Mini Frag Tank?

Jeremy0322 · 12-02-2008, 01:58 AM

Im looking at setting up the spare 10 gallon I have as a frag tank, which I would just plumb into my main system. I am looking at cheap good lighting for it (I know those dont usually go together) but if its out there its mine...lol. So, anyone have any suggestions for a light fixture for a tank like this. It doesnt have to be the best ever, i wont be keeping anything too extreme, so PC for a ten is fine with me. Im just wondering if people have similar setups and what they are running?

chipmunkofdoom2 · 12-02-2008, 02:10 AM

Haha, you and I are thinking the exact same thing at the exact same time! The only thing holding me back on making mine a frag tank is A) my lack of corals to frag and B) lighting is too expensive.

I was thinking about doing something along these lines:

Build a canopy with a surge protector in it, then plug some of these buggers into it:

Then screw a couple of these 50/50 bulbs into each socket.

The end result would be something like this.

The only problem is that this setup may be cheaper up front because you'll only really have to pay for the bulbs, but in the long run the bulb cost would make it much less cost effective.

Jeremy0322 · 12-02-2008, 02:14 AM

See, the only problem i see with that is you are paying 45 dollars just for the bulbs up front, whereas I was looking at something like this which is 60 dollars for the unit..
20 inch 1x40 Watt Current USA PowerCompact Single Satellite Fixture

But i dont know if it comes with the bulb or not, and I am sure i could find something cheaper either used or on something like ebay. However, i do like your idea, and if you go for that let me know how it works!

chipmunkofdoom2 · 12-02-2008, 10:19 AM

Yeah, I'm definitely not going with that setup, it would cost way too much in the long run. I want to keep an eye out for a cheap used CF fixture, but I know those are far and few between.

BigAl07 · 12-02-2008, 11:11 AM

For a Frag Tank you'll want some really good (not GREAT unless you're keeping SPS corals). I have a 10g frag tank with a Coralife 130W fixture (yes it's a 24" fixture over a 20" tank but WOW it pops).

chipmunkofdoom2 · 12-02-2008, 12:04 PM

13 watts a gallon

Haha.

BigAl07 · 12-02-2008, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chipmunkofdoom2

13 watts a gallon

Haha.

Yep and I still can't do SPS or Clams in that tank. It's just PC lights and not enough "Umph" for the really HIGH light lovers. I've tried and failed

Jeremy0322 · 12-02-2008, 12:10 PM

Yea, i have sent a few PM's out and a few emails out to people selling fixtures with that type of power rating, and im just waiting to get word back on a few of them to see what I am looking at price wise. If its going to be alot I dont know if it will be worth it, but I will update once i have a better idea whats going on. And I wont be getting into anything like that, I cant keep them in my actual tank so it doesnt make any sense to have a frag tank that can keep up with the intense stuff.

Jeremy0322 · 12-02-2008, 12:43 PM

So you think a 150watt metal halide would be too much for this tank...lol. I found one for 100 bucks with the MH Magnetic ballast, socket,and bulb(xm 150w 10,000k). Just trying to get a feel for options...haha

BigAl07 · 12-02-2008, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeremy0322

So you think a 150watt metal halide would be too much for this tank...lol. I found one for 100 bucks with the MH Magnetic ballast, socket,and bulb(xm 150w 10,000k). Just trying to get a feel for options...haha

yeah I do unless you hang it WAY above the tank. If you were looking for MH I'd opt for a 70w system and even then you may have HEAT issues with such a small volume of water.

Jeremy0322 · 12-02-2008, 12:47 PM

Alright, so now im narrowing down the options lol I just saw one for sale on another site and wondered if it was as much "overkill" as i thought it would be

BigAl07 · 12-02-2008, 12:50 PM

Don't get me wrong.. people DO use that (and MORE) on a 10g tank and make it work but I'm of the school of thought the more EXTREME you go the less margin of error you have and with it being a frag tank there's no sense going EXTREME on the Frag if you can't put the same ones into your Display tank. I mean why keep exotic SPS if you can't do anything with them as they grow out.

Jeremy0322 · 12-02-2008, 12:54 PM

That was my train of thought exactly, i have no need for awesome coral in a frag tank, but for the price it was just a little more than some of the PC fixtures I was looking at, so I didnt know what the better move would be. So, the search continues....lol

BigAl07 · 12-02-2008, 01:16 PM

Keep in mind that MH bulbs can be fairly expensive depending on the type and brand. You'll want to factor replacement cost into the equation especially when buying used. It would suck to get a "Decent" price on a used one and have to fork out that same amount again almost immediately for a new bulb. Been there done that had to buy 2 new bulbs in one of mine unexpectedly... the unit was slightly "older than stated". Oh well.. live & learn

lcstorc · 12-02-2008, 01:49 PM

Keep in mind as well you take a significant risk as well anytime you buy something used. I have a friend who bought a used PC fixture only to have it literally go up in smoke a couple of weeks later. It wasn't someone trying to rip her off. The fixture just died right after she bought it.

