Frag Tank: What does it take?

[Cave Dweller]

I've seen a few people posting about frag tanks or having them for sale etc. Against all opposition of fighting M.T.S., I am curious as to what is really required to start one, even a small one like in a 20g.

Unfortunately, when you search frag tank a million posts pop up since it's hitting both key words. Would primarily be for zoa's as a start as I have little to no experience with reef tanks or sps as so far I've only had aggressive FOWLR's.

Just wanted to know how one of the little guys can get off to a good start.

 

[Cave Dweller]

And I know it would be hard but thinking a minimal-istic approach here. Maybe a 20 long, simple light, canister filter, chunk or 2 of LR and some egg crate. Can it really be that simple at first?

 

[rbtwo4]

Canister filter is old school and to have a frag tank water and parameters should be on point if they are going to grow and do well. Lighting too. Think of a frag tank as another reef tank without the rocks.

 

[drej424]

I've run a few tanks just like that. You can even add rock rubble to your canister filter. It becomes like a sump. Instead of filter socks, use filter pads cut to size.

 

[Cave Dweller]

Honestly trying to keep it simple in the sense that I'd like to keep the costs down (damn near impossible in this hobby) and try to set up something small at my fiances house so that the kids can look at it etc as well.

Not looking to buy a few zoa frags and have them explode to fill the tank in a short time and sell it, but instead let them have a "pet" maybe with a single small fish or something in it...

 

[rbtwo4]

best bet go with a nano

 

[Cave Dweller]

Thats true... best way to keep it all together and one shot it. Brother has one sitting around I think but I know the light is shot. Perhaps time to overhaul it.

 

[Cave Dweller]

Anyone know how to tell if a ballast is blown on an old nano hood before I drop $50 for a new one?