Creating a frag tank...

Luka · Apr 12, 2016

Hey guys, so I want to get a frag tank I have done a lot of research and realized there are many ways of doing it, and many things contradicting each other. So I have many questions. I would love to get answers and any insight about frag tanks. I appreciate all info so please just chime in even if it isnt related to my questions... Thanks!!

What I want...
-Bare bottom
-Easy to clean
-Hang above tank lights
-I want to keep SPS, LPS and Softies
-Yes I will be feeding the corals that will grow
-Shallower tank/tray not too shallow
-Long tank/tray

Questions-
-HOB, sump or no filtration at all?
-Do I need live rock?
-Protein skimmer? Yay or Nay?
-Tank or a tray like hydroponic tray
-Should I keep some fish in there if so what kind?
-Do I need a doser (I will be using reef crystals which has been working in my 15 gallon)
-ATO??
-Any recommendations are appreciated!

Thanks,

Luka

P.s. further questions might be in coming, they just aren't on the top of my head right now.

TheEngineer · Apr 12, 2016

I'm working on a frag tank right now too. Here's my take on it :

Filtration: yes, whatever you can fit
Live rock: no
Skimmer: yes
Tank or tray: I'm using a tank
Fish: I plan on a couple of wrasses to keep the bugs at bay
Doser: maybe
ATO: definitely

rock_lobster · Apr 12, 2016

Questions-
-HOB, sump or no filtration at all? Sump or refugium is a plus
-Do I need live rock? NO live rock necessary. Need some from of macro algae. Chaeto is the king of macros.
-Protein skimmer? Yay or Nay? NAY water change as needed if cyano or detritus accumulates.
-Tank or a tray like hydroponic tray: Either or prefer. a 24x24 lagoon style for best light coverage and space.
-Should I keep some fish in there if so what kind? Maybe one or 2 just to keep nutrients in the water any kind depending on tank size.
-Do I need a doser (I will be using reef crystals which has been working in my 15 gallon): I would definitely use a doser. Makes life a lot easier.
-ATO?? I use a continous doser which serves as an ATO.
-Any recommendations are appreciated!

Luka · Apr 12, 2016

Thanks for thew insight so far guys! I would need to cycle the tank right? And if I had a sump would it be good to toss live rock in it? And for a sump would a 5.5 gallon work? Also any CuC needed?

rock_lobster · Apr 12, 2016

Luka said:
Thanks for thew insight so far guys! I would need to cycle the tank right? And if I had a sump would it be good to toss live rock in it? And for a sump would a 5.5 gallon work? Also any CuC needed?

Yes definitely need to cycle the tank first. Sump plus liverock is a good choice to free up the main frag tank from live rock. 5.5 gallons is okay for a sump the bigger the better as it increases water volume and stabilizes parameters. CUC is necessary to keep down algae. Id recommend snails primarily like turbos. hermits can be a pain with frags.

sharkboy99999 · Apr 12, 2016

This is how I have all my frag tanks. Bare bottom, frag rack , couple fish, skimmer, rock in sump. I would have live rock in sump and atleast one fish to keep the bacteria good and to keep Coral happy as well as to keep the tank stable.

Luka · Apr 12, 2016

okay cool cool...so I am debating about the doser...no doser or doser...I could dose myself I have the time but it would be 10x better if I could get bb by not dosing at all...using reef crystals instead it works in my DT what do you guys think?

sharkboy99999 · Apr 13, 2016

Luka said:
okay cool cool...so I am debating about the doser...no doser or doser...I could dose myself I have the time but it would be 10x better if I could get bb by not dosing at all...using reef crystals instead it works in my DT what do you guys think?

Just test, test, test. If u need to start dosing then start dosing. If the dosing gets to the point where it's to much for u to do. then buy a dosing pump.

Luka · Apr 13, 2016

Thanks for the info guys! I think I have a pretty good idea of what I want to do...

If you guys know any cheaper alternatives that are just as good chime in

-26 gallon hydroponic flood tray 4'x2' Height: 7"(This big enough?) http://hydrobuilder.com/id-white-2ft-x-4ft-grow-tray.html
-20 gallon or 14 gallon sump Brute tote http://www.amazon.com/Rubbermaid-Co...TF8&qid=1460565297&sr=8-1&keywords=brute+tote
-Toss some live rock in the sump
-Get a protein skimmer (Never had a protein skimmer is this any good?) http://www.marineandreef.com/Aqua_Medic_Miniflotor_Internal_Protein_Skimmer_p/rab20247.htm
-get a six line wrasse...what about yellow tang would that work? Or is the tank too small
-egg crate
-I think I am going to have a filter sock on the overflow which I can put carbon or renew in any thoughts/recommendations on this?
-Heater ofc
-And any recommendations for powerheads and a return pump?
-Do need macro algae? If so where would I put it? I don't want to make bafolds in the sump
-And for dosing I will start out with what @sharkboy99999

Thanks again guys!!

TheEngineer · Apr 13, 2016

Luka said:
Thanks for the info guys! I think I have a pretty good idea of what I want to do...

If you guys know any cheaper alternatives that are just as good chime in

-26 gallon hydroponic flood tray 4'x2' Height: 7"(This big enough?) http://hydrobuilder.com/id-white-2ft-x-4ft-grow-tray.html
-20 gallon or 14 gallon sump Brute tote http://www.amazon.com/Rubbermaid-Co...TF8&qid=1460565297&sr=8-1&keywords=brute+tote
-Toss some live rock in the sump
-Get a protein skimmer (Never had a protein skimmer is this any good?) http://www.marineandreef.com/Aqua_Medic_Miniflotor_Internal_Protein_Skimmer_p/rab20247.htm
-get a six line wrasse...what about yellow tang would that work? Or is the tank too small
-egg crate
-I think I am going to have a filter sock on the overflow which I can put carbon or renew in any thoughts/recommendations on this?
-Heater ofc
-And any recommendations for powerheads and a return pump?
-Do need macro algae? If so where would I put it? I don't want to make bafolds in the sump
-And for dosing I will start out with what @sharkboy99999

Thanks again guys!!

You can get a 20g tank from Petco for $20 during the $/gallon sale. I'd go that route over the tote personally.

Luka · Apr 13, 2016

Isn't the next dollar a gallon sale in September?

TheEngineer · Apr 13, 2016

Not sure. Pets Supplies Plus does it too.

Luka · Apr 13, 2016

Yea there was in February I will look around I know pet smart does it too. If not the tote should be fine only 4 bucks more plus shipping. I am just afraid the tote might leech or the hydroponic might leech.

Oh almost forgot one big question I have is what lighting should I use? What fixture and what bulbs??

cnote2991 · Apr 13, 2016

The petco near me has the dollar/gallon sale now through May 7th or so. I think it is company wide.

Luka · Apr 13, 2016

cnote2991 said:
The petco near me has the dollar/gallon sale now through May 7th or so. I think it is company wide.

Yep just checked your right I will get one asap... thanks!!

Anyone know what good lights are for this frag tank build?

Tooch · Apr 13, 2016

How about a small coralife bio cube for a frag tank? I was thinking of doing something like that

sharkboy99999 · Apr 13, 2016

You don't seem like you have very much Coral. If you are going to start fraging then start off with putting one of those frags rack that go on your glass. Build your way from there. I would only get a frag tank of you have to.