Coral propogation experiment

cdeboard · 05-28-2009, 11:49 AM

I have been researching coral propogation. Most of the information i find is TOO in depth (lots of info about the current reefs, etc). I have been kicking around the idea of starting a small frag tank. I plan on using whatever I can get my hands on (10 gal, 20 gal long) for now, basic filtration. My main question is flow? Would a smaller powerhead suffice in that small of a tank. If you are raising mostly softies would you go with a thin live sand with a little bit of LR, or just a sandbed, no bed, other suggestions (I have seen these done many ways)? I mostly plan on starting out with softies, zoas, palys, mushrooms, xenia, etc. I am going to experiment with T5 lighting as well. I see many debates about this. Mostly this is a learning experience/experiment. I will document well.
I have seen some great t5 only frag tanks.

Any of your input is greatly appreciate (as well as free frags to get me started LOL), another variable on this experiment is cost. I am going to try and do it at the least cost possible.

coldshot · 05-28-2009, 12:28 PM

I like the idea of a T-5 prop tank as it appear's most buyer's have T-5's and not MH So when you buy MH Frag's they have to go through all these changes before they are actually and truly acclimated to the lesser lighting. They only use the MH to enhance the color of the Frag's and that increases sales....Sorry if I am off topic....I think in a 20 a Koralia #1 would be sufficient....
Danny

cdeboard · 05-28-2009, 12:32 PM

No right on topic. This is perfect. Thats what I was thinking for a powerhead.
Getting my hands on a tank then I will be in search of a good t5 fixture.

cdeboard · 05-28-2009, 02:43 PM

What about a hob fuge or skimmer? Something small and cheap for a 10g.. or would it all be needed?

cement_skis · 05-28-2009, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by coldshot

I like the idea of a T-5 prop tank as it appear's most buyer's have T-5's and not MH So when you buy MH Frag's they have to go through all these changes before they are actually and truly acclimated to the lesser lighting. They only use the MH to enhance the color of the Frag's and that increases sales....Sorry if I am off topic....I think in a 20 a Koralia #1 would be sufficient....
Danny

I have a K #1 in my 2o long and think it is absolutely perfect.

coldshot · 05-28-2009, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cdeboard

What about a hob fuge or skimmer? Something small and cheap for a 10g.. or would it all be needed?

I would'nt worry about a fuge but I would put a small skimmer onboard...and also run carbon through the power filter that comes with tank's....
carbon will keep the water shiny....
Danny

cdeboard · 05-28-2009, 03:35 PM

Thanks for the suggestions guys! K+
Cant wait to get started

GoToSleep · 05-28-2009, 04:07 PM

Is there an downside to having a coral propagation tank that is plumbed into the main DT therby allowing shared protein skimmer, chiller, etc...?

cdeboard · 05-28-2009, 04:13 PM

Not sure, I currently do not have a sump on my DT.

05-28-2009, 11:49 AM	#1 (permalink)
cdeboard Montipora Digitata Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Grayson, KY Age: 26 Posts: 1,054 Skin: Mint Karma: 7463	Coral propogation experiment I have been researching coral propogation. Most of the information i find is TOO in depth (lots of info about the current reefs, etc). I have been kicking around the idea of starting a small frag tank. I plan on using whatever I can get my hands on (10 gal, 20 gal long) for now, basic filtration. My main question is flow? Would a smaller powerhead suffice in that small of a tank. If you are raising mostly softies would you go with a thin live sand with a little bit of LR, or just a sandbed, no bed, other suggestions (I have seen these done many ways)? I mostly plan on starting out with softies, zoas, palys, mushrooms, xenia, etc. I am going to experiment with T5 lighting as well. I see many debates about this. Mostly this is a learning experience/experiment. I will document well. I have seen some great t5 only frag tanks. Any of your input is greatly appreciate (as well as free frags to get me started LOL), another variable on this experiment is cost. I am going to try and do it at the least cost possible.

05-28-2009, 12:28 PM	#2 (permalink)
coldshot Pajama Cardinal Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: I live on the edge of the Cherokee Reservation in north east Oklahoma Age: 50 Posts: 1,421 Skin: Mint Karma: 7145	I like the idea of a T-5 prop tank as it appear's most buyer's have T-5's and not MH So when you buy MH Frag's they have to go through all these changes before they are actually and truly acclimated to the lesser lighting. They only use the MH to enhance the color of the Frag's and that increases sales....Sorry if I am off topic....I think in a 20 a Koralia #1 would be sufficient.... Danny _________ Don't be a part of your surrounding's, Make your surrounding's a part of you....

05-28-2009, 04:07 PM	#8 (permalink)
GoToSleep Funny Guy Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Central Virginia Posts: 1,139 Skin: Classic Karma: 13514	Is there an downside to having a coral propagation tank that is plumbed into the main DT therby allowing shared protein skimmer, chiller, etc...? _________ 550g DT, 135g sump, 30g frag, 40g specimen tank. Reeflo Barracuda, AlphaCone 300 with self cleaning head, 120W UV, Four LumenMax Elite reflectors with CoralVue 400W dimmable ballasts and 14K bulbs http://www.3reef.com/forums/show-off...del-70010.html

05-28-2009, 12:32 PM	#3 (permalink)
cdeboard Montipora Digitata Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Grayson, KY Age: 26 Posts: 1,054 Skin: Mint Karma: 7463	No right on topic. This is perfect. Thats what I was thinking for a powerhead. Getting my hands on a tank then I will be in search of a good t5 fixture.

05-28-2009, 02:43 PM	#4 (permalink)
cdeboard Montipora Digitata Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Grayson, KY Age: 26 Posts: 1,054 Skin: Mint Karma: 7463	What about a hob fuge or skimmer? Something small and cheap for a 10g.. or would it all be needed?

05-28-2009, 03:35 PM	#7 (permalink)
cdeboard Montipora Digitata Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Grayson, KY Age: 26 Posts: 1,054 Skin: Mint Karma: 7463	Thanks for the suggestions guys! K+ Cant wait to get started

05-28-2009, 04:13 PM	#9 (permalink)
cdeboard Montipora Digitata Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Grayson, KY Age: 26 Posts: 1,054 Skin: Mint Karma: 7463	Not sure, I currently do not have a sump on my DT.