so, im looking to start up a fragment tank, as i plan to make some money off of my reef, but since i spend all my money on corals...................... i need to know how to do this in a budget friendly way. i MIGHT be willing to build a small led fixture for this, but that depends on how cheap i can do everything else. looking for maybe a 10gal size, parents hate idea of open top, so what do i do for filter, water flow, etc?

bare bones is all i need like most frag tanks, but i do need an inexpensive light setup for anything from zoas to chalice to acans to sps, i have ideas to make the LED more cost effective, mostly because the tank will be shallow and small.

buy lights from here http://shop.aquatraders.com/Default.asp
I got 24" t5 96w for 86$!!!

well, that sounds like a great deal, but i think i heard that their fixtures are hit or miss in terms of quality and safety, but that might be another bargain place.


any ideas for filter, since this has to be closed top?

I'm building a cheap frag tank for QTing corals:
$28 15gallon 24x12x12
$80 130w PC Current USA dual satellite on sale
free - divider wall so the last 4" is a fuge
$10 black eggcrate
$20 50w heater
$10 return pump (mj1200) and a
$10 knano for daytime turbulence
free - homemade ATO

Total cost:$158

That sound nice blue, for under $200. Can we see this diy ato?

you show me yours and I'll build mine to match it
I've used the drip method with good success but since this is in a corner I might build an inverted bottle ATO - never done it but it's less likely to overflow (I think)
Java's AIO Contest tank
vacuum break gravity feed ATO, Now with pictures!

I am trying to build one. I was going for a gravity feed float valve and a large container.

I have a 24" nova extreme 4x24 for sale. PM if you want.

bluefunelement, where is the filter in this system? very very nice price point, just want to see where the filter is. is it the fuge? the return pump would come from the filter, right? i think i get everything else.

audios, if i dont scrunge up the funds for a very very basic LED setup, i may consider that offer . does it fit a 10gal?

Just to be clear "I'm building a cheap frag tank" vs this is all ready built - so feel free to give advice

4x12x12" fuge is the filter (20% of total aquarium volume) with a 3 equal size chambers like my 24nanocube
1st will have a media basket like an AquaClear or inTank and a notch under into...
2nd will have ball of spinning chaeto with a notch over into...
3rd will have pump and 2x heaters and the return

I prefer this but might switch it up for a 2x return pump on a wavemaker like a 28nanocube once I get more feedback.

Replace this with a rubbermaid container and you can shave another $20.

I'd suggest looking into t5's since bulb changes are much less frequent than metal halides. LED's aren't a bad way to go either, but it really depends on the dimensions of your tank. Is there any way that you could plumb it to your existing tank? If so you can save money and time by sharing the filtration and water changes.

Also, if you're going to have all of those corals in the one frag tank it's going to be hard to suit all of their needs. To get really, really fast growing SPS you'll need a lot more lighting and flow than a chalice could handle, plus LPS like to sting each other in close quarters so that's something to keep in mind as well. I'd say to get an idea of tank size and dimensions in your head in advance, and then go building it up from there

im building this tank. parents arent keen on drilling the aquapod, and the location of my tank isnt real great to plumb the frag tank unfortunately. the purpose of this tank is really to store frags and keep them healthy, not to grow them out alot, i can tolerate growout frags in my aquapod just not when i am waiting to sell them. keep the clutter of large frags out if my aquapod is the goal.

not sure if i will even be allowed a frag tank, that adds a fourth tank to my house.... im fine with it but im not the owner of my pad....

Buy used!

Its a hair longer than 24", so it would be hanging over. It does have adjustable legs, so youd have a slight mushroom effect.

hm, ok. i will keep you in mind

what type of rubbermaid container would you reccomend?