Small grow out tank

[Richy]

I would like to set up a small grow out tank for coral propagation. I built a shelf just to the side of my main tank. Both tanks are relatively level with each other. Do I siphon to the small tank and pump back to the main or do I suck it back to the main tank with a powerhead or does it matter much. Any ideas on u tubes and getting the siphon started easily. I saw some years ago u tubes that had a small hand pump on the top to get the syphom going. (Hagen I believe). I still have an OLD "Aqua King" filter that I use (love it).So I know the pain involved in getting the syphon started. Any comment would be appreciated.

Pic of what I have so far.

Lighting: What do you suggest for lighting the prop tank? The dimentions are 20Lx12Hx10D.

I will be using Boston Aqua farms reef plugs and egg crating.

Should I remove the aragonite from the bottom of the tank and go bare?

Should I place the egg crate on the bottom or higher to the top?

Lots of question I know.

Thanks.

Richy.

[sphelps]

A siphon tube will work fine, simply construct a U tube out of PVC, 3/4" is probably a good size. To start the siphon simply turn the U tube upside down, fill with water, plug both end with your thumbs or use PVC caps, place the tube in the tanks with ends covered. Once submersed remove thumbs or caps. You'll probably want some kind of strainer on the display tank side so no small fish go for a little trip, no to mention snails clogging the tube.

Next you'll want to pump water from either tank to the other tank. Doesn't matter which way, I would pump from the grow tank to the display as it will provide more flow to the display and won't clutter the display tank. Then use a power head for providing extra flow in the grow tank.

Good luck with your project

[Quinster]

It looks like all this is in wall, behind your display area, so are esthetics an issue? Another option would be raise the smaller tank so it is just above the other tank, make a hole near the top of the smaller tank for a bulkhead, and then let gravity take its course for a return. I am not a fan of U tube type systems, heard too many horror stories, and helped clean up after a few….lol.

You will need a way to get the water from your main tank to the grow out tank. You could hide a small powerhead either in your overflow of your main tank, or run it from your sump.

Just some more ideas for you.