J's Coral School (80g frag tank)

Js.Aqua.Project · Oct 10, 2018

There had been a Deep Blue 80g rimless with R&J stand sitting at my LFS for quite a while now and I had been tempted to pick it up and use it as a frag tank. So I finally pulled the trigger and got it.

Equipment:
Tank: Deep Blue 80g Rimless
Stand: R&J Extreme
Sump: Icecap 24
Pump: Lifegard 1400
Skimmer: Reef Octopus 150SS
Controller: Neptune Systems Apex Classic
Module: ALD (Advanced Leak Detection)
Lights: AI Hydra 26HD x3

Some of the equipment (skimmer, lights) were chosen because I already had them on hand. While I prefer Sicce pumps the Lifegard was $80 less and is sufficient for the application. I have also had good success on other systems running the Icecap sumps - and I like that they have an ATO chamber.

Apex:
I decided to mount the display inside the door for convenience.

(Cables to be tidied up soon)
Sump/Pump/Skimmer:

Tank:

I will be putting lights over it by the end of the week.

Js.Aqua.Project · Oct 11, 2018

Put the hydras over it today. I went with the rail because I already had the legs from my old 125, I just purchased the 48" rail.

I am going to start by running a schedule similar to what I run at home which is:

With my max setting:

I believe this should be good for frag growth as my corals at home are growing well under this while maintaining good coloration. I am open to suggestions though.

Js.Aqua.Project · Oct 11, 2018

I should have also noted, I also used foam under the tank and the sump to help with leveling and vibration reduction:

Js.Aqua.Project · Oct 19, 2018

Tidied up the cables with some zip-tie mounts:

Js.Aqua.Project · Oct 19, 2018

The school has its first teacher's aid:

NY_Caveman · Oct 23, 2018

Js.Aqua.Project said:
The school has its first teacher's aid:

That is awesome! A Spotcinctus Clown (A. bicinctus)? Beautiful! And it is natural for most anemones to host him.

Coastie Reefer · Oct 31, 2018

Nice, I wish I could find one of these locally. I think I'm going to have to go with the lowboy as that all I can get my hands on for a reasonable price. I'll be following.

Grossman90 · Nov 12, 2018

Update on the frag tank?

Js.Aqua.Project · Nov 12, 2018

No updates just yet.

I just ordered some ceramic tiles from Ocean Wonders that I am going to grow most things out on. I figured zoas could be scraped off of them and I could use sheers or see if I can use my LFS's saw to cut up anything encrusting.

I am also researching frag racks.

Anyone have a favorite?

I have looked at OctoAquatics, ZenReef, and Building an Obsession.

SneakyTortuga · Nov 12, 2018

Js.Aqua.Project said:
No updates just yet.

I just ordered some ceramic tiles from Ocean Wonders that I am going to grow most things out on. I figured zoas could be scraped off of them and I could use sheers or see if I can use my LFS's saw to cut up anything encrusting.

I am also researching frag racks.

Anyone have a favorite?

I have looked at OctoAquatics, ZenReef, and Building an Obsession.

Zen reef frag racks are amazing. I just did a diy out of acrylic. Total cost maybe $30 but it doesn’t even compare to a quality rack made by the pros

Js.Aqua.Project · Nov 12, 2018

SneakyTortuga said:
Zen reef frag racks are amazing. I just did a diy out of acrylic. Total cost maybe $30 but it doesn’t even compare to a quality rack made by the pros

I have a ZenReef that I do really like. The keepers back a big difference in keeping the frags in place with my aggressive algae eaters.

SneakyTortuga · Nov 12, 2018

Js.Aqua.Project said:
I have a ZenReef that I do really like. The keepers back a big difference in keeping the frags in place with my aggressive algae eaters.

for sure! i just got home to see my urchin walking around with a frag on his back. if you have the money i would recommend zen

Js.Aqua.Project · Nov 12, 2018

While there are no corals (yet), there was a slight change.

I have had this MP10W sitting around for a while so I decided to trade out the Hydor. (top left)

Js.Aqua.Project · Dec 14, 2018

The school has its first students and another TA.

Js.Aqua.Project · Feb 16, 2019

No photo updates today but wanted to check in, since my last post I have introduced two chalices and a montipora to see how things are doing.

Js.Aqua.Project · Mar 8, 2019

Wanted to give an update on how things are going.

I have added more corals and I am using Ocean Wonders 3" Aragocrete and Ceramic tiles for grow out. I am organizing them by rough type (ie: zoa, montipora, chalice, etc) with the rack intended for frags getting ready to transplant/sell (currently there a couple new SPS on it that have not been moved to tiles yet).

Season's Greeting Montipora on an Aragocrete Tile: