Chalice Care...

[Pazazz]

Reason I asked was simply the variations certain corals excel at. I.E. you would NOT keep a Zoanthid tank as clean as an SPS tank, the corals will not grow near as well and if you keep a dirtier system you would not dominate it with SPS, they would more than likely die (obviously certain SPS can accomodate this so if you were to add them, research accordingly) I was unsure what parameters LPS thrive at, so I asked. Certain corals will benefit from varying parameters being higher or lower, hence, I asked what would be IDEAL for LPS/Chalices (or what exceptions would need to be made), not just keep them alive. Obviously you can keep tanks within certain parameters just to keep things alive, but if you want them to absolutely thrive and do wonderful, you will tweak your system to accomodate this.

Also the ocean is NOT static and does not have identical parameters throughout the world. Varying trace elements, varying deposits within the shorelines and floor bed will adjust the conditions accordingly. Hence if certain/majority of the Chalices come from one area of the world, I would like to adjust to meet their needs.

We all know you can stay within a range, however I was looking for the BEST parameters, not just "what will suffice"

Thanks! And no offense taken! :)

You have now changed the Question that you probably wanted to originally ask. You asked for base water parameters not trace elements. You are correct as to say there are different trace elements found in larger amounts in different areas but I would tend to believe the "dirt water" areas are no more that lower flow areas in the ocean. The higher current and wave crashing act similar to protien skimming but remember there are floating organisms like plankton that follow these areas to feed.... One would ask the definition for thriving are not always how fast it grows, it could be about getting the piece to color up in an aquarium environment is really the key for most of us hobbiests.

All trace elements are important, Most people dont test for them. To me testing for trace elements and having to add more tells me you have a very heavily loaded tank or one is lazy on water changes. Just my 2 cents.

 

[mrgreenthumb]

hehe heavily loaded and lazy here :D why do water changes when you have a nitrate reactor :D

 

[Pazazz]

hehe heavily loaded and lazy here :D why do water changes when you have a nitrate reactor :D

LOL ya if you were not as lazy you would have less worries!! LOL

 

[mrgreenthumb]

i have no worries bro :D don't worry, be happy!! My tank thrives and i couldn't be happier! Well i take that back my only worry is that my superman tries to grow over my sunset :D. I invested in quality equipment so i could be lax on water changes if i so choose, without risk of hurting water params of course. To me adding a few supplements, to make up for what the ca reactor doesn't replenish, once a week is no big deal. There are so many paths to get to the same outcome, a beautiful tank!!

 

[alvieman]

I do bi-weekly 10g changes in a system of 75g total. Run a UV and Phosban reactor as well, So the low po4 n such might not be the best for LPS then? I do try to keep Nitrates around 5-10 as I am a firm believer that natural, pre-existing food sources in the water is always better than we can add ourselves. However, the lower p04 n such would explain why my hammer isnt the happiest creature in the world next to the SPS lol (that is if they like a lil more po4 than i run heh) I am considering adding a lil more bioload to help provide some more natural nutrients and possibly feed a lil heavier. Skimmer can handle a LOT more than I'm pushin it so no worries there. Got the Fuge/DSB to pickup the slack too. Might just have to pick up a "less expensive" chalice and give it a shot. Got some nice flat pieces of rock I can stick em on at the bottom, also have a few overhangs/arches to help with light intensity. Might just have to try it out, lil more research needed first tho :)

 

[Mr.Firemouth]

You could try feeding more and keep your system clean like normal, the extra food output will compensate any lack of nutrients.
If the hammer is closed, try moving him to another location. LMK, if he shows any signs of tissue loss, cuz that would be a different problem.
LPS hold their own pretty well against the SPS, but Mushrooms and Anemones can burn them pretty good.
Take a look at night and make sure no nieghboring LPS has really long sweeper tentacles bothering the hammer. Sometimes a near by LPS can be a pest.

You are good to go on the Chalice. Buy a nice one and start it off on the bottom where no one will mess with it.