A frag tank setup for sale typically runs anywhere from $300 for a basic used rimless tank with simple lighting to over $2,000 for a complete system with a sump, quality LED programmable lights, and an established circulation system. What you're actually getting varies enormously depending on whether the seller is a hobbyist downsizing, a coral vendor clearing inventory, or a dedicated coral propagation business selling turnkey systems. Knowing what components matter, what you can safely skimp on, and what's genuinely worth paying for will help you evaluate any listing you come across.
This guide breaks down the core components of a frag tank setup, what prices look like for new versus used equipment, where to find complete frag tank systems for sale, and what to inspect before you hand over money for a used setup.
What a Complete Frag Tank Setup Includes
A proper frag tank setup is fundamentally a shallow, well-lit saltwater system optimized for holding coral fragments on racks rather than making a display tank. The key components are:
The Tank Itself
Frag tanks are almost always shallow, typically 6 to 12 inches deep, to maximize light penetration to the coral fragments sitting on the bottom. Popular dimensions are 24 x 24 x 12 inches, 36 x 24 x 12 inches, and 48 x 24 x 12 inches. Standard aquarium glass at these dimensions works fine. Rimless construction is preferred because it makes reaching in to move frags easier.
You can use a standard aquarium flipped on its side (with modifications for plumbing) or buy a purpose-built shallow tank. Innovative Marine and CAD Lights both make popular shallow frag tank options. The CAD Lights 40-gallon frag tank runs around $250 new, while a used rimless tank in similar dimensions often sells for $80 to $150.
Lighting
This is where most of the money goes and where you should not cut corners. Corals, even "easy" soft corals and LPS, need appropriate light intensity and spectrum to survive. For a basic frag system holding beginner SPS frags, you need at least 150 PAR at the bottom of the tank.
The AquaIllumination Hydra 32HD covers roughly a 24 x 24 inch area at frag tank depths and costs around $350 new. The Kessil A360X at $400 is another popular choice for smaller systems. The ReefBrite XHO LED bar ($120 to $180 per unit) works well as a supplemental strip light across wider systems.
If budget is tight, a used Radion XR15 Pro (EcoTech Marine) runs $200 to $300 on the used market and provides excellent spectrum control. Lighting is the one component where buying used from a reputable hobbyist makes good financial sense.
Circulation and Flow
Frags need flow to prevent detritus from settling on them and to deliver nutrients. Koralia powerheads (the Koralia Evolution 750 or 1050) are a reliable and affordable option at $30 to $50 each. EcoTech Vortech MP10 or MP40 units are the premium choice at $170 to $230 each and provide excellent wave programming, but they're usually overkill for a standalone frag system.
One or two circulation pumps positioned to create a random flow pattern across the frag racks is adequate for most systems.
Filtration
For a dedicated frag system, filtration is simpler than a display reef. Options include:
Sump setup: A 10 to 20-gallon sump with a protein skimmer and refugium section gives the most control. Aquatic Life's 115 Hybrid Sump or the CPR Aquafuge HOB refugium are popular choices. A sump adds cost (another $80 to $200) but makes the system significantly more stable.
Hang-on-back skimmer: The AquaMaxx Hang-On skimmer ($80) or the Reef Octopus HOB-100F ($120) work on smaller frag systems without a sump.
Simple mechanical filtration: Some coral vendors run frag systems with nothing more than a filter sock and a strong return pump, relying on aggressive water changes instead of complex filtration. This is feasible but requires more maintenance attention.
Frag Racks
Frag racks hold the individual coral fragments off the substrate. DIY egg crate racks cost almost nothing, around $5 for a piece of plastic egg crate from a hardware store cut to size. Commercial frag racks with adjustable tile holders from Innovative Marine or Aquatica Aquarium cost $15 to $40 and look considerably cleaner.
Where to Find Frag Tank Setups for Sale
Local Reef Clubs
This is the best starting point. Most cities have a local reef aquarium club (search "[your city] reef club" or check CORAL Magazine's club directory). These clubs run swap meets and auctions where complete frag tank systems sell at significantly below retail. A complete setup that would cost $800 to $1,200 new often goes for $400 to $600 at a reef club event.
The additional benefit is being able to inspect and test equipment before buying, and getting direct conversation with the previous owner about the system's history.
Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace
Search "frag tank" or "coral frag system" in your area. Complete setups appear regularly, especially in coastal cities with large reef keeping communities (Miami, Los Angeles, Seattle, Tampa, Austin). Prices vary widely, so compare a few listings before committing.
Reef2Reef Classifieds
Reef2Reef's classifieds section (reef2reef.com) is the largest online marketplace for used reef equipment. You'll find complete frag systems, individual components, and everything in between. Shipping large tanks isn't practical, so filter by your region. Lighting and pumps can be shipped, so you might buy a complete system locally and upgrade the lights with a Reef2Reef find.
Marine Depot, BRS, and Retailers
Marine Depot, BulkReefSupply (BRS), and Aquacave sell new components. BRS in particular runs frequent bundles on frag lighting and circulation equipment. A new complete frag system from BRS configured with a 40-gallon long tank, Kessil A360X light, and Reef Octopus skimmer runs around $900 to $1,100.
For a broader comparison of reef equipment options, our Best Aquarium Equipment guide covers protein skimmers, lighting, and circulation pumps in detail.
What to Inspect Before Buying a Used Frag Tank Setup
Tank glass and silicone: Check all four corners and the bottom seams for any silicone separation or discoloration. Cloudy or brittle silicone that's pulling away from the glass is a leak risk. Reject any tank where the silicone shows significant deterioration.
Lighting condition: Ask the seller how old the LEDs are and whether the lights have ever been repaired. Test them on-site if possible. Degraded LED drivers sometimes work intermittently or produce incorrect spectrum.
Pump wear: Circulation pumps and return pumps develop bearing wear over time. Ask the seller to run the pumps while you're there. A healthy pump runs quietly. Grinding or rattling sounds indicate worn impellers that will fail soon.
Salt creep and corrosion: Look for white salt deposits around the top rim, around pump fittings, and on any electrical connections. Some salt creep is normal, but heavy buildup near electrical components is a red flag for potential short circuits.
Previous inhabitants: Ask what was in the system. A frag system that previously held Acropora SPS is typically cleaner than one that held soft corals, which can release allelopathic chemicals. If the system ran bubble tip anemones, check the glass for any residual slime.
FAQ
What size frag tank should I start with?
A 20 to 40-gallon shallow tank is the most practical starting point. It's large enough to hold 30 to 60 frags with room for growth, but small enough to manage water chemistry without a massive skimmer or large water change volumes. The standard 40-gallon breeder (36 x 18 x 16 inches) is often recommended, though it's a bit deep for a frag system at 16 inches. A 40-gallon long (48 x 12 x 12 inches) is better but harder to find.
Do I need a sump for a frag tank?
No, but it makes the system more stable and easier to manage. A sump lets you run a protein skimmer more effectively, add a refugium for nutrient export, and buffer the water volume for temperature and chemistry stability. For a beginner frag system with 20 to 30 frags, a good hang-on-back skimmer and regular water changes can work without a sump.
What's the minimum lighting PAR for coral frags?
Most commonly traded soft corals (zoanthids, leather corals, mushrooms) grow well at 50 to 150 PAR. LPS corals (hammers, torches, elegance) generally prefer 75 to 200 PAR. SPS corals (Acropora, Montipora) typically need 150 to 400 PAR depending on species. A mid-range LED like the AquaIllumination Prime HD or Kessil A360X provides enough intensity for all three categories at shallow frag tank depths.
How much should I expect to pay for a complete used frag tank setup?
A complete used system with tank (20 to 40 gallons), decent lighting, circulation, and basic filtration typically sells for $400 to $800 in good condition. The lighting alone often accounts for half that value. Expect to pay $150 to $250 for used quality LEDs separately, and $150 to $300 for a complete tank with plumbing but no lights.
Final Thoughts
A frag tank doesn't need to be expensive to work well. The most important investment is quality lighting, since that directly drives coral health and growth rate. Everything else, including the tank itself, the circulation pumps, and even the filtration, can be done affordably without compromising results. If you find a used complete setup from a local reef club or Reef2Reef at a fair price, inspect the glass seams and test all the electrical equipment on the spot. A solid used system at $500 will outperform a poorly configured new setup at $800 every time. Our Top Aquarium Equipment guide has more detail on specific equipment brands and models if you want to compare components before buying.