What To Expect From "Connected" Frag Tank

[Eldredge]

I am in the process of setting up a 40 breeder as a frag tank connected to my main system - 125 gallon with 55 sump/fuge. My thought was that since it is sharing water with the main system, it would merely be an extension of the main system with no real difference. As I am looking at the white rock and "sterile" tank, I am wondering if it is going to be more like a new system...

I have never had a frag tank connected to an existing system. Can some of you share your experience with this? Can I transfer corals to the new frag tank and expect them to be just as happy as they were? I fully expect some diatom and algae issues as the rock and sand matures. Would it be advisable to take some of the established rock from the big tank rather than having new, white rock?

If anyone can share some experience or offer some advice, I would be grateful.

 

[Eldredge]

I thought I would give this one bump in case anyone had any experience or suggestions they might share. Thanks

 

[TheDragonsReef]

Adding too much uncycled rock can cause some issues but if its just a 40 and your other is a 125 it should be fine. Youll most likey get diatoms and may have some algae outbreaks. I would move some of the cycled rock into the 40 to help spread coraline and beneficial bacteria to the new rock. As far as corals go they should do fine moving between the 2 as long as lighting is the same between both tanks as well.

 

[csund]

I added a 200g frag system to my DT of 150g. The frag system is two 100g tanks, one sits on top of the stand the other below like a sump. It turns over with the DT @ 180gph. I also kidney looped the two tanks with another pump that’s prob 300gph and added a separate heater. This way I can isolate that system if needed. I filled the lower tank almost completely with “cycled” rock. I ended up getting cyano and Dino’s isolated to the upper tank alone (lights were off below.) After a few weeks the cyano and Dino’s dissipated. I did occasionally vacuum out the cyano when it grew into a thick enough mat.

 

[Eldredge]

Adding too much uncycled rock can cause some issues but if its just a 40 and your other is a 125 it should be fine. Youll most likey get diatoms and may have some algae outbreaks. I would move some of the cycled rock into the 40 to help spread coraline and beneficial bacteria to the new rock. As far as corals go they should do fine moving between the 2 as long as lighting is the same between both tanks as well.

Thanks for the advice. I only added a couple of rocks, so I think that part will be okay, Maybe I'll swap one of them for a mature one from the main tank. Good to hear that moving the corals should be okay. I have some new frags coming this week, and I wanted to make some room. Thanks again.

 

[Eldredge]

I added a 200g frag system to my DT of 150g. The frag system is two 100g tanks, one sits on top of the stand the other below like a sump. It turns over with the DT @ 180gph. I also kidney looped the two tanks with another pump that’s prob 300gph and added a separate heater. This way I can isolate that system if needed. I filled the lower tank almost completely with “cycled” rock. I ended up getting cyano and Dino’s isolated to the upper tank alone (lights were off below.) After a few weeks the cyano and Dino’s dissipated. I did occasionally vacuum out the cyano when it grew into a thick enough mat.

Good to hear. That sounds like about what I was expecting. Sounds like you have a nice setup. Thanks for sharing your experience.

 

[mdb_talon]

I think your expectations are correct. Any dry rock may take some time to mature and may get some uglies, but ya it is fine to add coral right away.

 

[Eldredge]

I think your expectations are correct. Any dry rock may take some time to mature and may get some uglies, but ya it is fine to add coral right away.

Thanks! That is what I was hoping. I’ll have to start moving some over.