Setting up our frag tank questions

[adesimone1]

Ok since we decided to set up our frag tank instead of selling it we are going to need some help.
1st it is 4'W x 4'L x 12"H what should we use to clean it up it is acrylic and it has coraline algae?
We would use our 100 gallon rubber maid tub for the sump. Should we tie in a refugium and should we use a skimmer or not. Should we have a sand bed? We have a good amount of T5 fixtures would that be enough lighting or should we also run MH's? Any help would be appreciated

 

[roadking05]

Great idea ;D
Use plastic razor blade to clean up. T5 will be plenty of light. I would run skimmer and refugium.

 

[Phyl]

What do you want to keep in there? I'd be inclined to leave out the sand and use a skimmer unless you're keeping zoas and shrooms and the like. In that case I'd lose the skimmer and keep the sand. If you already have the T5s go ahead and use them. With enough T5 light you won't need MH. Fuge also depends on fish load & type of corals.

 

[adesimone1]

Great idea ;D
Use plastic razor blade to clean up. T5 will be plenty of light. I would run skimmer and refugium.

Is there a way of cleaning it up to make the acrylic crystal clear?

 

[malulu]

vinegar.

 

[Phyl]

There is way to polish out the scuff marks. Labor intensive, but possible. You will need to stay on top of coraline as it will etch the acrylic.

 

[adesimone1]

What do you want to keep in there? I'd be inclined to leave out the sand and use a skimmer unless you're keeping zoas and shrooms and the like. In that case I'd lose the skimmer and keep the sand. If you already have the T5s go ahead and use them. With enough T5 light you won't need MH. Fuge also depends on fish load & type of corals.

I would like to go with a variety it is big enough. Should I put fish in for clean up?

 

[adesimone1]

There is way to polish out the scuff marks. Labor intensive, but possible. You will need to stay on top of coraline as it will etch the acrylic.

I guess I have to get cleaning I want it as clear as possible

 

[JRodrig692]

I will pass on a tip that someone gave me.

Muriatic acid. You buy it at home depot in a gallon jug. Pour it in there and mix with water and watch the caralline and crud fall off. Works FANTASTIC!

As for the plumbing. I personally would run the refugium into the frag tank and then have the frag tank drain into the sump. This way anything that flows from the refugium ends up feeding some corals.

Sand Bed. That all depends on you. Some tanks have it, some do not. Whether you want if for looks or to serve a purpose, you make that call.

T5 is more than enough to run the tank or you can go with metal halide, you do not have to do both. T5 all you have to do is find the right bulb combo.

Throw some powerheads in there for good flow and go.

 

[Brian]

Are you guys sure you can use vinegar or muriatic acid on acrylic? I would think that you couldn't, it may cause crazing.

 

[mott768]

I would like to go with a variety it is big enough. Should I put fish in for clean up?

you should keep some fish in it, fish poo equals coral food

 

[adesimone1]

Any suggestions on fish with it only being 12" deep.

 

[JRodrig692]

As for the muratiatic acid, no, no hazing at all.

As for fish, 12" is deep enough for fish like: Lined wrasses, pygmy angels, gobies. I have seen copper banded, tangs also in other tanks.

 

[Edwardw771]

Great news on keeping the tank that thing is great. Those t5 you have would be enough for some corals. How many watts are they. I would suggest an ice cap 660 and a set of end caps and reflectors.

Are you going to hook the tank into your big tank up stairs? Drill the floor, drill the floor.

PS your purple tang is going great he is almost fully healed. You can barely tell he was getting beat up.

 

[adesimone1]

Great news on keeping the tank that thing is great. Those t5 you have would be enough for some corals. How many watts are they. I would suggest an ice cap 660 and a set of end caps and reflectors.

Are you going to hook the tank into your big tank up stairs? Drill the floor, drill the floor.

PS your purple tang is going great he is almost fully healed. You can barely tell he was getting beat up.

I'm glad he is back to his old self again. I knew it wouldn't take him long he was a very healthy fish I still can't believe how they changed when we put them in the new tank. We probably will go that route with 660. We are going to get the acid to clean up the tank.