steed1172

what is the difference between reef tanks and frag tanks? is there any, what would you call a tank with only coral.... and how would i maintain a coral only tank(in a 5-10 gal tank)


i've always wanted a coral only tank.. coral just looks sooo cool(or if i really need fish i could add a damsel) COLORS!!!

:whispers: dad's b-day coming up... he also would love a coral tank he been talking about it for a LONG time thanks a heep(and two heeps it works out)

ATP

Frag tanks are tanks where you put coral frags (frags are corals that you cut them and stick them to a plug or rock and they will eventually become it's own colony) on them so you could sell them. Frag tank is like a holding tank to wait for someone to but the coral.

Reef tanks are usually display tanks. You don't need fish for a reef. I do advise that you research more. SW tanks are difficult compared to FW. You have to be truly dedicated because you will doing daily maintenance on them everyday (especially a 10 gal). Corals will requires high intensity lights which people usually spend a hundred of dollars [depending size of tank (this includes frag tank as well because they house corals)]

the link has links to show you basics of either SW, or Reef tanks.
http://www.fishlore.com/SaltwaterBeginners.htm

Slug

Most reef tanks start as frag tanks per say...

A real frag tank will be a tank setup for the sole purpose of growing coral frags. It will have racks with frags on them and be nothing but frags. Most times you will find these type of tanks at the LFS with the coral for sale.

A reef tank will most of the time, be somewhat established and while it may have coral frags growing, it will be like a forest of coral and rockscapes.

These are pictures of frag tanks or prop tanks (Propagation). Pics off nano-reef or reef central.




A coral only tank is quite easy to maintain IMO. Though like ATP said, you'd be doing something everyday. Provided you have the right light, and enough flow. Maintain it just like a normal nano reef. Start with the tank, light, live rock, sand, and saltwater. Then as the tank becomes established add some coral frags. Light is your most important factor in coral tanks.

steed1172

what light is best for a tank that is 10 inches in depth?

Slug

What types of corals do you want to keep and do you have a budget?

steed1172

budget= as cheap as possibly humane for the corals...and as for the type what would you suggest as "easy" care corals... i like the ones that branch out..and ones with "little hands".(very helpful there right?) polyps looks like one of them... sorry i can't remember more atm

ive seen something called "watermelon"? that was cool no idea if thats its real name

steed1172

can you give me a link that has many types of coral(on the market) that gives pics and names(conditions too would be GREAT)

ATP

steed1172

those are all some great looking corals....i liked the taro and passion trees along with polyps most(from the list of "beginner corals") i would assume all the polyps are the same to take care of?

ATP

The requirements is basically the same. You should be able to do fine with these since they're one of the easiest. To see whether your tank is good or not, I usually put a finger coral or a cheap mushroom coral to see if it survives or not. If it survives, I add other slowly.

Slug

Agreed. You should be fine with stuff like Zoas and mushrooms. Green star polyps are another good choice.

That taro tree, i've honestly tried and i can't seem to get rid of it. So now its just thrown towards the bottom of my tank almost under a rock ledge and still growing. I find it very easy.

I'd personally advise against the "Button Polyps". They may look nice now but once you get a little more serious into the reef, they seem to just be like a nasty weed. Hard to get rid of them and they really take over. You're choice though, thats just my experience with them. That includes any polyps with really long "tenticles" or as i call them "skirts" around them. If possible i'd stick to your more colorful and small Zoas.

steed1172

well easy and uncontrollable would be good for a very first coral...as that said I also think they look pretty cool..(i think all coral look cool, but easy and cool looking... )

back to matters at hand.... would i need a protein skimmer or anything like that for a reef tank ?

ATP

A skimmer would help a lot and I personally would put a skimmer in a reef tank unless it's under 10 gallons. You will need high intensity lights and I recommend power compacts for small tanks. You will need power heads for water circulations. I personally like Koralia.

steed1172

thanks... yes its going to be under 10 gallon... where can i find a PC lighting for my tank that is 14 inches long?

steed1172

the ones i can find are either 12 inch or 20 inch.... would you think a 12 inch would be okay?

ATP

normal 10 gal. tanks are 20 inch long.

steed1172

its a 5 gallon tank.... its 14 long 10 high and 8 wide

ATP

ah. Than 12 inch.

steed1172

alrighty.