Frag tank

[sknoch78]

I have recently had to set up a frag tank for some corals I had to take possesion of prior to having my new tank up and running. I am looking for some info on how to succesfully maintain this setup for 2-3 months while I get my main tank dialed in. What I currently have is a 15L setup using water from the tank the corals came out of. THe equipment list is as follows

Lighting: 250w 14k phoenix
Circulation: Vortech on 1/4 speed
Top off: LMIII running through Ecotech Marine kalk reactor
Heater: 250w Via Aqua
Temp and Ph monitoring/control: Aquatronica

There are roughly 20 pcs. in this tank all sitting on eggcrate. I also have two pieces of live rock in the tank as well.

I have had this set up since last Sunday and so far so good. Everything looks great and is showing good polyp extension. Should I feed this tank at all? What would you suggest for a maintenance regime? This is not my first round at SPS, but I have never had just a frag tank. I have tried the search function but there are way to many hits for "frag tank", I have read through several and have not found anything relevant. I am just looking for some advice.

Thanks in advance,
Shawn

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[DarkXerox]

Nice vortech! First time I've seen one in a tank here.

Anyways, couple quick questions first though. Do you have this tank separate or is it plumbed into another larger tank? Also do you run a skimmer?

Other than that, I wouldn't feed unless the corals start to lighten too much.

 

[sknoch78]

This tank is on its own. I forgot to add that I will be hooking up a skimmer to the tank this weekend. Is this all that is needed?

Ohh and the Vortechs are incredible. I will be using three of them in my 240.

 

[SERVO]

No real need to Skim the tank IMO. I would be very diligent about checking your Ca and Alk and doing weekly water changes in a small tank like that. You never know what will happen.

 

[phileas]

:eek1:

 

[coralcat]

no fish, no skim,,,, But water perimiters can change quick in this small a setup, Servo has it right. I would change flow direction whenever possible, don't want to see them look like the trees at the coast wind blown. what part of OR you in?

 

[CAreefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7533518#post7533518 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by SERVO
No real need to Skim the tank IMO. I would be very diligent about checking your Ca and Alk and doing weekly water changes in a small tank like that. You never know what will happen.

Just to add a thought to this very wise comment, with the relatively small volume of water, it is imperative to match the parameters of the w/c water prior to changing it.

My $.02

CAReefer

 

[SERVO]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7533958#post7533958 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by CAreefer
Just to add a thought to this very wise comment, with the relatively small volume of water, it is imperative to match the parameters of the w/c water prior to changing it.

My $.02

CAReefer

Thats a great point, and one that is easily overlooked. Nano tanks are a royal PITA (IMO) b/c of the fluctuations that occur.

Do you have the room to throw on an external overflow and use a 40 gallon rubbermaid container on the floor to help with the stability of the tank? It should make your life easier and decrease your stress.

 

[zoazoa]

I think you would better connect frag tank with your main tank.
Means circulation of main tank water to frag tank and then go sump or main tank again. No skimmer, no live rock and just small tank itself will be very unstable. You know sps does not like unstable tank and just water change from main tank will be dangerous.

 

[sknoch78]

Servo: Thanks for the input. I am currently using kalk through an auto top off but I think I am going to just dose two part additive to keep it all in line.

coralcat: I thought about the flow as well but in this small of a tank, I am not sure how big of an issue that is. I could add another Vortech and just alternate them. I am in the Scholls/Sherwood area.

CAreefer: Good point, that is one step I had forgotten.

Servo: I have everything to hook up a sump of sorts. I am going to give it a couple of weeks and see how it goes. My goal is to keep the fluctuations to a minimum, although I know how hard this may be.

zoazoa: I would love to connect this to the main tank, but it is not up and running yet. I have a gorgeous 240g tank made by James at Envision sitting in my front room that has been patiently waiting for me to get done with my day job so that I can get it up and running. Now that work has slowed down, I hope to have water in it in the next couple of weeks. I just need to get a few more things done.

Shawn