What's different about a prop system?

[wrenchhead]

I have been asking a lot of questions lately,so thanks for all the advise.Todays question is what do I need to different with my prop system?Are the water parameters supposed to be the same as my main system?Are there any areas I should treat different than my main tank?This is how my frag tank is set up.

30g long
no sump
coral life super skimmer 125
2 maxi jet 1200
1-150w hqi 20k(for now)
15lbs live rock and rubble
bare bottom
egg crate racks(1 6" from top/1 3"from bottom)

 

[123and456]

what makes a frag tank a frag tank is that it has frags in it you shouldn't have to do anything different from anyother tank thats suited for the corals.

 

[GTR]

If it's a remote system (not tied to the display) you first need to decide what you'll be propagating and set up a system to meet those goals. I started with a mixed 300 gallon system and it just got to the point that I needed different water quality for some corals to do well. Conditions for good colors and optimal growth for Acropora won't be the same for Zoanthids.

I need optimum conditions to keep the venture cost effective. If it's just for a little help covering your hobby expenses you can treat it different.

SteveU

 

[dpearly88]

If your growing SPS' you should think about more water flow. Gorwth rates of SPS' really increase as flow goes up.

 

[wrenchhead]

Ok I think I am going to mod the maxijet and add 1 more.
What about feeding,what do you guys use?
Oh yea a couple more things.
I have another 150w hqi laying around,if I add this to the tank do you think it would be too much?I also have a couple 65w pcs but I don't want to burn anything.
I live near the beach and I have received frags that were attached to sea shells,will that work and if so what steps do I have to take to prep them?
Thanks for all the advise!!!!!!

 

[wrenchhead]

Does anyone have any advis on using sea shells for frag plugs?

 

[wrenchhead]

COME ON,SOME ONE MUST HAVE SOME ADVISE ON THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[GTR]

OK ALREADY!

Use of shells will depend on the corals you are growing. I'd have a hard time keeping shells in place in a high flow system.

With a little effort I'm sure you can understand the problem they might create. In a propagation system you are trying to pack as many corals as possible under the usable light you provide. Unless you have a tank of same species all lined up in rows, having them move and land on each other can be counter productive.

SteveU

 

[wrenchhead]

I see what you mean.I might try them out for the zoos.They will be at the bottom of the tank.Thanks for the input.
Does anyone know of any good books on propagation?

 

[GTR]

The only one I know of the devoted to propagation (though I think it has more general information) is Calfo's. He just came out with a new version and IIRC it's the same basic text but has more pretty pictures. I have the old one and have yet to see the new edition so I could be wrong.

SteveU

 

[wrenchhead]

Ok,I will look into it.Thanks so much for the input.