My frag system build

Daniel@R2R · Apr 10, 2017

I've made some significant progress toward getting the frag tank set up this weekend.

I finally unboxed my new toys for it, so here are a few things going on the tank:

I picked up a GHL Profilux 3.1 that will be running the show on this one.

Also am trying out the new Somatic 60 Filtration System. This is a really sweet system! Somatic is the budget brand owned by Vertex, and the quality is quite impressive! I also really like the modular design which allows you to pick pieces you want/need for your system. I'll walk you guys through my unboxing experience.

Here is everything in boxes...

Now to unwrap these one by one.

The sump/skimmer combo:

Both are really slick designs IMHO and solid build quality. I haven't turned the skimmer on yet, so a review of that will have to come later, but if looks are any indication, this one should be solid (it is a Vertex after all).

Next up is the Drain Cover which fits on the sump (holes for overflow pipe and probes).

Then...filter sock holder. Plumbing fitting is for 1.5" - 1" drain pipe.

Line-Holder for dosing lines.

Return Pump module

Pump Module filter

Here are all the pieces...

Now to put it together...

Daniel@R2R · Apr 27, 2017

I suppose a pic of the tank and stand would be a good update.

I picked up the plumbing (well, most of it) last week. Just need to pot everything together. Planning to finish this next week.

hybridazn · Apr 27, 2017

Yaaaay frag tanks!

Daniel@R2R · Apr 27, 2017

hybridazn said:
Yaaaay frag tanks!

Yep...have you seen this tank before???

azbigjohn · Apr 27, 2017

Gonna watch this one.... My little makeshift frag tank isn't gonna cut it.

I've never heard of the Somatic brand... gonna have to look at that one... Seems so many of the "big boy" brands are coming up with a budget brand... As a reefer with a "budget" style budget, I like the movement in that direction.

Daniel@R2R · Apr 27, 2017

azbigjohn said:
Gonna watch this one.... My little makeshift frag tank isn't gonna cut it.

I've never heard of the Somatic brand... gonna have to look at that one... Seems so many of the "big boy" brands are coming up with a budget brand... As a reefer with a "budget" style budget, I like the movement in that direction.

Man! I love the Somatic sump. Definitely an excellent product. The fact that it comes with the skimmer included at an accessible price point is a HUGE plus IMHO, and as a reefer on a budget, I ABSOLUTELY agree with you that this is a really nice trend to see in the industry.

Daniel@R2R · Apr 27, 2017

So I was thinking I'd probably go with a dosing pump and use 2-part on this system, but now I'm really looking at the Aquamaxx nano calcium reactors from @MarineDepot. Just gotta decide which of these I like better... hmmm...

AquaMaxx S-NANO Calcium Reactor

Or...

AquaMaxx cTech T-NANO Hang-On Calcium Reactor

What do you guys think?

hybridazn · Apr 27, 2017

mdbannister said:
Yep...have you seen this tank before???

Haha, ummm I think so? I dunno, inhaling silicone fumes makes my brain all fuzzy...

mdbannister said:
So I was thinking I'd probably go with a dosing pump and use 2-part on this system, but now I'm really looking at the Aquamaxx nano calcium reactors from @MarineDepot. Just gotta decide which of these I like better... hmmm...

AquaMaxx S-NANO Calcium Reactor

Or...

AquaMaxx cTech T-NANO Hang-On Calcium Reactor

What do you guys think?

Uh, no. Geos reef or bust

cromag27 · Apr 30, 2017

Are those bubbles in the bottom front seam of the sump?

Daniel@R2R · May 7, 2017

mdbannister said:
So I was thinking I'd probably go with a dosing pump and use 2-part on this system, but now I'm really looking at the Aquamaxx nano calcium reactors from @MarineDepot. Just gotta decide which of these I like better... hmmm...

AquaMaxx S-NANO Calcium Reactor

Or...

AquaMaxx cTech T-NANO Hang-On Calcium Reactor

What do you guys think?

So I've decided to go with the AquaMaxx cTech T-NANO Hang-On Calcium Reactor

hybridazn said:
Haha, ummm I think so? I dunno, inhaling silicone fumes makes my brain all fuzzy...

Uh, no. Geos reef or bust

Geo has some awesome units, but for this tank, I'm gonna go with the Aquamaxx unit. I like the HOB nano format. It is rated for up to 75 gallons, so it should be more than plenty for my little frag tank.

cromag08 said:
Are those bubbles in the bottom front seam of the sump?

No...that's where I broke a sliver off the bottom pane when we moved the tank from Ohio to Cali. It's a small piece that broke off. It's not big enough to affect it structurally (especially with this small a water volume), but I decided to cover that area with silicone for my own piece of mind bc of my small kids and worrying about them touching/getting cut on the broken glass.

Daniel@R2R · May 8, 2017

Pulled the trigger on the CalRx.

Daniel@R2R · Aug 31, 2017

Way overdue on an update, but this hasn't actually gotten any progress until last week. I'm still working on it, but we're in Mexico this week (until next Wednesday), so for now, it's just sitting.

Here are some pics of last week's progress.

A huge thanks to @Rakie for giving me a needed push to get moving on it again (and for taking the pics).

There's actually water in it now, but I'm still battling with a noisy overflow. It's in the bedroom, so my wife will kill me if I can't get it to be silent. Oh well, I'll have 3 weeks to figure that out once I get back. Why is the overflow always such an issue?

Daniel@R2R · Oct 2, 2017

Getting set up!

Rakie · Oct 2, 2017

Is that a Gen 2, Gen 3, or Gen 4 Radion? We know you collect 'em like pokemon

Daniel@R2R · Oct 2, 2017

Rakie said:
Is that a Gen 2, Gen 3, or Gen 4 Radion? We know you collect 'em like pokemon

Gen 1 upgraded to Gen 3

Amoo · Oct 2, 2017

Crap Daniel, I didn't know you setup a build for this one. Wish you would have tagged me. #SHAME

Amoo · Oct 2, 2017

What are the dimensions on that frag tank, Daniel?

Amoo · Oct 2, 2017

Also why did you put this in the main reef forum, move it to the build forums baddie

maldenreefer · Dec 12, 2017

mdbannister said:
Way overdue on an update, but this hasn't actually gotten any progress until last week. I'm still working on it, but we're in Mexico this week (until next Wednesday), so for now, it's just sitting.

There's actually water in it now, but I'm still battling with a noisy overflow. It's in the bedroom, so my wife will kill me if I can't get it to be silent. Oh well, I'll have 3 weeks to figure that out once I get back. Why is the overflow always such an issue?

Hmm, so any thoughts on how a refugium would fit in that sump? What would be the best way to divert water to make it work?

Daniel@R2R · Dec 13, 2017

maldenreefer said:
Hmm, so any thoughts on how a refugium would fit in that sump? What would be the best way to divert water to make it work?

My personal preference is for an ATS rather than a fuge. I'm a firm believer that unless a fuge is pretty large, then the benefits are negligible (unless you're using it more for pod cultivation than nutrient control). However, IF I were to add a fuge here, I'd probably look at the compartment where the overflow comes down as a possible space for a small one. Either that or perhaps a HOB fuge being added. I would not put one in the skimmer compartment.