First SPS suggestions?

[ethnchrstnsn]

After some elbow deep work we finished rearranging the rock work and securing most corals. I have two lights. One 18”-24” coralife led. A Fluval marine nano. I don’t know the par. I know the lights are sufficient enough for montipora at the top quarter of the tank. Other than montipora, this spot opened up for higher light corals right beneath the flow. I would appreciate suggestions and recommendations on what would grow well here. This tank is full of soft corals and LPS. I would like to add one or two sps. Thank you for your reply!

 

[HudsonReefer2.0]

Stylophora and seriatopora.

 

[vetteguy53081]

stylopora
anacropora
chalice coral
Green slimer coral
Birds nest
Montipora

 

[tbrown]

After some elbow deep work we finished rearranging the rock work and securing most corals. I have two lights. One 18”-24” coralife led. A Fluval marine nano. I don’t know the par. I know the lights are sufficient enough for montipora at the top quarter of the tank. Other than montipora, this spot opened up for higher light corals right beneath the flow. I would appreciate suggestions and recommendations on what would grow well here. This tank is full of soft corals and LPS. I would like to add one or two sps. Thank you for your reply!

How long has the tank been running, what are your alkalinity, magnesium, and calcium levels? Phosphate and nitrate levels? How frequently do you check your levels to make sure they're stable?

 

[exnisstech]

disclaimer: I'm a SPS newb. Consider what color you want if you have a preference. For me my bali green slimer, myagi tort, and garf bonzia are doing the best and have nice color. I also have a nice blue stylophora but it tends to bleach down low from being shaded from the growth above so its not a favorite. But its thriving and not dying so I'm cool with it.

 

[ethnchrstnsn]

How long has the tank been running, what are your alkalinity, magnesium, and calcium levels? Phosphate and nitrate levels? How frequently do you check your levels to make sure they're stable?

I have no readings. This is my next investment. i only do water changes when nitrate is cautiously high. The tank has been running for 6 months. I’m getting a sufficient amount of coralline algae growth. Nitrate levels are around 10-15 ppm.

 

[tbrown]

I have no readings. This is my next investment. i only do water changes when nitrate is cautiously high. The tank has been running for 6 months. I’m getting a sufficient amount of coralline algae growth. Nitrate levels are around 10-15 ppm.

You want to make sure all is stable and calcium and magnesium are at good levels before adding SPS. Also, phosphate in low levels is better than no phosphates when it comes to SPS (thanks for that one @billyocean ).

 

[ethnchrstnsn]

You want to make sure all is stable and calcium and magnesium are at good levels before adding SPS. Also, phosphate in low levels is better than no phosphates when it comes to SPS (thanks for that one @billyocean ).

I add small amounts of tap water actually to increase po4 levels. I notice small amounts of algae and cyano bacteria after adding tap water if done in moderation. This is my first salt water tank so I may be imagining this?

 

[billyocean]

I add small amounts of tap water actually to increase po4 levels. I notice small amounts of algae and cyano bacteria after adding tap water if done in moderation. This is my first salt water tank so I may be imagining this?

You can use brightwell NeoPhos to increase phosphate..there are other options but that might be easiest for you. First and foremost you need to know what your levels are before you add anything. Adding tapwater can cause a host of problems, especially over time. Do you have an RODI or are you using distilled water? Do you just water change with tap water? I'm just not really sure where to start here.

 

[ethnchrstnsn]

You can use brightwell NeoPhos to increase phosphate..there are other options but that might be easiest for you. First and foremost you need to know what your levels are before you add anything. Adding tapwater can cause a host of problems, especially over time. Do you have an RODI or are you using distilled water? Do you just water change with tap water? I'm just not really sure where to start here.

I use RO water. I’ve been dosing seachem fuel and feeding an assortment of frozen/ powdered foods. I assume my levels are okay because I’ve seen significant growth. I will come back when I find a good test kit

 

[Lionfish hunter]

digitata, monti cap, anacropora, green slimer.

 

[steveschuerger]

I’ll go with the crowd and say stylophora, pocilopora, are ones even I have no problem growing. Many larger polyped montipora .

 

[STEEZY]

I have no readings. This is my next investment. i only do water changes when nitrate is cautiously high. The tank has been running for 6 months. I’m getting a sufficient amount of coralline algae growth. Nitrate levels are around 10-15 ppm.

If you don’t know your alk, calcium, or magnesium levels, and have not observed their consistency and stability over time, I would not recommend any SPS because it will likely die.

 

[i cant think]

Acropora yongei, Acropora turaki, Acropora echinata, Acropora tenuis are all good beginner Acropora. But as stated above, without knowing how stable your parameters are you can’t really own the Acropora. Stylophora and Seriatopora seem to withstand some swings in parameters. In a nano you ideally want to do weekly wage changes for SPS.
I’m not a Pro in SPS however I have grown SPS in a newer nano tank. In 3 weeks this tank will be 6 months old.

 

[billyocean]

I use RO water. I’ve been dosing seachem fuel and feeding an assortment of frozen/ powdered foods. I assume my levels are okay because I’ve seen significant growth. I will come back when I find a good test kit

Salifert makes good/inexpensive kits. Just stay away from ati test kits..ati icp is fine but the kits aren't. Seachem fuel, powdered foods like reef roids and mixing in tap can make algae and or cyano explode at some point. As you add more coral and more nutrients are consumed you may bottom out no3 or po4 and that can lead to it. Just become a boss at water management and know your parameters and consumption and the corals will be happier for it.

 

[tbrown]

Also, if you started with dry or new rock your phosphates may be non existent for a while - mine took almost 6 months for detectable phosphates with half dry and half live.