Quick, and cheap, frag tank build.

[RandoReefer]

As many other avid aquarists and reef junkies have done and can attest to doing, I unknowingly accumulated a basement full of tanks, parts, prices, and equipment. What can I say, I'm a sucker for Craigslist and hardware store sales! After my last CL purchase of a 40B for $30, it only seemed right to put some of these things to good use. I did so in the form of a frag tank.

The cheapo tank!

 

[RandoReefer]

I had no qualms in slow building this tank and waiting for the few pieces I still needed, which was mostly plumbing.

In the meantime I had to find a location in the basement fishroom. A run to my friend's house to pickup a free 20long pre-baffled sump and a rifling through the junk drawer for some ceiling anchors and....... Viola!

 

[RandoReefer]

What happens when you are the transporter for a 500+ frag trade to your favorite LFS..?

EQUIPMENT!!!

***Granted only one Jeabo DC 3000 was mine, but this a MAJOR equipment haul for my Frag Farmer friend!

 

[RandoReefer]

So out of the frag haul I was able to get my overflow box, return pump, bulkheads, and locline. Here's the dry fit.

Painted for that Sleeker look!

 

[mwbeach]

Nice! I would like to build one as well. Gotta get some more equipment first

 

[RandoReefer]

Nice! I would like to build one as well. Gotta get some more equipment first

Thanks!
I've always got my eyes on CL and the buy/sell/trade forums, especially if I happen to be traveling. [emoji6]

 

[SantaMonica]

Love frag tanks.

 

[RandoReefer]

Love frag tanks.

Me too! Normally means something is going right in other tanks.

 

[RandoReefer]

Played a new game called, "drink beer while working once he frag tank and see what comes first; to drunk to work, or work completed." Luckily there wasn't much to do, so the latter was the outcome.

Overflow box glued and bottom painted.

 

[ptreef]

looking good!

I did the same with a 30g breeder too. I used a 15g tank for sump, lowes cut a piece of glass and made baffle!

 

[RandoReefer]

looking good!

I did the same with a 30g breeder too. I used a 15g tank for sump, lowes cut a piece of glass and made baffle!

Thanks! I'm digging the location of this tank as it is right in my basement "fishroom". Only 6ft away from my waterchange station!

 

[RandoReefer]

Plumbing!!!

First a leak test on my overflow box.

 

[Rausch]

did you drill the glass holes as well? or take it in and get it done?? Looks excellent!!! Great work!

 

[RandoReefer]

did you drill the glass holes as well? or take it in and get it done?? Looks excellent!!! Great work!

Thanks!!

I sure did. I'm lucky enough to have a small group of reef-heads nearby. One of us has a drill bit that's been circulated over and over. I'm surprised it still has cutting power left in it!

 

[RandoReefer]

Time to get it wet! Always a nervous task for me, especially on builds like this where I haven't spent the money on unions.

Ran the electricals. I'm a stickler for cord management so this will have to be cleaned up soon!

And... RACKS! I threw these together with leftover plumbing, zip ties, and one sheet of eggcrate.( $13 for eggcrate is the cheapest I could find. Anyone else find it cheaper?)

I made the bottom in rack in two separate pieces as to allow easy removal for detritus cleaning. Later on I will make some sort of handles on them.

Secondary level.

Full shot:

I'm sure there will be magnet racks on the sides as this begins to fill up. But in the meantime....

 

[RandoReefer]

Oh, I found a frag plug pack (100ct) for $19.99 shipped! Oceans Wonders on EBay!

 

[Fish Art]

Very nice setup. This is ours.

 

[RandoReefer]

Very nice setup. This is ours.

Nice! Digging the tool organization!

 

[RandoReefer]

Spent the $$ on a SCA-301 skimmer. I've seen it pull some serious scum from a friend's reef. It should be just enough for a very lightly stocked frag tank.

Picked these heavy duty outdoor timers on sale on the hardware store, $4.99 each!

 

[CaliforniaCoralCo]

Looks great! Nice work!

-Nick