Frag tank question

[nickh06]

So I have this 36in tank (38 gallon) currently setup for freshwater. Looking to convert it to a frag tank.

Here is the equipment I currently have -
Hang on back filter (runs carbon floss type filters) its an Aquaeon.
36in t5 4 bulb setup
heater

What would I need to convert it to a frag tank besides the obvious (salt, egg crate, etc.)?

Do you need a skimmer? LR? Stronger light? I was planning on keeping it barebottom. Not sure if I just want a reef only barebottom with some frag shelves or just a 100% frag setup. I have been reading about frag tanks all over the internet but no one really gives a clear answer. Thanks!

 

[ringo®]

I run a 4 bulb over a 40 breeder. Works just fine.
You don't "need" a skimmer, but it helps. More so if it's going to be a sps tank.
Leaving it bare bottom will make keeping the tank clean alot easier.

Edit: I run a 4 bulb over a 40 breeder. Works just fine.
You don't "need" a skimmer, but it helps. More so if it's going to be a sps tank.
Leaving it bare bottom will make keeping the tank clean alot easier.

 

[nickh06]

I run a 4 bulb over a 40 breeder. Works just fine.
You don't "need" a skimmer, but it helps. More so if it's going to be a sps tank.
Leaving it bare bottom will make keeping the tank clean alot easier.

Thanks Ringo! Do you use LR? what type of filtration?

Edit: Also, same cycle process?

 

[ringo®]

Nickh06;907945 wrote:

I run a 4 bulb over a 40 breeder. Works just fine.
You don't "need" a skimmer, but it helps. More so if it's going to be a sps tank.
Leaving it bare bottom will make keeping the tank clean alot easier.

Thanks Ringo! Do you use LR? what type of filtration?

Edit: Also, same cycle process?

I've got LR in it, but its there for frag colonization. I use a skimmer and Matrix in the sump. I cycled it because I was starting from scratch. If you're pulling rock from your display, it likely isn't needed.

 

[nickh06]

any pics?

 

[ringo®]

Nickh06;907966 wrote: any pics?

I can take some.....tank or filtration? Forgot to add there's a reactor in the mix too

 

[the curious]

I am in the process of planning out my 25g (24"x18" footprint) frag tank and was wandering the same questions you are. I plan on growing out high end zoas and SPS, so I am going to include a sump with live rock, skimmer, and an ATO with kalk mix. I plan on running a clamp-on 150w metal halide, keeping the tank barebottom, and keeping 1 clownfish in it.

 

[ringo®]

the curious;908108 wrote: .....an ATO with kalk mix.

I would skip the kalk and go with more frequent water changes on a tank that size.. Just my .02.

 

[nickh06]

Ringo®;908012 wrote: I can take some.....tank or filtration? Forgot to add there's a reactor in the mix too

both would be cool! Thanks

 

[the curious]

Ringo®;908112 wrote: I would skip the kalk and go with more frequent water changes on a tank that size.. Just my .02.

I thought about not including the kalk, but I figured that since I was gonna include an ATO anyway, I might as well mix kalk into it. But you are right that my frag tank will be relatively small, I'll probably start out without kalk, and see how my parameters do.

I would like to see some of your frag system pics too. What do you keep in your reactor?

 

[ringo®]

Carbon and GFO (small quanities) changed every Sunday.