New frag tank help?

Bropar_Marty · Jun 23, 2019

So i recently purchased a 30G Deep Blue frag tank. Thing is i don't know what i absolutely need and don't need to run the tank. So i guess what I'm asking is, if you have frag tank how complex is your setup or not complex? I have a light and return pump but that's it. Not sure if i should get a skimmer run gfo/carbon/chaeto reactor. Most of the coral will be LPS torch/hammer/frogspawn, blastos shrooms couple of chalices and cyphastrea. Fish will be maintenance related lawnmower blenny and CUC. If anyone has a link to a post for setting up a frag tank i wouldn't mind going through it.

andrewkw · Jun 23, 2019

I run my frag system skimmerless. No reactors either. Just a filter sock and live rock. I have a bit of macro algae in the sump too but to be honest right now the only light it gets is sunlight from the window.

I have everything from tons of pom pom xenia to chalices to acros in the tank. I am actually in the process of making this a more "proper" system. Up until last month I did all my fragging in a 55g tank that used to be a hospital tank. I've since upgraded to a lowboy and the 55 is the sump, but again it's just got high quality live rock, some heaters and a return pump. I may or may not keep the filter socks all the time. I am a big fan of them but I'm simply using them due to some initial algae issues with new eggcrate. The new system is 3 weeks old, but the old frag system functioned this low tech for about 2 years+

I have no fish in the system and the cleanup crew is whatever is on the live rock + 1 snail. I probably need about 4-6 more snails eventually and I may consider adding a tang. For me the frag tank is just all about the corals. They get target fed and I do weekly water changes and that is enough to maintain water quality (2 part dosing also to maintain calcium and alkalinity). Just remember you can start with nothing and just add as you go.

kireek · Jun 23, 2019

My frag tank is essentially set up like another aquarium.It has a sump,lights,skimmer and circulation pumps.The primary difference is that it has less live rock and more frag racks.In addition the upper "display" tank has a bare bottom.

Hallowhead · Jun 23, 2019

I am currently setting up a deep blue 34 gallon frag tank. I am taking it as a typical setup. The only difference is less live rock in display and more marine pure spheres in sump. I am forgoing a skimmer until I find it necessary (also when I have more money). For now I can manage to do weekly water changes. It depends what corals you're setting up I am planning to grow out euphyllia and zoa's for now, so I don't have to run any reactors etc.

Firemanreefkeeper · Jun 23, 2019

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/firemans-20-gallon-frag-aio.590812/
This is my build of my AIO frag tank. It's as simple as it gets. Filter sock, bag of carbon, return pump and some T5 lights. I had a skimmer but took it off as there was no measurable nitrates or phosphates. I was wasting my time skimming nothing. I have a 6line Wrasse in there to keep the coral company. I'll be adding a doser next week as my alk drops a point a day.

ZoWhat · Jun 23, 2019

isn't a frag tank meant to GROW out more corals?

why would it be any different than your DT?

I would put just as much blood, sweat, tears and equipment investment necessary to have a successful growth tank

.

Hallowhead · Jun 23, 2019

skimjim said:
isn't a frag tank meant to GROW out more corals?

why would it be any different than your DT?

I would put just as much blood, sweat, tears and equipment investment necessary to have a successful growth tank

.

The thought is you won't have a fully stocked tank. No substrate no where as near much bioload as your DT so you could forgo a skimmer. Obviously a skimmer makes your life easier just stuff like this

Bropar_Marty · Jun 23, 2019

skimjim said:
isn't a frag tank meant to GROW out more corals?

why would it be any different than your DT?

I would put just as much blood, sweat, tears and equipment investment necessary to have a successful growth tank

.

Well as Firemanreefkeeper said he stopped using a skimmer because he wasn't getting any production out of it. So this is why i am asking so i don't waste money on things that won't be a benefit to my frag tank. I can put that money to equipment that will benefit the tank or more coral.

ZoWhat · Jun 24, 2019

martin oldham said:
Well as Firemanreefkeeper said he stopped using a skimmer because he wasn't getting any production out of it. So this is why i am asking so i don't waste money on things that won't be a benefit to my frag tank. I can put that money to equipment that will benefit the tank or more coral.

Not understanding why nearly everyone thinks the skimmers job is to ONLY to remove waste...

A major 2nd function is to oxygenate the water increasing pH.

.

Bropar_Marty · Jun 24, 2019

skimjim said:
Not understanding why nearly everyone thinks the skimmers job is to ONLY to remove waste...

A major 2nd function is to oxygenate the water increasing pH.

.

an open top has gas exchange and the overflow produces plenty of micro bubbles and i can buy a $10 aerator versus a $100 skimmer to aerate the water. Plus if all the skimmer is doing is oxygenating the water and not actually producing skim it’s only performing half it’s job and also adding heat to the tank and taking up space for a piece of equipment that will perform its whole job versus half.

ZoWhat · Jun 24, 2019

martin oldham said:
an open top has gas exchange and the overflow produces plenty of micro bubbles and i can buy a $10 aerator versus a $100 skimmer to aerate the water. Plus if all the skimmer is doing is oxygenating the water and not actually producing skim it’s only performing half it’s job and also adding heat to the tank and taking up space for a piece of equipment that will perform its whole job versus half.

understood

ACF930 · Jun 24, 2019

I recommend plumbing your frag tank into your display if you can. Managing one water system will make things a lot easier. If you do that, then you only need lights, pump(s) for flow, return pump, and frag racks. If you already have a controller like an Apex then you won’t need to buy another.

Yes you will have all your eggs in one basket, but if you are a busy and sometimes lazy person (like me) then you will be less likely to crash a tank by neglect and have a higher chance of success babying one water system IMO.

Bropar_Marty · Jun 24, 2019

ACF930 said:
I recommend plumbing your frag tank into your display if you can. Managing one water system will make things a lot easier. If you do that, then you only need lights, pump(s) for flow, return pump, and frag racks. If you already have a controller like an Apex then you won’t need to buy another.

Yes you will have all your eggs in one basket, but if you are a busy and sometimes lazy person (like me) then you will be less likely to crash a tank by neglect and have a higher chance of success babying one water system IMO.

Unfortunately that’s not an option wish i could. But the frag tank will be in my room so a lot less likely to be neglected.