things to consider when setting up a self contained frag tank?

[BigRed]

Hey everyone, I am starting the set up of a frag tank. I am making it an all in one style tank for a super clean look. I am wondering if any of you guys have any suggestions that I could do or things that I should incorporate into the tank. I currently plan on keeping it fairly simple. Please let me know of things that are often overlooked or forgotten about when setting up a frag system. Most common issues that arise or this that I should take into consideration during the building process.

 

[BigRed]

C'mon guys I wanna start building this today...

 

[benny z]

does it have to be stand-alone? ime when you have to maintain multiple systems, one always suffers. any chance you can tie it into your main system's sump?

 

[BigRed]

Sadly it cannot be plumbed together... why do you say one always suffers?

 

[benny z]

it's just been my experience. it is tough enough maintaining one system that you will focus on your favorite system and let the other go too long without testing/maintenance, and things will suffer for it. it's just double the equipment, double the testing, double the time investment... if you can handle it, all the more power to you. :)

 

[BigRed]

I understand your above statement. But it wont be a problem setting up 2 seperate tanks. I have done much much crazier in the past.

 

[benny z]

good to hear it.

getting back to your original question then... do you mean self-contained as in sumpless? something like a nano-cube?

 

[650-IS350]

I have a frag tank that 20tall sumpless with T5s and a deltec MCE600, 2 Hydor #2's works well.

 

[BigRed]

Yes I am referring to a nano type contained tank. The tank has to be sumpless due to its location.

650-IS50 do you have any pics of your setup?

 

[BigRed]

My first issue to come up is how do I cut strainers into my baffle?

 

[wishntoboutside]

get a nice skimmer. the warner marine h-2 would work well for your needs.

 

[650-IS350]

No pics, sorry. just a simple cheap 4 bulb T5 unit, 20 gal tall glass tank. 2 Hydor #2s on each side. Some sand for buffering and a small rock crop for my pistol shrimp.

 

[wicked demon]

you can get plastic gutter guard for the top of the baffles, or use a skillsaw set really shallow, cutting really slow. Are the baffles for a filter wall like in a nano? If thats the case, I assume HOB or canisters are out of the question.

 

[BigRed]

I am going just make the baffle for the type one would see in a standard overflow, I tried a little handheld circular saw but it didnt work well for the area I need to get it to cut so I am going to be trying my router or simple purchase some gutter guard...

How do you guys feel about spraying krylon fusion on acrylic/plexiglass that will be in the tank? I want to have the back filtration area completely blacked out so no one can see into it. I think that would look tacky.

 

[BigRed]

I assume HOB or canisters are out of the question.

This is correct, the only thing that I plan on having viewable in the actual tank are the powerhead, eggcrate, and loc line return...

 

[wicked demon]

maybe a dremmel...
why an overflow baffle if no sump? for forced flow media compartment?

 

[650-IS350]

With a HOB, all you see is the water diffuser on the top " Clear triangle" and top left corner is the over flow that I use to skim water in to the HOB. the picture is the same representation of the frag tank. besides what's the worry about asthetics if it's just a frag tank?

 

[BigRed]

maybe a dremmel...
why an overflow baffle if no sump? for forced flow media compartment?

Yep, your dead on! There is going to be a little fuge in the first chamber with carbon, filter floss, and live rock rubble. I plan on keeping a fish or maybe two, so I want some decent filtration.

 

[BigRed]

Currently I am painting the tank, the bottom and back are being painted black. Last night I painted the bottom and it turned out great... I will probably post a drawing of what I am aiming to do later tonight.

In the meantime I am going to be finishing up the false wall (cutting teeth, scuffing it up with fine grit sand paper, and lastly painting it with krylon fusion). My plans for this tank are seeming to come together very nicely I have never quite seen anyone do this exact build for a similar tank so I am excited for the final product it should look sleek.

 

[BigRed]

Does anyone know if the Acrylic needs to be scuffed before painting with Krylon? Also, how long should it dry before puting it in water?