Plumb frag tank to DT or separate system?

AmatuerAuer · Mar 15, 2016

I have a 40 breeder that I am setting up as a frag tank. The question is do I plumb it to my 120g main display (sump) or create a second system.

My thought is combine and save on duplicate equipment (heat, skimmer, reactor etc) while
Increasing stability through increased total water volume.

Down side, if something wipes either tank they both go down. Flat worm, ice, whatever..

I plan to grow softies and LPS in the frag with some SPS perhaps but not much of an acro guy at the moment.

What would you do AND why?

TheEngineer · Mar 15, 2016

If it were me, I would plumb them together, but design it so you can isolate the frag tank from the DT. You don't need much additional equipment should you have to isolate the two, just a heater and a power head.

AmatuerAuer · Mar 15, 2016

Going to put a gate valve on the return, I guess I could put a ball valve on the drain line just in case.

racin2438 · Mar 16, 2016

Just keep in mind..that if you get any parasites, ick, any contamination you will have it in both tanks. By the time you catch it in one tank ..it's in the other. That could get costly , I have always plumbed separately. ..buts that's just me.

AmatuerAuer · Mar 17, 2016

That's my only real concern Racin2438

Pepcrylic · Mar 17, 2016

I had my frag tank in line with my 310. Then I got to thinking (and hearing horror stories about bugs) I think it is wise to QT corals for a long period of time (for at least 2 rounds of dipping) before they go into the DT. So I took it off line and set up a complete system . Sump, skimmer, apex, the whole 9 yards.
I also added some Damsel's , a Yellow Tank (algae control) and a six line wrasse for bugs.
Water Changes are a breeze. I plumbed the DT return pump to the Frag QT. And the drain for the Frag QT goes directly down the drain (outside).

Ryengoth · Mar 17, 2016

racin2438 said:
Just keep in mind..that if you get any parasites, ick, any contamination you will have it in both tanks. By the time you catch it in one tank ..it's in the other. That could get costly , I have always plumbed separately. ..buts that's just me.

Even if you run a large UV sterilizer on the supply line? Cost-wise, a large sterilizer would be cheaper and less residual maintenance.