Trying to make a cheap frag tank... Need some input...

PerplexyHexy · May 13, 2018

So im really sick of my corals in my display tank dying because my huge turbo snails... I decided to go ahead and try and make my own frag tank with things I already have. Went out and bought a 20 gallon long tank and Im getting the water prepped right now with some caribsea hawaiin black arag-alive... I will be purchasing an ATO and also an LED light for it and that is it... trying to do this as cheap as I can. I have, well atleast what I think is equipment sufficient enough for a cheaply made frag tank... PLEASE!!! PLEASE, give me your input and suggestions! Really havent gotten to into the coral scene, but now that I gave up drinking and smoking I really have alot of time on my hands and am extremely motivated to dive into reefing again 100% aka: keep me busy! I have a 72 gallon bowfront for my display thats been doing great for almost 2 years now... Looking to upgrade in a year or so... So thats pretty mich it... please give me some ideas. Im new to the fragging stuff. Not even sure If Im going to be able to do this without a sump!!!

PerplexyHexy · May 13, 2018

So im really sick of my corals in my display tank dying because my huge turbo snails... I decided to go ahead and try and make my own frag tank with things I already have. Went out and bought a 20 gallon long tank and Im getting the water prepped right now with some caribsea hawaiin black arag-alive... I will be purchasing an ATO and also an LED light for it and that is it... trying to do this as cheap as I can. I have, well atleast what I think is equipment sufficient enough for a cheaply made frag tank... PLEASE!!! PLEASE, give me your input and suggestions! Really havent gotten to into the coral scene, but now that I gave up drinking and smoking I really have alot of time on my hands and am extremely motivated to dive into reefing again 100% aka: keep me busy! I have a 72 gallon bowfront for my display thats been doing great for almost 2 years now... Looking to upgrade in a year or so... So thats pretty mich it... please give me some ideas. Im new to the fragging stuff. Not even sure If Im going to be able to do this without a sump!!!

tupes · May 13, 2018

This is posted in the wrong area. Maybe one of the #mods can assist in moving it. You have this in a sponsor forum. You'll get more assistance.

With the equipment you have you should be able to do a nice frag tank.

I'm using a 10 gallon jbj for one currently. Jay added a few snails and a couple hermits to help with a little algea. Been setup just over a month and doing great. Do a gallon water change per week.

tupes · May 13, 2018

The only thing not stock is the led which is a kessil a80 with the controller.

PerplexyHexy · May 13, 2018

Awesome! Yeah I saw that... I reposted in correct area... my bad! Thanks for the input...

hafer12 · May 13, 2018

PerplexyHexy said:
but now that I gave up drinking and smoking I really have alot of time on my hands and am extremely motivated to dive into reefing again 100%

congratulations!
do you plan on plumbing both tanks as one system?

PerplexyHexy · May 13, 2018

If this all work out... yes... my display is directly behind it in my livingroom... so it would be easy...

Nate77 · May 13, 2018

Are you putting frag tank cloase to display tank? Plumb to your main tanks sump ?add light lr and your corals

I would think you only absolutely need
Tank
Biological filtration (lr)
Light
Saltwater

PerplexyHexy · May 13, 2018

I honestly dont have time for the plumbing right now... hahahaha! I will eventually... Im just doing this first with all the garbage ive had lying aground...

hafer12 · May 13, 2018

Yea it would make things more affordable and definitely more stable! Im in the works of adding a 40 breeder to my 75g system, unfortunately I have about 12' gap between the two tanks.

PerplexyHexy · May 13, 2018

Just honestly dont have time... Its in my laundry room behind my display tank... I am definitely not ready to pull out the washer and dryer and start drilling holes in the wall... no way!!! Hahahaha!

PerplexyHexy · May 13, 2018

Really not that confident and knowledgeable with plumbing either...

PerplexyHexy · May 13, 2018

Starting to wish I just did the plumbing... hahahaha!!! Just finished up... that protein skimmer is a point of sale!!! Way too many micro-bubbles getting in the tank...

PerplexyHexy · May 13, 2018

Starting to wish I just did the plumbing... hahahaha!!! Just finished up... that protein skimmer is a point of sale!!! Way too many micro-bubbles getting in the tank...

tupes · May 14, 2018

PerplexyHexy said:
Starting to wish I just did the plumbing... hahahaha!!! Just finished up... that protein skimmer is a point of sale!!! Way too many micro-bubbles getting in the tank...

You can always change it. Start with what you're able to do and remember it's not your DT. So micro bubbles aren't hurting anything

PerplexyHexy · May 14, 2018

True...

tupes · May 14, 2018

However I would put a cover because bubbles popping at the surface can lead to salt getting on that wall.

PerplexyHexy · May 14, 2018

What light would you suggest using? Im on a 250$ budget for both light and ATO... Cant go over that... I saw this on Amazon, butnot sure... Also getting the Tunze ATO... So both would put me under my budget...