Interested in starting a frag tank

Magalotti5 · Feb 29, 2012

We currently have a reef tank and things are going well but only been in the hobby for a few months. My son and I have an interest in setting up a small frag tank to experiment with corals. What would be the best way to get started? Can we use an existing 10 gallon tank that we have sitting around? What would be lighting and filtration requirements for a frag tank? Let us know as we are just exploring for the best options to dabble in this aspect of the hobby.

Thanks!

revhtree · Feb 29, 2012

Well you sure can use the 10g. Is there any way to plumb it into the main tank you have now?

mallorieGgator · Mar 2, 2012

You can definitely use a 10 gallon but a 20 long might be better. It depends on what corals you are going to keep in it to pick a light. However, if you are going with a shallower tank like a 10 gallon or a 20L then you can use a T5 with 2-4 bulbs or even LEDs if you are into the new technology. If you can plumb the frag tank into the main tank that will give you a lot more water stability then it will with a small tank alone. You will probably need a small skimmer if you plan on keeping fish in the frag tank as having a skimmer can help decrease phosphates and nitrates by removing waste.

steelermags · Mar 2, 2012

thanks! not sure I can plumb it into my existing set up. If I can't and go stand alone, I will look for a 20 long. What kind of corals would you recommend to start out with?

*rAzOr* · Mar 2, 2012

I been thinking of adding a frag tank to my existing tank.
I like the 24x24x8-12" look

*rAzOr*

dturner · Mar 2, 2012

If it were me I would probably do some SPS and LPS corals and grow them as big as I could get them and put them back in the display. What is your plan as far as experimentation goes?

mallorieGgator · Mar 2, 2012

steelermags said:
thanks! not sure I can plumb it into my existing set up. If I can't and go stand alone, I will look for a 20 long. What kind of corals would you recommend to start out with?

I would look around on the coral forums here and see what corals you like best. Then you can get the correct lighting and water flow for that type of coral.