Frag tank questions

SR52012 · Jul 18, 2017

I am setting up a frag tank, it is a 48x18x10 (the 10 is tall). With that being said, it has a overflow in the back middle, I will be running a 10 or 20l sump, with a skimmer, filter sock, and im planning on a diy media holder (drain from tank will dump into 2 4" pvc pipe, one with a bag of carbon, chemi or what ever, the other holding the filter sock.) then return pump back to frag tank. i am going to be using a 4 bulb 48" t5. i am doing this on an extreme budget, i already have 2 skimmers i can use, a 10 gal for sump, and an old return pump.

Am i missing anything else? With out dosing, i know i can get away with growing softies, what else?

kilgoretrout · Jul 18, 2017

I'd add a powerhead to get some flow going. The return will provide some but at 48" long you will need more flow on the edges of the tank.

SR52012 · Jul 19, 2017

kilgoretrout said:
I'd add a powerhead to get some flow going. The return will provide some but at 48" long you will need more flow on the edges of the tank.

I have a wave maker and a few extra pumps i can use if needed.

kilgoretrout · Jul 19, 2017

What about live rock or some way to host bacteria ? Like a biobrick.

SR52012 · Jul 19, 2017

kilgoretrout said:
What about live rock or some way to host bacteria ? Like a biobrick.

I have a running 36 gal and 5 gal that i will be taking the rock out of and putting it in the sump. Most likly with cheato and a skimmer.

kilgoretrout · Jul 19, 2017

It sounds like you have everything. I run all mine like normal tanks. A frag tank is not anything different; just more area to have coral. So you have to get creative and stuff coral under crate, in the sump, use biobricks, etc.

SR52012 · Jul 20, 2017

Picked the tank up last night! Now i just have to get the stand built.

SR52012 · Jul 20, 2017

SR52012 · Jul 20, 2017

@kilgoretrout can you post a pic of your set up?

kilgoretrout · Jul 20, 2017

SR52012 said:
@kilgoretrout can you post a pic of your set up?

Hey. Here is a quick and crappy photo. My tanks are really dirty but I wanted to just show you how they are set up. Normally the wires are more tidy but I have been so busy lately.

SR52012 · Jul 20, 2017

looks good man

ECOKid · Jul 20, 2017

Id up the sump cap IMO. Since its a frag tank The sump dont have to be pretty. You wont regret it. Much better to move around and add anything u wsnt in the future.

SR52012 · Jul 20, 2017

ECOKid said:
Id up the sump cap IMO. Since its a frag tank The sump dont have to be pretty. You wont regret it. Much better to move around and add anything u wsnt in the future.

What do you mean about Sump Cap? Im planning on making the stand 4ft x 2ft and possible 30" tall. so i will have plenty of room. And im starting to think about using a 20L as my sump.

ECOKid · Jul 21, 2017

Sump capacity lol. Look around a local fish store to see if they have a decent size sump used. Even a 20L seems a bit tight fitting to me. If your frag tank will be basically bare up top, i personally feel youll need ample LR space and a skimmer compartment. Not to mention youll also have to accomodate the return pump. My frag tank is 48×24×12 filled to 11", so jst a tad bit bigger than yours. But this hobby is pure preference. Im jst a fan of volume and space. But heres my first sump choice and the second choice placed below my stand. I love the elbow space

SR52012 · Jul 21, 2017

thanks, ill keep that in mind!

SR52012 · Jul 25, 2017

So what about CUC? I found a post the other day but cant find it again, in it someone said something about small snails of some sort because the get on the frag plugs better. What would u guys run to help with the algae?

kilgoretrout · Jul 25, 2017

I treat my frag tanks just like my normal tank. I added the CUC that it needs as its needs grow. I am a big fan of trochus because they can erect themselves if they tip over. They can be huge though so you'll want to use a rack so they do not bulldoze your frags as often. I use emeralds to keep away any bubble algae and use a couple of conches to clean the floor.