Frag tank Construction

[walter]

I actually got it to work. The problem was that the light was too heavy and would cause the virtical pole to bend. I simply attached a eyehook behind it at the bend and attached a metal wire to the pole and the hook. Problem solved.

 

 

[onux20]

Okay here is what I have so far.

 

I got the 150W DE MH 14K ( I think) and ballast from the filter freak this summer.

20gal aga. Used to be fresh water but I shut it down from lack of attention.

I put in some extra rock I had available from when I rescaped my Solana. It was dry but should restablish in a little while. Then I added a few pieces of rubble from the Solana from a pod pile. Then some filter media. Hopefully, it will all help get the cycle started and keep it short.

 

I plan to just use a hang on filter from the FW set up and two Koralia nanos.

 

Here are some pix of the set up. I have not cleaned it up yet. Zip ties and cords everywhere. I still need to buy and paint the end caps.

 

I swear my eyes are crooked...When I glued everything together, it all looked straight. Now that its up...Not so much. Its not that bad but...

 

Okay the pics..

 

I made a little box to hold chaeto once I get everything running.

 

Thats it. I will try to keep you updated.

 

Ron

 

 

I actually got it to work. The problem was that the light was too heavy and would cause the virtical pole to bend. I simply attached a eyehook behind it at the bend and attached a metal wire to the pole and the hook. Problem solved.

Nice work. Glad it all came together and looks great.

Ron

Edited November 12, 2008 by onux20

[walter]

Thanks. That thing was a pain to move behind my tank. Lets just say everything I could have done wrong with setting up my tank I did. Outlet in the middle of the tank, Tank really close to wall, no stud above the tank, vent about the tank, Structure a little taller than I needed it to be, etc. But like you said it did work out. Your project turned out fantastic too.

Edited November 12, 2008 by walter

[onyx]

Setups look great. Thanks for posting.

[walter]

is that light spillage on the right wall? How do I get rid of it? Thats wasted light right?

[onux20]

Okay,

 

My frag tank is a week plus in to the cycle. Not sure if trites are climbing or on the downward swing ~.02. But things are progressing. As I get further along I have some questions...

 

Do I need a skimmer?

Should I worry about surface skimming?

 

If I need a skimmer I may rethink this altogether. If surface skimming is required, I am already trying to think of a way to rig some plexi.

 

Anyone that has set a frag tank w/o drilling please pass along some suggestions.

 

Ron

[reefmontalvo]

is that light spillage on the right wall? How do I get rid of it? Thats wasted light right?

 

You can either lower the light a bit more, or you can hang a drape over the edges of the light to direct the light downward towards the tank.

[ctenophore]

Okay,

 

My frag tank is a week plus in to the cycle. Not sure if trites are climbing or on the downward swing ~.02. But things are progressing. As I get further along I have some questions...

 

Do I need a skimmer?

Should I worry about surface skimming?

 

If I need a skimmer I may rethink this altogether. If surface skimming is required, I am already trying to think of a way to rig some plexi.

 

Anyone that has set a frag tank w/o drilling please pass along some suggestions.

 

Ron

Just use a small hang on the back filter with some carbon and you should be fine. Frag tanks usually don't have any fish so the bioload will be very light.

 

nevermind, looks like you already have one of those. Just use carbon, no filter floss. Maybe a little phosphate remover (GFO) in a mesh bag if you need it at the beginning.

[onux20]

Just use a small hang on the back filter with some carbon and you should be fine. Frag tanks usually don't have any fish so the bioload will be very light.

 

nevermind, looks like you already have one of those. Just use carbon, no filter floss. Maybe a little phosphate remover (GFO) in a mesh bag if you need it at the beginning.

Thanks for the advice. I must admit, I plan to add one or two fish to the tank. Thinking of getting an RBTA for my clown. Assuming I can catch him. He has been trying to cuddle up to different coral in my display tank. But have no plans to turn it in to another reef tank. At least not yet.

 

Thanks again.

Ron