FOWLR with frag tank?

[forextrader]

Is it a bad idea to add a frag tank after the FOWLR refugium/sump? In other words, the FOWLR display drains to the refugium and sump, the refugium and sump pump out to the frag tank and FOWLR display, and finally the frag tank pumps back to the FOWLR display? I am concerned about the FOWLR's tendency to have higher nitrates and phosphates.

 

[G4546]

Yes, you might run into an issue with water quality if you were to work it that way. I've wanted to do the same, but never can obtain that water quality needed for lil baby frags to flourish with those big nasty triggers and eels with no manners Goodluck if you do try it though and please keep us updated on your success!

 

[rpjaws74]

not sure why water parameters would change significaly....I THINK!

 

[forextrader]

I was hoping that the refugium (40 gallon) with macro algae and deep sand bed (5+ inches) plus the large skimmer (180+ capable) would produce clean enough water for the frag tank. The display is a 180 gallon and I am considering a snowflake eel, volitan lionfish, and either a rabbitfish or yellow tang. However, I think I am underestimating the waste produced by eels, lionfish, etc. Anybody have a solution or should I not follow up with this plan?

 

[JSeymour]

Probably not a great idea, but with the right setup, could work exceptionally. I've heard of people doing similar things with chilled tanks, NPS tanks, and reef tanks all hooked to one sump. I know there are some threads about this.

I think the biggest thing you could do would be to have the flow from FOWLR to refugium/sump slow enough that it is fully processing the water in the sump. Also, if you could set it up so that the frag tank drains to the shared sump, you could add a GFO reactor to the feed line going back to the frag tank. This would atleast strip most of the phosphates out.

 

[forextrader]

Thanks JSeymour... that is a great idea. It will be awhile before I try this, though. I am almost ready to start cycling my 75 gallon reef tank. The 180 FOWLR will have to wait until I am more comfortable with the design.