Frag Tank Help

[scfurse77]

So i'm setting up a 50 gallon shallow frag tank sometime next week and i am having a couple debates with myself. Tell me what you think? PS: this is my first frag tank so be easy on me.

Fish or no fish?
Sand or no sand?
What type of CUC do i want?
will Jabeo WV's work or do i need to go with MP's like i have in my DT?
Does return pump need the same value as in my DT? (10 GPH per gallon)
I will be using an ATI 6 bulb fixture (Non Dimmable) how long should i run the light? 9 hours ok?
- i was thinking of this combo 3 blue plus, 1 Blue E5, 1 coral plus and either a P+ or actinic?
Calcium Reactor or 2 part dosing?
Red sea Pro Salt ok? this is what i've been using in my DT.
I'm thinking of putting the water from my DT water changes into the new tank to help with cycling and maturing the tank. is this ok?

I think that's all my questions for now. Any other tips you have for me. I am all ears.

 

[djd3mon]

Fish or no fish? I prefer no fish, I have a reef tank with fish in it. Less work for you.
Sand or no sand? No sand!!!! Easier to clean the bottom of your tank and no where for algae to gain control.
What type of CUC do i want? a few snails should work. I would not put any in there until you notice algae growing though
will Jabeo WV's work or do i need to go with MP's like i have in my DT? Any pump will work as long as you have enough flow
Does return pump need the same value as in my DT? (10 GPH per gallon) Im unsure, I have never had a sump....yet.
I will be using an ATI 6 bulb fixture (Non Dimmable) how long should i run the light? 9 hours ok? Ive read where other people keep them on for 6 hours and turn on their leds for the remaining light cycle.
- i was thinking of this combo 3 blue plus, 1 Blue E5, 1 coral plus and either a P+ or actinic? Personally I would go with 4 blue+ 1 coral plus and 1 purple.
Calcium Reactor or 2 part dosing? start with 2 part. Once dosing is no longer efficient then look into reactor. Unless your tank will be chock full of mini colonies of sps.
Red sea Pro Salt ok? this is what i've been using in my DT. This should be fine. Ive had it precipitate out on my once so I switched to Fritz.
I'm thinking of putting the water from my DT water changes into the new tank to help with cycling and maturing the tank. is this ok? yes use as much old water as you can...but also take some LR from your DT as well. The BB is in your LR, not your water. I let my frag tank sit a couple weeks running before doing my first water change and I slowly put corals in there.

 

[scfurse77]

Thanks man i appreciate the tips. I will be running a skimmer. So if i do decide to get fish, i will get beneficial fish like a tang or something that has a purpose other than cool looking fish if that makes sense.

How long did you wait before adding SPS?

 

[djd3mon]

Thanks man i appreciate the tips. I will be running a skimmer. So if i do decide to get fish, i will get beneficial fish like a tang or something that has a purpose other than cool looking fish if that makes sense.

How long did you wait before adding SPS?

I already had all sorts or frags in my reef tank I needed to get them out. I would say around 2 weeks - 1 month is when I probably added my sps.

If I could have done it all over I would only put softies and lps in there until I was able to keep my frag tank stable.

Iva had some expensive acros die within a week due to alk, cal, ph and temp fluctuating.

I added an APEX system, dosing pumps etc. my tank is now more stable.