Setting up a frag tank. Have a few questions.

90greefman · Jul 10, 2011

I just put together a frag tank. It is 24x24x8. Only do zoas in it. I use a 120w evolution led. Use a eheim 1250 for the return. Have a 20g sump with lr, a 4+" sandbed and I skipped the skimmer. Made an algae turf scrubber. Have yet to see much if any algae grow in the dt itself. I keep a sole snail in there to clean what is in it. ATS is pretty amazing.

kschweer · Jul 13, 2011

Is there any specific type of plywood i should use to skin my stand?

ronnie · Jul 13, 2011

Untreated. 1/4" would likely be overkill.

melev · Jul 14, 2011

I prefer straight plywood, clean grain with no notable warp. I've used 3/4" in the past, and 1/2" for the back. You could use 1/4" for the back if you like.

kschweer · Jul 15, 2011

That stand is really nice melev.

I am thinking about picking up a 120 watt led pendant for over my frag tank. Blueline 120w VHO LED Fixture :: BlueLine LED Pendants :: LED Lighting Systems :: Lighting :: Champion Lighting & Supply.
Do you guys think this will be enough for this tank. It's 30 gallons. Dimensions are 24"x24"x12".

melev · Jul 15, 2011

One light over 24" x 24"? It would have to be up pretty high, or perhaps affixed to a light mover to roll it back and forth to get even coverage. I have a similar one called Evolution from Reefkoi that is over my 10g frag tank. It is 14" off the surface of the water and my frag tank's footprint is 22" x 13" (and is 8" tall).

kschweer · Jul 15, 2011

Any suggestions? Maybe a 4 bulb t5 fixture?

Reef Breeders · Jul 15, 2011

2 4 bulbs will do the trick. You can get one for 100 bucks on eBay, a pretty good one too.

kschweer · Jul 17, 2011

thanks again guys. i picked up the tank for my sump today. cant wait to get things started. any skimmer suggestions for this set up. also light suggestions. i have gotten a lot of great help so far i appreciate it.

toyencounters · Jul 17, 2011

I like Tunze skimmers!!

Reef Breeders · Jul 17, 2011

Reef octopus nw, IMO the best in sump skimmers you can get for around $200

kschweer · Jul 19, 2011

I have gotten some great advice from all of your replys thank you guys very much. Sorry for all the questions Im just trying to do this the best I can as this is my first full build (making the stand, making a sump, etc).

I am trying to design a sump in a 15 gallon tank. Its 24"x12.5"x12.5". I know that I will be using a reef octopus NWB-110 its foot print is 10″ x 6.75″ x 19.75" as per their website. Is there anything else I need to take into account? If you guys have any advice or links that may help out it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks again for all the great advice you guys have given.

-Kevin

kschweer · Nov 5, 2011

Hey guys. Been a while since I've been able to do anything with the frag tank but I finally got my light and mounted it over the tank. Let me know what you think.