Starting frag tank

corey.nolta · Nov 15, 2015

So I have a 20 long just sitting empty and I would like to start a frag tank with it. Am I able to fill the tank 3/4 with water from my display and place a large rock (also from display tank) and have an "instant" frag tank?
Hope this isn't too stupid of a question.
Thanks!!!

cameronh · Nov 15, 2015

For the most part. I don't see why that wouldn't work especially if you are using water from your established tank

melypr1985 · Nov 15, 2015

Its mainly the bacteria in that piece of live rock that you are putting in there that allows you to have your "instant" frag tank. Will you have some kind of filtration on the frag tank besides that once piece of live rock?

corey.nolta · Nov 15, 2015

I didn't plan on it. Do I need extra filtration with such a small bioload? I didn't plan on having any fish in the tank..

Jlobes · Nov 15, 2015

the bacteria is not present in the water, it resides in the rock and sand. Using established LR is a great idea, but I would use new SW.
Not sure, this will give you an "instant" frag tank, but it will speed things up.

Whats your equipment list for this frag tank?

corey.nolta · Nov 15, 2015

I was hoping to keep it pretty minimal. Heater, powerhead, 165w led unit. With no fish I didn't think it would be absolutely necessary for much more? Is that incorrect?

Squid · Nov 15, 2015

corey.nolta said:
I was hoping to keep it pretty minimal. Heater, powerhead, 165w led unit. With no fish I didn't think it would be absolutely necessary for much more? Is that incorrect?

You'll be fine as long as you stay on top of your waterchanges

melypr1985 · Nov 15, 2015

Squid said:
You'll be fine as long as you stay on top of your waterchanges

This. ^^ If you do your weekly water changes then you'll be fine. If your a lazy reefer like myself and dont keep up with water changes as well as you should, then the extra filtration is handy to have.