150s $800

 

[cilyjr]

If you want to save money, run the tank of of your existing system. Then you are not adding much in monthly costs.

I know it's not possible for everyone, but if you operate a remote sump it would possible.

This tank is 4 foot x 2 foot by 8 inches. As my main display is plumbed to this shed I was able to put the frag tank on the shelf.

The tank cost $400
But the lights and pumps were bought used at $350 for all.
My return pump is big enough to run the display, frag tank, and a manifold.

 

[BARNAKEWLZ]

If you want to save money, run the tank of of your existing system. Then you are not adding much in monthly costs.

I know it's not possible for everyone, but if you operate a remote sump it would possible.

This tank is 4 foot x 2 foot by 8 inches. As my main display is plumbed to this shed I was able to put the frag tank on the shelf.

The tank cost $400
But the lights and pumps were bought used at $350 for all.
My return pump is big enough to run the display, frag tank, and a manifold.

That’s really cool that you have it out in the shed? Any crazy temp swings? I current have 3 tanks to one sump. To the point where the sump can no longer take on any more tanks without overflowing. That were the idea of a new setup cam from. It would be smarter to over build a second system, than to upsize the current sump imo

 

[BARNAKEWLZ]

And 350 for the lights is a great deal! Nice

 

[BARNAKEWLZ]

Also.. it more about redirecting money to corals. I don’t think any of us save money lol

 

[cilyjr]

The lights are old hydra 26 HD I got them a $100 each and 50 for a small gyre pump. The Guy was getting rid of everything fast.

That’s really cool that you have it out in the shed? Any crazy temp swings?

Where I live, It's pretty much sunny and 70 year round.
I did insulate the heck out of the shed though. I have bigger issues keeping it cool. Between the equipment running and the insulation it's always pretty warm in there. The rare days that it gets above 80 here I just open the door.

 

[cilyjr]

? I current have 3 tanks to one sump. To the point where the sump can no longer take on any more tanks without overflowing.

That can be a problem as well. I have the 1 display and sump and frag and that's enough maintenance for me!