Hydroponics 2x4 flood tray ?

[Denisk]

Does anyone have anything against using one of these as a frag tank. I know the viewing will only be from the top but that is not a concern to me. I'm wondering wheather the plastic leaches anything bad as it will be plumbed to my display and whether they last long. Any thoughts would greatly be appreciated especially from those who have used one before.

 

[jsker]

Good idea to me[emoji599]

 

[Denisk]

Good idea to me[emoji599]

For 200 hundred shipped. I can't complain. Easy to plumb as well lol

 

[mcarroll]

For $200 I gotta as how big is it?

 

[mcarroll]

About $200 gets you a nice glass tank:
Coral Tanks

Building a stand is really cheap.

 

[Denisk]

About $200 gets you a nice glass tank:
Coral Tanks

Building a stand is really cheap.

Not many I know for 200 for the stand and a glass tank at that dimension especially brand new. It's not that I have any issues building anything. I just wanted sometime shallow for all my Zoas. But thanks for your suggestion.

 

[Coastie Reefer]

For $200 you could get something like a 40 breeder and have money left over for all the plumbing...

Or maybe even a 20 long... that tray is roughly only 20-25 gallons.

 

[Denisk]

Nvm I see that glass cages has good prices but that's not including shipping. Last time I checked they almost quoted me 200 plus dollars.

 

[Denisk]

I really appreciate the tips on what I can get for 200 dollars lol. I have a 20 gallon tank laying around but that's not really the question I'm asking here.

 

[Denisk]

For $200 you could get something like a 40 breeder and have money left over for all the plumbing...

Or maybe even a 20 long... that tray is roughly only 20-25 gallons.

But that tray is perfect dimension. It's already being plumbed to 150 plus gallons. I don't want more water hahaha

 

[Coastie Reefer]

Just saying the glass boxes would seem to be more bang for your buck and be more durable. I remember BRS used to sell hydroponic frag tank setups. I like the idea but there more economical options. In the end just get what makes you happy because there's value in that as well. Just my .02

 

[Denisk]

Just saying the glass boxes would seem to be more bang for your buck and be more durable. I remember BRS used to sell hydroponic frag tank setups. I like the idea but there more economical options. In the end just get what makes you happy because there's value in that as well. Just my .02

I appreciate it! I agree with you. I'm also one to say there isn't one right answer. My question is more or less if they are durable or if they leach anything that I should be concerned about.

 

[mcarroll]

Sorry I can't attest to having one, but a glass tank is going to be more durable than a plastic tray.
(I guess that could depend what abuse you have in mind for it, but under "normal use"....)

I don't imagine leaching would be an issue, but can you tell what plastic it's made from?

And I don't see if you already answered this from earlier:

For $200 I gotta as how big is it?

What are the dimensions of that tray?

 

[Denisk]

Sorry I can't attest to having one, but a glass tank is going to be more durable than a plastic tray.
(I guess that could depend what abuse you have in mind for it, but under "normal use"....)

I don't imagine leaching would be an issue, but can you tell what plastic it's made from?

And I don't see if you already answered this from earlier:


What are the dimensions of that tray?

48x24x7 with stand and shipping.

Abs plastic

 

[cwalton00]

My local fish store has one on display. They use two kessil A160's over it and mainly sell LPS corals out of it.

 

[JaimeAdams]

hydroponic trays are very durable and will not leach anything into the water. People have been using them for years without any issue.

 

[redfishbluefish]

I agree with @JaimeAdams . There was a post a number of years ago of a guy who used a long tray like this....maybe eight to ten feet. For lights, he put a single fixture on a motorized rail that slowly brought the light back and forth over the tank. Because it was so shallow, this was more than enough light.

I say go for it! A fun project. Please post this build so we can watch the progress.

 

[Denisk]

I agree with @JaimeAdams . There was a post a number of years ago of a guy who used a long tray like this....maybe eight to ten feet. For lights, he put a single fixture on a motorized rail that slowly brought the light back and forth over the tank. Because it was so shallow, this was more than enough light.

I say go for it! A fun project. Please post this build so we can watch the progress.

Thank you! Will do. I will most likely add to my 150 gallon build thread.

 

[mcarroll]

48x24x7 with stand and shipping.

Abs plastic

Definitely a good deal – and if it seems too good to pass up, by all means go for it! – but it seems like a short term investment. ABS is definitely tough, but how will it be after a few years of saltwater wear and tear with holes tapped into it for drainage, etc? Does it get brittle and crack when the bulkhead puts some pressure on it?

I don't know those answers, so personally I'd spend the few extra $ for glass. Are you close enough to one of GC's delivery routes to do a pickup from them by chance?

7" is shallow, so glass-thickness requirements will be very low – maybe consider a DIY glass tank?

I swear I'm not trying to be a downer....just trying to play the Red Team for you.

 

[Denisk]

Definitely a good deal – and if it seems too good to pass up, by all means go for it! – but it seems like a short term investment. ABS is definitely tough, but how will it be after a few years of saltwater wear and tear with holes tapped into it for drainage, etc? Does it get brittle and crack when the bulkhead puts some pressure on it?

I don't know those answers, so personally I'd spend the few extra $ for glass. Are you close enough to one of GC's delivery routes to do a pickup from them by chance?

7" is shallow, so glass-thickness requirements will be very low – maybe consider a DIY glass tank?

I swear I'm not trying to be a downer....just trying to play the Red Team for you.

Yeah unfortunately I'm not near them. I took a look and the same set up in glass is 244 plus shipping plus building a stand. We are in the 600 plus range. The trays by themselves are like 100 bucks and I can replace it once every few years if they start looking worn. I actually appreciate you throwing out your suggestions however I went with my route. Worst case scenario, I can sell it and get a glass one. But if I can not have to spend a ton of money. I always go with that route lol.