12-02-2008, 01:58 AM	#1 (permalink)
Jeremy0322 Tridacna maxima Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Wilmington, NC Posts: 4,753 View Gallery Karma Komment	Mini Frag Tank? Im looking at setting up the spare 10 gallon I have as a frag tank, which I would just plumb into my main system. I am looking at cheap good lighting for it (I know those dont usually go together) but if its out there its mine...lol. So, anyone have any suggestions for a light fixture for a tank like this. It doesnt have to be the best ever, i wont be keeping anything too extreme, so PC for a ten is fine with me. Im just wondering if people have similar setups and what they are running? __________________ UNCW 2011 -Marine Biology Major -Oceanography Minor The old 90 Gallon Build r.i.p Only after the last tree's cut And the last river poisoned Only after the last fish is caught Will you find that money cannot be eaten....

12-02-2008, 02:10 AM	#2 (permalink)
chipmunkofdoom2 Reef Lobster Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Stewartstown, PA Posts: 1,305 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Mini Frag Tank? Haha, you and I are thinking the exact same thing at the exact same time! The only thing holding me back on making mine a frag tank is A) my lack of corals to frag and B) lighting is too expensive. I was thinking about doing something along these lines: Build a canopy with a surge protector in it, then plug some of these buggers into it: Then screw a couple of these 50/50 bulbs into each socket. The end result would be something like this. The only problem is that this setup may be cheaper up front because you'll only really have to pay for the bulbs, but in the long run the bulb cost would make it much less cost effective.

12-02-2008, 02:14 AM	#3 (permalink)
Jeremy0322 Tridacna maxima Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Wilmington, NC Posts: 4,753 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Mini Frag Tank? See, the only problem i see with that is you are paying 45 dollars just for the bulbs up front, whereas I was looking at something like this which is 60 dollars for the unit.. 20 inch 1x40 Watt Current USA PowerCompact Single Satellite Fixture But i dont know if it comes with the bulb or not, and I am sure i could find something cheaper either used or on something like ebay. However, i do like your idea, and if you go for that let me know how it works! __________________ UNCW 2011 -Marine Biology Major -Oceanography Minor The old 90 Gallon Build r.i.p Only after the last tree's cut And the last river poisoned Only after the last fish is caught Will you find that money cannot be eaten....

12-02-2008, 10:19 AM	#4 (permalink)
chipmunkofdoom2 Reef Lobster Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Stewartstown, PA Posts: 1,305 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Mini Frag Tank? Yeah, I'm definitely not going with that setup, it would cost way too much in the long run. I want to keep an eye out for a cheap used CF fixture, but I know those are far and few between.

12-02-2008, 11:11 AM	#5 (permalink)
BigAl07 Do I look as lost as I am Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Waynesville, North Carolina Posts: 21,549 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Mini Frag Tank? For a Frag Tank you'll want some really good (not GREAT unless you're keeping SPS corals). I have a 10g frag tank with a Coralife 130W fixture (yes it's a 24" fixture over a 20" tank but WOW it pops). __________________ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~ *Live Rock Rubble will do the SAME thing as Bio-Balls and is NOT a suitable replacement for BIO-BALLS in a Reef System! It's ALL gotta go!!* Nitrate (NO3) reduction is directly proportional to percentage of Water Change. Allen's home-made formula...currentNO3-((%WC.01)currentNO3)=finalNO3 (thanks Luukosian) This means if you change 50% of your total water volume (That's EVERYTHING) you'll get a net reduction of (NO3) somewhere around 50%. Ask me about how to increase your REEF budget without going without FOOD!!* Big Al's 10g Julie's (BigAl's Gal) 6g NanoCube Gone but not forgotten BigAl's Slow 90g Tank Chronicle Allens OFFICE 12g Nano-Reef

12-02-2008, 12:04 PM	#6 (permalink)
chipmunkofdoom2 Reef Lobster Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Stewartstown, PA Posts: 1,305 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Mini Frag Tank? 13 watts a gallon Haha.

12-02-2008, 12:10 PM	#8 (permalink)
Jeremy0322 Tridacna maxima Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Wilmington, NC Posts: 4,753 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Mini Frag Tank? Yea, i have sent a few PM's out and a few emails out to people selling fixtures with that type of power rating, and im just waiting to get word back on a few of them to see what I am looking at price wise. If its going to be alot I dont know if it will be worth it, but I will update once i have a better idea whats going on. And I wont be getting into anything like that, I cant keep them in my actual tank so it doesnt make any sense to have a frag tank that can keep up with the intense stuff. __________________ UNCW 2011 -Marine Biology Major -Oceanography Minor The old 90 Gallon Build r.i.p Only after the last tree's cut And the last river poisoned Only after the last fish is caught Will you find that money cannot be eaten....

