Want to setup a Budget Friendly Prop Tank

[Reef Dreamz]

I want to start a budget friendly prop tank.... what have you used and what does and does not work???

I know shallow tanks are better....or maybe not????

Your thoughts?

 

[inactive]

LED lights, heater, shortened skimmer and single return are key.

 

[Reef Dreamz]

Led lights are NOT cheap..... at least I cant find any right now ( im not the DIY guy) ...

Please divulge more about the skimmer and single return....

I was thinking maybe one of those AIO frag tanks I see on ebay by Advanced Acrylics.....opinions??

 

[inactive]

LED lights are more and more affordable not only to pick up, but in the long run as well. My led light for my 4 foot frag tank costs less than my light for my 4 foot display tank(sps)... heck, just the bulb replacement costs on my 6x54 T5 fixture alone is reason to switch over. Over time leds pay for themselves 10 fold.

 

[Gerber77]

I have had many frag tanks before, my next project is going to be a small scale tank that Im hoping to set up for less than $100. I will be getting a lot of used equipment for cheap.
8 gallon feeder tub- horse supply store 20" X 9" I believe - $15
20" T5 lighting- used- roughly $50
2 K nano or 1 K1-$20
12-14lbs base rock-$15

This is a bare bones frag tank with a lot of natural filtration, of course the frag rack will add a little more over the $100 mark, but you get the idea.

 

[ReeferBen]

For my frag tank I put a 20L next to my DT and drilled a hole in it. I feed it from the manifold off my DT's return pump and threw a 250mh over it. I had a seaswirl in the closet I added and a K4 for flow.

 

[LOVETHISHOBBY]

Not sure on the size of tank you're wanting to go with and types of corals, but I have 4ft x 2ft x 1ft frag tanks and have used (2) 4ft double shop lights with decent bulbs and they worked great for LPS and softies. For SPS, you'd want to go with a better lighting set up.

 

[Aquascaper]

I have had many frag tanks before, my next project is going to be a small scale tank that Im hoping to set up for less than $100. I will be getting a lot of used equipment for cheap.
8 gallon feeder tub- horse supply store 20" X 9" I believe - $15
20" T5 lighting- used- roughly $50
2 K nano or 1 K1-$20
12-14lbs base rock-$15

This is a bare bones frag tank with a lot of natural filtration, of course the frag rack will add a little more over the $100 mark, but you get the idea.

I understand your plan and purpose-
however, due to the strength and shape, I'd like you to consider the 50g rubber maid trough - cost $70ish at Tractor Supply

 

[Gerber77]

I understand your plan and purpose-
however, due to the strength and shape, I'd like you to consider the 50g rubber maid trough - cost $70ish at Tractor Supply

I was definitely looking into that, I have to go with the smaller tub for the next year on account of space issues. I will get the larger tubs once Im out of school. Thank you very much.

 

[BlazinNano]

Now for a budget tank. If you are going to keep just zoas and LPS with no fish would you need a skimmer?
I mean my first tank was a 10 gallon with no skimmer and three fish.