sps

[lhkorn99]

I posted this in coral farming, but meant to do it here...


I have a 55 Gallon tank which is now 3 months old. My nitrates are at 5, phosphates between .03 and .10 (hard to tell on the salifert test kit), calcium at 470, alkalinity at 11 (i know its a bit high). I use a euro reef rs80 skimmer and have MH (2 250W bulbs, and t5 actinics).

What do I need to know if I want to venture into the world of SPS, and is my tank ready for it?

I would appreciate any advice as I am new to this.

 

[ZANYMASTER]

You really want everything to be zero.SPS are tough.Better start with montipora or LPS first.

 

[ScottK]

What is in the tank now? What do you have in terms of circulation in the tank? (ie powerheads, etc.) If you're a newbie, I'd recommend something easy like mushrooms or GSPs. Your tank is still very young, and based on those water parameters, it isn't ready for anything challenging. Don't rush into anything before you're ready.

Do you have any books? If not, get a few on the basics of reef keeping and do a lot of research before adding anything to your tanks.

 

[lhkorn99]

I have 3 powerheads (2 Koralia model # 2, and 1 koralia model 1). I have a fox face, and a clown, mushrooms, and polyps....

 

[lhkorn99]

by the way, which books wouldyou recommend? I have 2 "begginer" type books. Any reef specific books that are good?

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

The conscientious marine aquarist is a great book.

 

[lhkorn99]

thanks chief...i'm going to look that up...as far as what my tank is ready for based on the parameters above, what are your thoughts?

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

Nitrates and phosphates should come down to as close to zero as possible.

 

[House of Laughter]

LH, come up up the saw mill and I'll give you the run down on how to care for sps and what a system that has them looks like,

Drop me a line when you get a chance.

House

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

Ummmmmmmmmmmm Jim has the wet thumb. Take him up on the offer!

 

[lhkorn99]

House,

Sent you a PM.

Thanks for the offer, and thanks chief for the book...

 

[House of Laughter]

LH, replied, just give me a shout when you'll want to run up.

House

 

[JBNY]

Really you should be able to keep acros with those parameters. Ideally you should have them NO3 and PO4 as close to zero as possible. But many people have great success with keeping acros with parameters ike you have. Make sure they have good flow, an you should be ok to start with some hardy frags. If you want try some A. millepora to begin with.

 

[lhkorn99]

Thanks

 

[steveo32]

I agree with Cheif and taking Jim up on his offer. I too would like to attend SPS 101.