12-02-2008, 12:43 PM	#9 (permalink)
Jeremy0322 Tridacna maxima Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Wilmington, NC Posts: 4,753 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Mini Frag Tank? So you think a 150watt metal halide would be too much for this tank...lol. I found one for 100 bucks with the MH Magnetic ballast, socket,and bulb(xm 150w 10,000k). Just trying to get a feel for options...haha __________________ UNCW 2011 -Marine Biology Major -Oceanography Minor The old 90 Gallon Build r.i.p Only after the last tree's cut And the last river poisoned Only after the last fish is caught Will you find that money cannot be eaten....

12-02-2008, 12:47 PM	#11 (permalink)
Jeremy0322 Tridacna maxima Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Wilmington, NC Posts: 4,753 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Mini Frag Tank? Alright, so now im narrowing down the options lol I just saw one for sale on another site and wondered if it was as much "overkill" as i thought it would be __________________ UNCW 2011 -Marine Biology Major -Oceanography Minor The old 90 Gallon Build r.i.p Only after the last tree's cut And the last river poisoned Only after the last fish is caught Will you find that money cannot be eaten....

12-02-2008, 12:50 PM	#12 (permalink)
BigAl07 Do I look as lost as I am Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Waynesville, North Carolina Posts: 21,549 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Mini Frag Tank? Don't get me wrong.. people DO use that (and MORE) on a 10g tank and make it work but I'm of the school of thought the more EXTREME you go the less margin of error you have and with it being a frag tank there's no sense going EXTREME on the Frag if you can't put the same ones into your Display tank. I mean why keep exotic SPS if you can't do anything with them as they grow out. __________________ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~ *Live Rock Rubble will do the SAME thing as Bio-Balls and is NOT a suitable replacement for BIO-BALLS in a Reef System! It's ALL gotta go!!* Nitrate (NO3) reduction is directly proportional to percentage of Water Change. Allen's home-made formula...currentNO3-((%WC.01)currentNO3)=finalNO3 (thanks Luukosian) This means if you change 50% of your total water volume (That's EVERYTHING) you'll get a net reduction of (NO3) somewhere around 50%. Ask me about how to increase your REEF budget without going without FOOD!!* Big Al's 10g Julie's (BigAl's Gal) 6g NanoCube Gone but not forgotten BigAl's Slow 90g Tank Chronicle Allens OFFICE 12g Nano-Reef

12-02-2008, 12:54 PM	#13 (permalink)
Jeremy0322 Tridacna maxima Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Wilmington, NC Posts: 4,753 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Mini Frag Tank? That was my train of thought exactly, i have no need for awesome coral in a frag tank, but for the price it was just a little more than some of the PC fixtures I was looking at, so I didnt know what the better move would be. So, the search continues....lol __________________ UNCW 2011 -Marine Biology Major -Oceanography Minor The old 90 Gallon Build r.i.p Only after the last tree's cut And the last river poisoned Only after the last fish is caught Will you find that money cannot be eaten....

12-02-2008, 01:16 PM	#14 (permalink)
BigAl07 Do I look as lost as I am Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Waynesville, North Carolina Posts: 21,549 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Mini Frag Tank? Keep in mind that MH bulbs can be fairly expensive depending on the type and brand. You'll want to factor replacement cost into the equation especially when buying used. It would suck to get a "Decent" price on a used one and have to fork out that same amount again almost immediately for a new bulb. Been there done that had to buy 2 new bulbs in one of mine unexpectedly... the unit was slightly "older than stated". Oh well.. live & learn __________________ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~ *Live Rock Rubble will do the SAME thing as Bio-Balls and is NOT a suitable replacement for BIO-BALLS in a Reef System! It's ALL gotta go!!* Nitrate (NO3) reduction is directly proportional to percentage of Water Change. Allen's home-made formula...currentNO3-((%WC.01)currentNO3)=finalNO3 (thanks Luukosian) This means if you change 50% of your total water volume (That's EVERYTHING) you'll get a net reduction of (NO3) somewhere around 50%. Ask me about how to increase your REEF budget without going without FOOD!!* Big Al's 10g Julie's (BigAl's Gal) 6g NanoCube Gone but not forgotten BigAl's Slow 90g Tank Chronicle Allens OFFICE 12g Nano-Reef

12-02-2008, 01:49 PM	#15 (permalink)
lcstorc Sunshine Reefer Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Cocoa Fl Posts: 26,433 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Mini Frag Tank? Keep in mind as well you take a significant risk as well anytime you buy something used. I have a friend who bought a used PC fixture only to have it literally go up in smoke a couple of weeks later. It wasn't someone trying to rip her off. The fixture just died right after she bought it. __________________ Peace LYNN Lynn and Franks saltwater adventure Lynn's 20g clown tank Lynn's 90g of sunshine Lynn's frag tank experiment A reef tank is like a race car. The faster you go the harder you crash.

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