So I want to start a frag tank

ruppertb · Nov 16, 2011

I want to set up a tank in my basement to use as a frag growout and also a safe place to keep duplicate polyps. I have a 4 ft t5 light fixture with 4 bulbs 54watts each (I think) and its just sitting around and I have some spare 55gallons. Would this be enough light for growing out softies/zoas/ and some lps?

Also what would be the best 4 bulbs combo to use in it as far as spectrum
Should i leave it with 2 10k and 2 act or change it up a bit?

Also should they have the normal 8 hrs of light I give my tank or can frag tanks have more light?

Can I use all fresh non cycled saltwater, this will be only frags, no fish.

Thanks

Akwarius · Nov 16, 2011

First off, the tank will need a source of biological filtration. Corals are impacted by ammonia even more so than fish. The same rules still apply here, ie, steady water params, live rock, skimming, frequent water changes and/or dosing. Skimp on any of these and your frags will be stunted or dead.

The light should be sufficient and the spectrum is a matter of personal preference. If it were me, I would swap out all of the bulbs in favor of a blue+, blue+, aquablue, blue+ or blue+, purple+, aquablue, blue+. With the pure actinics that you currently have you will be sacrificing par, and 10k may promote unwanted algae growth. Eight-ten hours a day should be sufficient, and you can raise or lower the frags depending on how they react. With only four bulbs you may need to create a frag rack that elevates everything to the top half of the 55g.

ruppertb · Nov 16, 2011

ok thank you, I already have a skimmer and powerhead with carbon in the tank, just wasnt sure if I needed live rock in there or not. I also have a frag rack that will keep the frags in the upper half of the tank.

I wasnt aware that blue+ could be used for growth, never messed with t5 bulb config I just left it the way it was. I always though blue+ was an actinic bulb.

Akwarius · Nov 16, 2011

Using 10k for growth is an old lighting philosophy. My understanding was that the 450-460 nm peak of the blue plus provides the maximum par of any bulb. The blue wavelength penetrates deeper into the water and brings out the best color in corals. Using a single ab special or 65k will help to round out the spectrum.