What kind of Corals...?

[Ef3s]

So I have my 40 gallon about 2 months now I think.

No snails ever died.
1 Crab has died. (THat I can see)
No Fish have died.

SO I'm guessing things are OK enough to start adding corals.
I am going today to buy a DKH and Calcium tester...

I have a 65 Watt 10k 65 Watt Actinic and can add another 55 Watter to the tank just need a bulb and remake balast..

I am aware of the 7-12DKH 400 Calcium and I think I'm forgetting one...

BUT WHAT kind of corals can I do.
I really like acropora's and other hard corals. Can I keep these in my tank?

ALSO what is (SPS corals..) I can't figure it out....

 

[Brian5000]

SPS stands for "small polyp stoney" coral. Acopora is an SPS coral.

I don't think SPS will work with lights like yours, but I know it can support any soft coral and quite a few large polyp stoney (LPS) corals. Installing the third light might help you keep SPS, but I don't know.

DKH and calcium are the only tests you really need regularly, the rest should take care of itself with water changes.
_________________
Ariakon SIM-5

 

[Anonymous]

Brian5000 already explained the difference between SPS and LPS so that question is answered. I also agree that your lighting is not enough for SPS, and is even a bit low for some LPS so I would add the 3rd light.

Some suggestions for your current setup besides LPS (common names): mushrooms, zooanthids, leather corals, green star polyps, Xenia.

 

[WRASSER]

IME you should wait til the tank matures a little longer. Save the money and buy later. the corals will still be there and you increase your chances of keeping them a live :wink:

 

[cindre2000]

If you add the extra light and have plenty of flow, you could keep some easy SPS such as montipora. Also, you should be able to keep most any moderate light LPS and softies. I think some people are forgetting how shallow your tank is.

I would say- pick out some nice softies and maybe a couple LPS and get the hang of corals. Zoos, Leathers, Trumpet coral, and Open/closed brain coral are all fairly hardy- and non invasive.