Requirements for a Frag Tanks

Lockes · 05/14/2010, 01:38 AM

I am busy setting up a number of frag tanks at the moment and have so many questions I thought it may be useful for many others if we can introduce some guidelines in setting up different frag tanks

Tank height (Depth) – Do softies or SPS prefer a deeper tank or is this all dependent on lighting

What is the best overflow – Should a Coast 2 Coast be used which will skim the full surface or is a corner box overflow sufficient

What flow rate is required – Is high turnover more important than high internal irregular flow?

Filtration – Is a DSB required? Are water changes as important as in reef tanks

Lighting!!! – T5 vs MH
I would think T5 is perfect due to keeping temps and Electricity costs down. Is there a guideline as to the height above the water and how strong the lighting should be for softs vs SPS for instance.

nauticac4 · 05/14/2010, 07:19 AM

This seems to be like anything else in the hobby...Everyone has their own receipe for success and failure.

It will be interesting to see people chime in with their receipes.

Lockes · 05/14/2010, 08:07 AM

That's what i was hoping for.....I understand there is no "one size fits all"

There must be some recommendations on the above questions

nowlan · 05/14/2010, 08:13 AM

Sounds like a generic beginning tank questions.

LPS vs SPS for flow rates.
LPS vs SPS for lighting demands.

Ultimately comes down to light and water quality.
Low phos/nitrate = happy corals.
Shallow tank = smaller lights

clittrell · 05/14/2010, 11:46 AM

Lockes what are you setting up. I am currently setting up a fish maintenance area with 3 20 gallon long tanks. One will be a frag tank. Just built the self over the weekend. Hope to have some pictures up by Sunday.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh....php?t=1837156

05/14/2010, 01:38 AM	#1
Lockes Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 146	Requirements for a Frag Tanks I am busy setting up a number of frag tanks at the moment and have so many questions I thought it may be useful for many others if we can introduce some guidelines in setting up different frag tanks Tank height (Depth) – Do softies or SPS prefer a deeper tank or is this all dependent on lighting What is the best overflow – Should a Coast 2 Coast be used which will skim the full surface or is a corner box overflow sufficient What flow rate is required – Is high turnover more important than high internal irregular flow? Filtration – Is a DSB required? Are water changes as important as in reef tanks Lighting!!! – T5 vs MH I would think T5 is perfect due to keeping temps and Electricity costs down. Is there a guideline as to the height above the water and how strong the lighting should be for softs vs SPS for instance.

05/14/2010, 07:19 AM	#2
nauticac4 Baby Fish Wrangler Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,239	This seems to be like anything else in the hobby...Everyone has their own receipe for success and failure. It will be interesting to see people chime in with their receipes. __________________ Put Wings on it and Let it Fly!!! PBITAWA !!! Current Tank Info: 180 Cube 3x3x3. 29Gallon Sump 20 Gallon Fuge (1) Lumenarc Reflector w. 250W ARO Ballast and - Modded GS1 Skimmer - Eheim 1262 Return - Vortech MP40W and Swirler Stein

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05/14/2010, 08:07 AM	#3
Lockes Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 146	That's what i was hoping for.....I understand there is no "one size fits all" There must be some recommendations on the above questions

05/14/2010, 08:13 AM	#4
nowlan Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 87	Sounds like a generic beginning tank questions. LPS vs SPS for flow rates. LPS vs SPS for lighting demands. Ultimately comes down to light and water quality. Low phos/nitrate = happy corals. Shallow tank = smaller lights

05/14/2010, 11:46 AM	#5
clittrell Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 201	Lockes what are you setting up. I am currently setting up a fish maintenance area with 3 20 gallon long tanks. One will be a frag tank. Just built the self over the weekend. Hope to have some pictures up by Sunday. http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh....php?t=1837156