New frag tank!!

[abryant]

Just bought this 50 gallon low boy tank looking to start my first frag tank how do I go about it? I currently have a 30 gal tank and a 120 gal so I have a little bit of experience but I’ve only been in the hobby for like 6 months now. So what’s the best way to start I have a couple of question.

1. Do I start with live rock? I have an extra tank full of it
2. What should I do for filtration
3. Do I need fish in there for like bacteria or anything, if so what should I get
4. What should I use for flow, looking to grow all kinds of coral but no sps because of difficult ness.
5. Should I build a sump for it, it is not currently drilled
6. Lights? What lights would y’all recommend?

these are all the questions I have as of now I’d be much appreciated if you guys could help me out thank you

 

[blaxsun]

1. Yes, you can (insta-cycle).
2. A hang-on-back filter like a Seachem Tidal would work.
3. Either or. It depends on the type of corals, but usually some herbivores for algae and wrasses for pest control.
4. Anything. Gyres mounted on one side at the bottom (reduced maintenance) are a popular option - but you can literally use any kind of powerhead.
5. Entirely optional.
6. I like EcoTech Radions - but there are umpteen different light options (depends on your budget).

 

[abryant]

1. Yes, you can (insta-cycle).
2. A hang-on-back filter like a Seachem Tidal would work.
3. Either or. It depends on the type of corals, but usually some herbivores for algae and wrasses for pest control.
4. Anything. Gyres mounted on one side at the bottom (reduced maintenance) are a popular option - but you can literally use any kind of powerhead.
5. Entirely optional.
6. I like EcoTech Radions - but there are umpteen different light options (depends on your budget).

Thank you, and you recommend a hang on the back filter over a skimmer?

should I do any chemical filtration

and why would I mount the gyre at the bottom of the tank and not the top

 

[blaxsun]

Thank you, and you recommend a hang on the back filter over a skimmer?

should I do any chemical filtration

and why would I mount the gyre at the bottom of the tank and not the top

You can run a HOB skimmer as well, but if you don't opt for fish you may not see a lot of benefit with a skimmer.

By chemical filtration, you mean...?

By placing it at the bottom (potentially under any egg crate or frag hokders) it will blast any detritus, etc. off the bottom of the glass (reducing maintenance).

 

[abryant]

You can run a HOB skimmer as well, but if you don't opt for fish you may not see a lot of benefit with a skimmer.

By chemical filtration, you mean...?

By placing it at the bottom (potentially under any egg crate or frag hokders) it will blast any detritus, etc. off the bottom of the glass (reducing maintenance).

Nvm on the chemical filtration but I meant like carbon and stuff but I probably plan to have a tomini tang in there and maybe something else so I likely will not need a skimmed just a hang on the back filter?

 

[blaxsun]

Nvm on the chemical filtration but I meant like carbon and stuff but I probably plan to have a tomini tang in there and maybe something else so I likely will not need a skimmed just a hang on the back filter?

Carbon is fine. Yes, HOB will do the trick.

 

[Rimsky]

Just bought this 50 gallon low boy tank

So cool. I would like to buy one. The problem is that I live overseas. I would have to buy it online, have it shipped to an address in Miami, FL... and then forwarded to my country (Panama). I can't find any online retailer that would ship a low boy 50 gallon to FL. Any leads?