Frag Tank in sump

[Kdocimo90]

I'm wondering if this setup would work. I'm dying to have a small frag tank tied into my system, which hopefully will cut down in the cost of setting up a frag tank system, as well as keeping everything clean and all together.

I have about 65-70" of space inside of my stand.
Here is what I came up with.

[Kdocimo90]

This is also an option

This option gives me the choice of putting the drains on the side of the sump rather than on the back.

[Kdocimo90]

agh I just realized that I'm not gonna be able to actually get it in my stand, as my fish tank is already set up.

Could I also possible split those sections into 3 and then seal them all up when they're all in the stand?

[ludnix]

I would rather make them into indivudal tanks and use bulkheads to connect them. I think you'd have a hard time building that inside the stand.

[Kdocimo90]

I wouldnt be really building it in my stand.. All i would be doing in my stand is sealing the frag tank to the skimmer section of the sump.. the ATO resovoir could actually just be a seperate tank. But yeah, bulk heads would work..

What do you think about the actual setup part of it, as well as the filtration spect of it?

[Kdocimo90]

bump

[Kdocimo90]

Well I believe I'd be able to fit the 48" sump+frag tank in by itself, as well as the ATO reservoir.

Now it's just a matter of whether its worth the work/money (i'd be selling my existing sump that cost a pretty penny).

Would this work filtration and flow wise?

[rendogg]

Just set up a satellite frag tank fed from your sump. You'll run into complications otherwise.

[impur]

I'm planning a frag tank in my stand as well. I don't see any reason why either of those pictures you posted wouldn't work. You might want to make that baffle between the frag tank and skimmer section black and do something to lessen the amount of light it would get to avoid algae growing in there.

I plan to put a shelf over my ATO and on that will sit my frag tank. It will be fed by the return pump using a T in the line, and then drain back into the sump. The feed line and drain line will both have valves on them so i can use it as a QT tank instead if need be. I'm going to have the shelf it sits on be able to slide out so i can have easier access to it.

[RTMA]

I'm sure it would work, but i think you will get bubbles in the frag tank.

Maybe plumb another pump in the return section (assume bubble free here) to provide flow and water into the frag section (and overflow into the skimmer section). Would add to the heat, but no bubbles, and if you turn off your return pump, the frag tank could still have flow. If you needed to work on it, the section would be self contained.

[Kdocimo90]

ok so you mean drain the tank into the skimmer section not hte frag tank section right?

[Toddrtrex]

You are going to want to put another baffle before the return pump --- over under over. With it just being over under right now going to have micro-bubble issue, since the bubbles will be low from the "under" baffle and sucked right into the return pump.

[LockeOak]

I wouldn't waste the space on having the ATO reservoir under the tank. If there's a closet near the tank, just keep the reservoir (a salt bucket, for example) in the closet with a length of air line tubing to the sump. Use the extra space for a refugium or something else.

[Kdocimo90]

Originally posted by LockeOak
I wouldn't waste the space on having the ATO reservoir under the tank. If there's a closet near the tank, just keep the reservoir (a salt bucket, for example) in the closet with a length of air line tubing to the sump. Use the extra space for a refugium or something else.

I really wish I could do that, but it's in the middle of the living room so there's nothing I can do as far as hiding the ATO reservoir.

[Kdocimo90]

Originally posted by impur
I'm planning a frag tank in my stand as well. I don't see any reason why either of those pictures you posted wouldn't work. You might want to make that baffle between the frag tank and skimmer section black and do something to lessen the amount of light it would get to avoid algae growing in there.

I plan to put a shelf over my ATO and on that will sit my frag tank. It will be fed by the return pump using a T in the line, and then drain back into the sump. The feed line and drain line will both have valves on them so i can use it as a QT tank instead if need be. I'm going to have the shelf it sits on be able to slide out so i can have easier access to it.

I could probably just toss a towel or something over the other section that would get light. I clean my sump out quite frequently (as opposed to most people), so I dont think that would be an issue. I'm sure I can come up with something.

Interesting frag tank setup you got there.

[Kdocimo90]

Originally posted by Toddrtrex
You are going to want to put another baffle before the return pump --- over under over. With it just being over under right now going to have micro-bubble issue, since the bubbles will be low from the "under" baffle and sucked right into the return pump.

yeah I talked that over and actaully decided to do what you exactly said. I didnt feel like editing another picture though

Thanks

[Toddrtrex]

Originally posted by Kdocimo90
yeah I talked that over and actaully decided to do what you exactly said. I didnt feel like editing another picture though

Thanks

Works for me.

[Kdocimo90]

how big of an issue do you think microbubbles will be in the frag tank section? Should I just close off that section into a seperate tank and have the drains in the skimmer part. Then have a return pump go straight to the frag tank.

Here are all the options I have

Option 1:
(With extra bubble trap divider, not pictured)


Option 2:


Option 3:

[RTMA]

I'd go with two or three, only change is that I would run the outlet of the frag pump higher, near the top of the tank so you can better direct the flow. If I had to pick, I'd go with three, it will be easier to access (the last thing you'd want to do is have to replace one of those bulkheads if they are in the back. It would be months before you'd notice a small leak too.

[Kdocimo90]

Originally posted by RTMA
I'd go with two or three, only change is that I would run the outlet of the frag pump higher, near the top of the tank so you can better direct the flow. If I had to pick, I'd go with three, it will be easier to access (the last thing you'd want to do is have to replace one of those bulkheads if they are in the back. It would be months before you'd notice a small leak too.

I was thinking the exact same as far as the bulk head leaking situation. I've been there... you know lol.

As far as where the outlet of the frag pump, I was thinking at the bottom for a few reasons
1. Create's a circular flow as it makes it's way to the surface of the water

2. Doesnt have the lower water in the frag section just sit there.

3. doesnt splash water everywhere.


I could complete wrong on that choice though. What do you think?

I also can run the outlet on the right side of the frag tank section rather than on the back if you know what I mean.

[Kdocimo90]

Also, does anyone have anything to say about me getting it in glass? Its MUCH cheaper than acrylic. Also, does anyone know around how much it would cost to get the 4 divider pieces inside the frag tank/sump?

[Kdocimo90]

Oh and by the way. Due to dimension availability, I have to go with an 18" wide, and 17" tall as oppose to a 20" wide, 18" tall.

[Gillundr]

Hey Kevin it looks like a nice system when you get it up and running. What a fun project! I was wondering what your going to light your frag tank with? Since it's going to all be inside your stand won't it get really hot in there?

[Kdocimo90]

Originally posted by Gillundr
Hey Kevin it looks like a nice system when you get it up and running. What a fun project! I was wondering what your going to light your frag tank with? Since it's going to all be inside your stand won't it get really hot in there?

I'm probably gonna go with a low wattage MH fixture. Maybe 150watts. I may end up running that light opposite to the display tank light in order to keep heat down if you know what I mean.

yeah it's a project alright lol. Alot of "will it fit", "will this work", etc... oh yeah, and "do I have the money????" lol.

Wish me luck!