[Scorpa]

Hello everyone,
I have been thinking about setting up a frag/propagration tank for some time now but have been held back by my thoughts of the extra +$ on the bill. Does anyone here run a frag tank? If so would you mind posting a picture of yours . My plan would be to set up a 20 gallon long tank, and run eggcrate accross the bottom raised about 3 inches, and maybe make shelfs or such. I would run a hangon filter with pads in it and run a seaclone 100 skimmer on it. For the light, ehh something energy efficent, and im open to ideas on that . This setup will not be connected to my main tank. Could someone with one of these also give me a heads up on what the extra costs to run one of these are? I am also thinking about putting some marine plants in it, and maybe a yellow tailed damsel or something? Would that be a bad idea?

Feedback is appreaciated,
Dan & John

[Scorpa]

I would also like to make a shelf out of glass for frags attached to rocks

[map95003]

Just curious, why wouldn't you connect it to your main reef system? It would save you some $$ on skimmer, pumps, etc.

I have a 55g sump and my plan is to add some shelves to the fuge section and use it as a frag tank down the road, I would just need to add a better light fixture on the fuge.

[Scorpa]

Well, I would if i could. But the way my tanks setup, and the amount of space i have underneath it sadly does not allow it :-/

[Scorpa]

If I do end up making this, I will Post pictures here

[pogodzib]

I typically run the exact frag tank setup - 20L, Seaclone 100 skimmer (for oxygen only), power filter, egg crate, etc..., along with a 4 bulb T5HO lighting unit. I think it makes a perfect small frag tank. The only problem I've seen is that it is too small for my liking - a 40 breeder would be better. I also run it separate from the main DT, so if my DT has an issue, it won't kill all my frags and DT corals at the same time. I would post a picture of it, however, as of right now, it is set up, but, there are no corals in it since my new tank is only 6 months old so I don't have any frags in it at this time.

[Scorpa]

Oh cool, well, seeming as my main tank is only going to be a 65g setup, i think a 20g long would be perfect for a frag tank to suit my needs. If it ever gets too packed ill just bring it to the LFS down the street and get some store credit. I would also like to put it in my bedroom, thats the main reason im seperating it from my main tank. Do you think i would have any problems adding a damsel or a fish to it? and i would love to see a picture of your setup if you don't mind and sometime get a few minutes to spare with your camera What type of power filter do you use for it? I have a small one for like a ten gallon tank, and one suited for a like 30g tank and need to decide which to use?

[Scorpa]

I might try to buy my LFS owners clip on 150w coralife MH but im guessing thats too big for it? I would preferably use T5's anyhow since then they would be the same as my main tanks lights.

[Scorpa]

Tomarrow I will take a few pictures of my LFS's light, atm my camera is dead

[pogodzib]

I don't keep any fish in mine, however there isn't why you can't add a couple fish. I use a small Eheim power filter that would be best suited for a 10-15 gallon tank. Without having fish in the system, you don't need to worry as much about fish waste dirtying up the water.

[Scorpa]

I would like to put a Jewel Damsel in it

[Scorpa]

At this time i have changed my mind and thought about turning my old reef tank into a frag tank, i think it will be much easier and cutt down on costs

[Oldschool52]

i RUN A 20G LONG FOR A SUMP/REFUGE ON MY 72. The only reason I don't put fish in the fuge is this is my filtration and I do not want to raise my bio load. I have used it to keep a problem fish that was aggressive till I set up a 55g and put it in there.

Mine is designed different than some, where as my overflow goes into 1st section through a filter pad (cut-your-own) in this section is my skimmer. Then bubble trap (piece of filter pad in bubble trap) into 1/3 of tank for refuge (2 1/2" sand bed w/ about 1/2 gal crushed coral in one corner, some LR rubble and chato (my heater is in this section). The last third is return w/mag 7. For light , believe it or not, I use a cone reflector trouble light (about $5 @ Lowes) w/ a 100w pc spiral screw in bulb) Lowes has a off brand that has a color temp of 6700k and cost about $11 for 4. This has worked great for me a filter sock could be used on water input from tank but I use the filter pads and wash out every other week when I do water changes. My fish thrive and corals grow like crazy. Params on tank are all good. It took 4 pieces of glass, cut by ACE Hardware and a cartridge of silicone and a couple of hours.