Old member re-joined

[Jan Hendrik]

Hi, folks!
I have been out of the reef keeping hobby for quite some time now. I used the handle of Fragman in the past.
Lately the itch to start a new tank is getting to me. I am still undecided whether to start a nano tank for pure enjoyment or a small 600L fragging setup for propagation of soft corals the main focus being Ricordea, colourful zoas, Mushrooms, Xenia and leather corals.
If i go Nano it will be a small cube setup.
If i go fragging setup it will be outside with natural sunlight, skimmerless setup with an algae scrubber and sump with dsb.
Maybe you guys can help me decide?
I am now a rusty saltie! Ha, ha , ha!

 

[RiaanP]

Hello and welcome back @Jan Hendrik

Outside under natural light sounds awesome.

BUT
Temperature issues will plague you. Winter end your electrical account will sky rocket. Heaters will run permanently. Summer and you must be careful with overheating. Need shade to protect the tank and to keep temperature low. Cannot use fans as the tank needs to be covered to protect against rain. Must run a chiller and or shadenet to keep the temperatures down. A Wendy house with Polycarbonate roof sheets will work better, just not sure if those sheets do block beneficial rays as well.

 

[Jan Hendrik]

Hi, Riaan!
I still have my small greenhouse in place that i built years ago for a small scale coral farm. I just need to cover it with greenhouse plastic on the inside. It already has 60% shade netting covering over the frame.

 

[RiaanP]

great... now I'm Jealous. With a capital J.

 

[trad]

Hi, folks!
I have been out of the reef keeping hobby for quite some time now. I used the handle of Fragman in the past.
Lately the itch to start a new tank is getting to me. I am still undecided whether to start a nano tank for pure enjoyment or a small 600L fragging setup for propagation of soft corals the main focus being Ricordea, colourful zoas, Mushrooms, Xenia and leather corals.
If i go Nano it will be a small cube setup.
If i go fragging setup it will be outside with natural sunlight, skimmerless setup with an algae scrubber and sump with dsb.
Maybe you guys can help me decide?
I am now a rusty saltie! Ha, ha , ha!

Sure I remember fragman, pretty much same as me. I've just started a little cube after 3 or so years of having nothing.