The Reason For A Frag Tank

[crn005]

I have seen a lot of tanks on here over the years and have really enjoyed them. I have also seen a lot of frag tanks. I like the idea of extra real estate to go to for the trimmed off pieces of corals once the original colony gets too large. However, I've always wondered why 90% of the frag tanks I've seen are needed. I see partially stocked display tanks and partially stocked frag tanks sitting right next to each other. Why? Aren't all display tanks grow out tanks themselves? So why all of the extra time and money to keep a frag tank?

[reepher315]

I think frag trades/sales is to blame. I know im not content with the coral I have and taking a snip off to trade for another type is my favorite way to do it. Thats just me tho.

[crn005]

Couldn't you just keep it in your display tank until you sell/trade it though? Seem like a bit of an excessive answer to a small problem.

[AdamNC]

I think it might be because a lot of people don't want to see plugs all over their display tanks or a rack on the side glass.

[BossHoggin]

No opportunistic predators (some types of fish, inverts) to pick at the coral and make its condition worsen when healing from being fragged/ transport. I find that bigger colonies have a better chance of not being snuffed out by other corals, algae, ect. As a fresh stubby frag. Also less going in and out of the dt stressing fish and adding whatever contaminates are on your arms at the time

[d2mini]

I think it might be because a lot of people don't want to see plugs all over their display tanks or a rack on the side glass.

This.
Why would I want 30 frag plugs all over my sand bed when I have space for a frag tank? I've even kept small grow-out colonies in my frag tank, of the same coral that's in my display.
And I like to give frags time to heal before selling. I don't just snip and sell them fresh cut unless someone requests it.

[crn005]

I think it might be because a lot of people don't want to see plugs all over their display tanks or a rack on the side glass.


I could see that. I guess it just doesn't bother me.

No opportunistic predators (some types of fish, inverts) to pick at the coral and make its condition worsen when healing from being fragged/ transport. I find that bigger colonies have a better chance of not being snuffed out by other corals, algae, ect. As a fresh stubby frag. Also less going in and out of the dt stressing fish and adding whatever contaminates are on your arms at the time

I guess if you had critters that like to munch on your corals then that could be a problem. Also, I never really saw what the big deal is with putting your hands in the water frequently. I do it daily and have never really seen an issue.


I suppose I've just never really encountered any of y'all's problems. I guess that's why I don't understand having them the majority of the time. Or at least I don't see the value in doubling the amount of time and money you spend for what you get out of it. However, I look forward to when I need one for all my frags from over-growing. That will be a great day :-)

[crn005]

This.
Why would I want 30 frag plugs all over my sand bed when I have space for a frag tank? I've even kept small grow-out colonies in my frag tank, of the same coral that's in my display.
And I like to give frags time to heal before selling. I don't just snip and sell them fresh cut unless someone requests it.

I can understand that reason more than anything else I can think of. When I do one down the road, I will want it plumbed into the system though. Seems like the way to go, but then again, I've never really had a frag tank. Maybe I'll be doing it all wrong.

[d2mini]

I will want it plumbed into the system though.

That's how mine is.

[gREEF stricken]

That's how mine is.

Can you post a pic of this plumbed frag tank situation??

GS

[crn005]

Can you post a pic of this plumbed frag tank situation??

GS

I've seen pictures of his garage/fish room. His entire situation is like serendipitously running into Kelly Kapowski, falling in love, and spending a life time together traveling the world. It's just that good.

[imkelz]

^ this lol

[ca1ore]

I was a frag tank resistor for a long time. Then the corals in my tanks started to need to be trimmed and I ended up throwing lots of bits out. So I bought a small one, just a 20" square, and I really like it. It's plumbed into the main system, but provides a place for me to put cuttings to heal and grow. I don't sell them, I just give them away to local reefers that I know. I'm big on aesthetics, and absolutely HATE seeing plastic racks and frag plugs in my main display so I'm now a frag tank advocate. Go figure!

[crn005]

I've never had a tank set up long enough since I started doing SPS to need a frag for excess trimmings. Like I said, I hope I'm there in a year or two :-)