frag tank

[mannyhernz]

well after some thought i decided to build a frag tank...posting here for any input on it looking for something around a 20-30 gallon?...how much watts and what kind of lighting should i use?..

[lampcov]

20 Long is a nice size, not too deep, I had good luck with mine with an AC70 modded with Fuge, and a couple korailas. As for lighting. Totally depends on what you want to keep. I'd personally go no less than T5, as PC can be too limiting.

Here's my old 20L setup. Feel free to PM with any questions.

http://www.robofactors.com/photo_host/frag_fts.jpg

[mannyhernz]

pmed with ????

[benihana]

you could also do a 30 breeder, but that may be harder to find. Or a 33L

[PBFinest]

i use a 30 gallon as a frag tank. built a 3-tier shelving system and I use 4x39w 36" T5 bulbs from ATI.

I do mainly Zoas and Ricordia and all of them seem to grow extremely well.

[jasert39]

i agree keep your eyes open for a 30 ot 40 breeder...perfect for prop tank IMO.

[mannyhernz]

yeah still looking....want to grow my fragged sps....need a lighting that is easy on the pocket but great par....need input on this.

[JD2004]

your best bet is to get something longer and wider and get as low of a height as possible.

As for good lighting you could probably do 4x39w t5s from ATI or UVL and get some nice colors and growth.

Also i recommend over skimming.

Also i think HelloLights is running a $100 special for a 24 t5 light...

[jasert39]

check the used section for great deals on lights...im impartial to halides but can't agrue with people that have sucess with t5's

[mannyhernz]

sounds good ill be on the lookout...also i was looking into led's...will they work as well?

[benihana]

they will, but most likely they won't be cheap. Your best bet is to go with either a single MH (you may have heat issues with such a small tank) or T5's.

FWIW, I am doing a 4bulb Tek on my 40B frag thank that I am setting up. Overall, I chose T5's (for my DT and my FT) becasue of the lack of heat, and the multitude of bulb choices

[mannyhernz]

hmmmm..might go that way...do you have pics?

[benihana]

nothing yet, it is all still parts in my garage...hoping to start the "construction" the day after Christmas

[Bruder]

I am switching from a T5 set up to a MH set up. I have loved the t5's but really want to see if my corals will take off with mh.

[mannyhernz]

i have mh in my display but dont want more mh as electric bill may skyrocket...anyway i will be trying to get a short tank that way i could run the light low like JD2004 mentioned....

[benihana]

if you can still get the deal from Hellolights, I would jump on that