15g frag tank plan
 

I'm setting up a really basic frag tank to grow out some of my leathers, shrooms, zoas, and clove polyps. So it doesn't have to be anything fancy. My plan is to use the 15g I had sitting around the house and sit on top of our old microwave stand which is very sturdy. As of right now I have made the "tables" using eggcrate my dad had and some pvc pieces leftover from other rpojects. I'm using a HOB filter I had on my first reef tank (same tank too!). I may also add a HOB refugium at some point just because I want to try that out. I'm using a pump from my nanocube since I replaced it. I think that should be enough flow, if you think otherwise let me know. As far as lights, I'm looking for a 130 watt PC fixture, but may also use a 65 watt fixture I have while I look. I'm planning on using crushed coral for the substrate sinc eI have some leftover from my other tank. Do you think going with live sand would be better? I'm planning on using some water from my display to start it up.

Any suggestions? I'll hopefully be moving the tank and stand inside tonight. Thanks for any tips!

Heres a picture of it set up:
[IMG]http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f196/Appaloosa1224/7-11-07009.jpg[/IMG]
Water isn't clear yet, just added water about 20 minutes ago. Its mostly new RODI water with about 3 gallons of tank water.

i would suggest using a Bare bottom. It is easier to clean and overall just less maintenance. The thin layer of crushed coral you have in there will not help enough with biological filtration to warrant the upkeep it takes.
What do you run in the HOB?
How many GPH do you have with the powerhead and the HOB?

well the crushed coral is there and i like the look better at least! i'm going to put in a regular filter with activated carbon for right now. i'm thinking of using LR rubble and activated carbon in the future. I'm trying to find how my GPH the powerhead is, its not on JBJs website so I'm still trying to look that up. I don't know about the HOB because I've had it for so long, it was origanlly on my dads FW, then a reef 4 years ago and now back in use. I don't have a problem buying more flow, i think i will need to, i just have these 2 things laying around right now.

I tested the water:
trates: 10
ammonia:0
trites:0
ph:8.2

i think i may go by some live rubble today since i have nothing in there to really start a cycle.

Take the PVC legs and notch out the bottoms. Those long legs will act like plugged up sewer standpipes and collect everything. Also keep in mind frags will fall off the rack and go to the bottom and unless they are easy to retrieve sometimes they remain. ;)

I don't see any problem with the sand. Rock rubble will trap as much in the long run. In a 15G water changes are easy enough to perform and small frequent changes can override the effects of buildup.

SteveU

thanks for the tips! i'll take care of the notchs in the pvc pipe tonight, very good idea! i'll post an updated picture when everything is together!
Any more tips are greatly appreciated!

looking good so far. How are you planning on suspending the lights

I'm hopinh to get a light fixture with legs. Probably 130 watts PC. I might get a sunpod if i can afford it (or if my dad helps me out!)