Possible to do a frag tank without sump?

I'm planning on making a frag tank with a shallow rubbermaid and run a SubCurrent internal wet/dry filter and a Aqualife mini internal skimmer and a few low rated powerheads to create a zig-zag flow pattern.

I'm wondering if I can run the frag system like this without a sump. I know a lot of people will recommend sumps and I have yet found anyone that has a frag tank without one. Is it possible?

 

I have seen frag tanks without a sump, it's doable. If you use a ATO or a dosing pump you want to make sure the solutions are not in the direct flow of frags.

 

I'm thinking I would dose during water changes. As for ATO, maybe a drip system or a small pump with those airline tubing so there's not as much RO water coming into the tank all at once.

 

Look!No sump.lol



I do get an occasional film built up on the surface.(Proteins) But I just use some paper towels to remove it. Since adding all my powerheads this hasn't been a problem.Heres another more recent shot.

 

It could be done. Vinny has a pretty cool setup there. ^

Edit: Sorry, I called you the wrong name, Vinny. lol. I fixed it.

 

Vinny has a very nice setup, I would go his route if I were you.

 

For water flow do you just have a pump at one end pushing water to the other end? That's a good idea. I like it....

 

Yes I have an Eheim 1262 pump on one end feeding the other. I also have 4 nano Koralias, 2 evo 750s, and one Maxijet 900. Was a little worried that my lights were too close but so far everything seems to be doing well.As you can see I have a "sump" that I created with some eggcrate so my fish don't get sucked up by the skimmer and a place for my pods to hide.Good luck.8)

 

That's an awesome setup! Could I get an overview shot of the tank? It's just what I'm looking for! haha I have a Rio 1100+, rated at around 380GPH should that be enough to move the water from one end to the other? It's the pump I'm planning on using to build a frag tank since I have it laying around. And then for flow I was looking at grabbing a bunch of small powerheads from Foster and Smith for like $10 bucks and having them staggered around for flow.

 

It depends on your tank volume.Although standard gph thinking really doesn't apply as long as you have plenty of water movement ie powerheads I think your rio should be fine.8)