Frag tank set up

BC1906 · Jul 17, 2017

I'm setting up a frag tank using a drilled 20g long tank with a 20g sump. I want to run T5s. Would a 2 bulb fixture or 4 bulb fixture work better? Mainly going to have LPS and zoas. Maybe some sps.

Also, what size return pump should I get? It'll probably have about 3ft head loss.

Tuffyyyyy · Jul 17, 2017

Not sure about return pump but I'm sure you'd be fine with a 2 bulb fixture. If you're getting a 30" fixture then you're talking about ~62 watts

nervousmonkey · Jul 17, 2017

+1. 2 bulb will be fine, of course 4 bulbs won't hurt, unless they are right on the surface of the water or you blast the corals. The way to think about it is transitioning corals into and out of the frag tank. What lighting are you using on your DT?
Return pump choice is just a basic pump, a Sicce Syncra 1.0 is always a good choice. 251 GPH with max head height of 5 feet, and you can dial the flow down if needed. This gives you the flexibility to use the return for flow within the tank, and if you keep that pump clean, it will keep going forever and you won't hear it. Don't know how you have your return line set up or plan to set it up, but you can add a T to your return line, add Loc-line if you want, and you probably will not need powerheads inside the frag tank. I like to have really good flow, higher than normal, for frag tanks, to give the corals. esp. if you have SPS, a good foundation to start.

BC1906 · Jul 17, 2017

I have a 180g DT that's using 3 165w Led. I'm debating either supplementing or switching to t5 for my DT but wanted to see if I noticed a real difference in the frag tank running t5.

nervousmonkey · Jul 17, 2017

I think that you will see a difference, although technically speaking, light is light. It is how you use the light that makes a difference in your coral growth and coloration. Keep in mind that T5's just provide a greater coverage area, where there are not so many spots where light is super strong in one area, and weak in another. If your LED's are doing that, then T5's will make a dramatic difference. I would supplement with T5's, not replace. I find that supplementing with different kinds of lighting makes a huge difference. It will also help to have a solution like T5's where changing or tweaking your lighting doesn't make as big a difference in terms of coverage area. For a frag tank, two T5's over a 20 gallon will make a big difference. @saltyfilmfolks has some great ideas on lighting as well.