Substrate in frag tank?

Bfragale · Sep 25, 2020

Hello fellow reefers,

I am in the process of setting up a frag/grow out system. (Will be doing a build thread soon)
It’s 24x24x12. (30 gal) with a 10 gal sump. Running filter sock and skimmer.

I was thinking of using something similar to calcium reactor media as substrate.

reason is: 1. More surface for beneficial bacteria
2. I plan on a lot of softies, mushrooms etc. anything that gets loose may attach to a price of the substrate allowing me to glue to frag plugs.
3. thought it may look cool?

would there be any reason you all would suggest otherwise? Is there anything I’m not thinking of that would be a better idea? Is bare bottom better? Does anyone use sand in frag tanks? Or?

Any ideas or input would be greatly appreciated.

HAPPY REEFING!

Bfragale · Sep 25, 2020

Ef4life · Sep 25, 2020

The media will be good for beneficial bacteria for sure, the larger media might trap more detritus than sand, maybe be harder to clean leading to excess nitrate/ phosphate in the future. Maybe not.

I do like the idea of loose mushrooms and stuff being able to attach to something.

i run my frag tank bare bottom, but it’s connected to my display which has a lot of rock/ sand

Bfragale · Sep 25, 2020

The detritus possibility was one of my concerns as well. But it’s small enough hopefully I’ll be able to vaccine once in a while.

I think I may give it a shot. I haven’t been able to find any other posts regarding similar usage. The tank won’t have many fish so I think it might be worth a shot. Worst case I guess I can remove it later.

thanks for reply! Take care and HAPPY REEFING!