Plan on Frag system

[PasadenaReefer]

I have been planning on a frag system and i just want some feedback on my idea so far, and what i should and should not do with plumbing etc. What im thinking of getting, 20x20x12 Frag tank with just a pipe LFS style drain (1.5" drain) to a 29 gallon sump with baffles, fuge area, then a 500-800 GPH return at 1" then with a 3/4 Y into two outlets into the Frag tank. Here is a brief Draw up of what it might look like. Please give me all information needed so i dont mess up! thanks everyone ahead of time for your feed back

I have not ordered the tank yet, i have my lighting my sump and im building my stand all i need now is to Send in info for the Frag tank for a qoute, I was thinking of using 2 seperate Pumps for 2 seperate returns because im trying to use what i can, (2 mag 5 pumps) rated 500gph each, 300gph with 4 foot head loss due to Plumbing to the tank.

-Austin

[coast2coast7390]

might i suggest going lower and longer

[PasadenaReefer]

Lower and longer what? my Frag tank? well 12 inches felt fine to me because im using a 250 MH on it, didnt want to bleach the corals,
If something needs more or less light i can always you egg crate to boost up the height a couple inches.

[chalowolf]

PTF had a 24''x24''x12'' Frag tank with built in overflow box , I recall it was $157. Last time i was in i didnt see it . He can probably order another one.
Aquarium city on Ventura gave me a very good price for a Visio 120g. You should hit them up for a quote, most likely it will be cheeper than PTF.

[coast2coast7390]

oh ok i didnt know that part XD

[PasadenaReefer]

Thanks chalo, i will try ATA fish first, i know theres lots of "i hate them" going around, but i heard they give the best prices on tanks. After them i will go to aquarium city on ventura for a quote. Ill also ask steve but i want the least expensive, might go with one of the places that will make it so i can get some sort of warranty on leaks, But i need input on my plumbing!!! does it sound and look ok?

[chalowolf]

I would go with a 60g sump(find an old acrylic tank, used) but min. 30g so you can pack your live rock in there.

As for the tank 1.5 drain is good for the size of the tank. I would go over the top with the returns(2x3/4''). I would put them on the same side as the overflow(back)

As for the pump , go with one external that way you dont have to have powerhead, and you dont introduce more heat into the system. maybe an Iwaki pump 40 or 55. QuietOne pumps are a little cheeper, or a Iwaki knock off.

[hydrahawk]

I found an used 60 glass, bought some glass pieces for baffles and converted it into a sump. It was pretty cheap compared to a new one with all the baffles. A 60G will give you more safety margin.

[PasadenaReefer]

Well im trying to limit my budget on this, i have the 29 gallon sitting at my house, 2 mag 5's. I have spend about 200 total on my lighting, 250watt MH, Xm 10k, Spider reflector, built my own canopy, and now i need to buy my tank, make a stand and Buy a piece of glass or something to use for baffles in the 29g. If something comes up on the For free thread like PUMPS, or AGA for a sump i will grab those, even T5's i need some actinic supplement. other than that i might stick with the dimensions etc. etc

[hydrahawk]

Where do you plan on getting your frag tank? I might be looking for one very soon.

[PasadenaReefer]

I was told to go to ATA fish, because there aquariums are uber cheap... i dont know if your looking for QUALITY of price, or w.e but its a frag tank.... not for show blah blah... its going in a closet type thing. I will let you know, a person Pm'ed me for a 20x20x12 acrylic with black overflow for 110$... im not sure on pricing for a tank that size.... but if you need his Name ill give u it

[hydrahawk]

I've closed a deal for a 36" T-5 Tek Light. That's why I'm looking for something in the 36" length. I have a 60 cube and that is why I choose the 24" width. Maybe I will drop by the unmentionable to see their pricing.

[PasadenaReefer]

HAHAHA unmentionable i like that. Do you think if we called in to get 2 made they will give us a deal? i can call tomorrow if you are really interested and see if they can cut us a deal on 2 tanks? PM me your number and ill call you too.
-Austin

[Bebo77]

if you need some smaller tanks let me know.. i have a few... here is a pic...(in the middle)

[CW from the OC]

Originally posted by Bebo77
if you need some smaller tanks let me know.. i have a few... here is a pic...(in the middle)

LOL! I wondered who got that, nice score Gabe!!

[Bebo77]

if i did not take them they would have been trashed.. so i was going the reefing community a favor