Frag tank size dilema

[derek4real]

Hey guys,

I have been thinking of setting up a frag tank. I currently have 3 tanks and possibly a 4th that could be used for this reason.

I have a 75 gallon RR (48 x 18 x 21), 55 gallon Non-RR (48 x 12 x 21), 29 gallon Non-RR (30 x 12 x 18), 30 gallon drilled (add overflow box, 24 x 24 x 12)

All these tanks and so many choices. I am limited on money at the moment. I currently have the 75, 55, 29, and the 30 square will only cost me 15.00 (LFS closing).

I do not mind starting small and upgrading later. This tank will be seperate from my display due to location.

As far as lighting, I have chosen the T5 route. The various sizes of the tanks changes the cost of the Lighting due to the different widths on all the tanks.

If I were to set up, here is the cost of each with just lighting:

- 29 gallon (already have)
- 30" Current USA SunDial T5 HO 4x24W (w/bulbs) <---$240.00 approx.
- SUN BLAZE T-5, 24" Light Fixture 4 x 24W (w/bulbs) <---$180.00 approx

- 55 gallon non-RR (already have)
- 48" Current USA 6x54W Nova Extreme Pro T5HO (w/bulbs) <---$380.00 approx.

- 75 gallon RR (already have)
- SUN BLAZE T-5, 48" Light Fixture 8 x 54W (w/bulbs) <---$346.00

- 30 gallon (will buy if needed)
- 1 X DIY DE Lumenarc , 150 watt Phoenix bulb, IceCap ballast <---$210.00

I would like people with their inputs and suggestions.

 

[CleveYank]

75 frag tank here

 

[cherubfish pair]

What are your plans for fragging? How big will your frags get? Are you selling or trading? Circulation and filtration?

 

[scaryperson27]

I would go with the 30 gallon. I like frag tanks to be shallow and viewable from the top.

Also, equipment would be cheaper for a 24"x24" tank.

 

[mandm25254]

75g due to you have more options. the lights cost less then the 55g and you can make diffrent lvl:s if need be. also a nice thing is bigger is always better.

 

[derek4real]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14700526#post14700526 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by cherubfish pair
What are your plans for fragging? How big will your frags get? Are you selling or trading? Circulation and filtration?

I am trying to get the main costs out of the way. I can get a skimmer pretty cheap, sump cheap, I have various powerheads (red sea wavemaker. modded and not modded MJ, K4, Seio 820). Got the return pump and skimmer pump already.

Corals will be grown out to the point of multi-branching colonies, at that point will sell or trade with local reefers.

Inspired by "Coral Maternity in Portugal" (by Machado deSousa)

 

[IFbettas]

I would go with the 30 gallon because it is so shallow and can be lit with a single halide. The thing is that it doesn't have much water in the system, so it wouldn't be as stable as one of the bigger tanks.

 

[albert7753]

Derek

I voted 30gal so we can compare notes. We should start about the same time and see who gets better growth.

 

[FadeToGrey]

I think any of those tanks would be great, but I personally love cubes, so I would rock the 30gal. Also, just a thought if you are staying on a budget, aquatraders.com has some wicked cheap prices on lights, and I have heard good things.

 

[derek4real]

keep the votes coming. I appreciate everyone input on this.

 

[Fish_wiz2]

The shallow cube tank has my vote best type of tank for propagating IMO

 

[derek4real]

well looks like a 30 gallon cube takes the cake. I was thinking of get 2 of them since they are cheap. that way I can still make use of the sun blaze fixture.

Any thoughts guys?

I got the flow covered, sump, and skimmer.

 

[freddy4130]

I like the cube too, but it seems like the light is a bit overkill don't you think? I mean, you could grow SPS under 12 inches of water with your lumenarc 3 feet above. I am sure you are plannign a rack? In that case your corals are going to be what? 6 inches down? Just re-read. Yes, get two and use the one Sunblaze fixture.

 

[reeferstace]

I DON'T think you should get the 30 cube. Instead, buy it and ship it to me!

All kidding aside, like others here said, the dimensions of the 30 would make a great frag tank. I like it being more shallow and top-down viewable as scaryperson said.

If you wanted to start propagating on a larger scale you might consider the 55 or 75 simply because they can hold more. Also, they potentially would have more stable water chemistry. Still, I would probably go with the 30.

 

[derek4real]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14709967#post14709967 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by reeferstace
I DON'T think you should get the 30 cube. Instead, buy it and ship it to me!

All kidding aside, like others here said, the dimensions of the 30 would make a great frag tank. I like it being more shallow and top-down viewable as scaryperson said.

If you wanted to start propagating on a larger scale you might consider the 55 or 75 simply because they can hold more. Also, they potentially would have more stable water chemistry. Still, I would probably go with the 30.

I think I will start with the 30 cubes first, see how that goes them try a Glass Cages tank (48 x 24 x 18).

The sunblaze fixture bulb options are 6 or 8, most likely get 8 bulb and not use all of them if I burn things.