frag tank set-up Questions...

Ok we'll I didn't know where to start this thread but bare with me On this:
I'm currently gathering up all my equipment and so far here is what I have...

I grabbed a 40 gallon breeder from petco this labour day dollar a gallon sale.
I had a 36"Inch coralife T5 2 bulb fixture which I changed the bulbs to new zoo medz 1 10000k and 1 actinic blue.

Octupus HOB Bf-100 skimmer rated for a 90 gallon tank.

I'm looking into getting LR do any of you think I can keep a frag tank with out LR?
Also anything else you guys think I'll need?

BTW I'm on the hunt for a heater and maybe lurking around on a few koralia's for flow...
Anything else...
I'm also curious if or when i start the frag tank up can should I fill up half of my 40 gallon or should i start fresh...
my 83 gallon Reef Is going to be a year and a quarter of a It's lifespan...

 

You should seriously consider adding 2 more bulbs to that set up. 2 bulbs won't grow things very fast, and isn't that the idea of a frag tank (growing them fast)?

 

I feel a frag tank is a place to observe and allow fresh frags to heal before selling or moving to the DT. If he wants a lot of growth and doesn't care about color or color loss, he should use all 10k bulbs. I do agree, a 40B needs more bulbs just due to width alone.

I would add a sump with the LR in there or just add two 5lb junks on the back corners. This keeps the frag tank empty and allows for more space for frags. As long as you don't have fish or plan on feeding daily, that plus the skimmer will be plenty of filtration.

 

thanks I have 20lbs of dead LR and will be looking into grabbing another 20LBs cured rock to create a quicker cycle...
As for lighting I'm thinking of getting another 36"Incher dual coralife although not in anytime soon unless the price Is right...
As for the Idea of subsiding the LR in the sides that's a great idea giving me clearance to place my DIY rack in the middle...
As for water So should I start a whole new mix or do the 50/50 idea?

 

All new. There is really no benefit of using old water.

 

are you sure???

wouldn't this create a reaction to the corals...after living in my cultured year old system don't tell me this won't trigger nothing???

 

I guarantee you that none of your water is a year old. The LR is what is important. Whenever I upgrade one of mine or a customer's tank, I use all new water. As long as your water parameters are the same as or almost the same as the tank they came out of, there will be no detrimental affects on your coral. At most, they will be pissy for a few hours.