Going SPS

acts4me · Apr 16, 2010

Hey everyone I am getting bored with LPS and Zoa's. So I have decided on going more SPS I was looking for advice. I have been in the hobby for almost 15 years now but never really got into SPS. I have a few pieces I have picked up recently they seem to be doing fine. But I want to make sure I am doing things right. My tank is 36" x 48" x 36" 270 gallons plus sump so 300 plus total. I am running 2 400 watt 20k reeflux with 6 T-5 actinics. For flow I have 2 koralia's 8 magnums on a controller. For return I have a dart gold. I have an impact 400 skimmer and a nitrate reactor I also have a chiller to maintain temp. I dose Oceans Blend 2 part. Right now I have a mixed reef with fish.I do 20 gallons water changes weekly. I know with my tank being so deep I will probably have to keep most of the SPS to the top unless I get some deep water stuff. Looking for some good advice from people who do it successfully so please if you are going to give me advice have the experience to do so. Hope that did not sound rude but if there is one thing I learned in this hobby is be careful who you take advice from. Thanks in advance for any help you guys and gals can give me.

SunnyX · Apr 16, 2010

It sounds like you are off to a good start. Keeping SPS shouldn't be much harder then keeping LPS. The only difference I have found between the two is SPS are less forgiving when it comes to temperature swings,water quality, and lighting. I think that there is a misconception in this hobby on difficulty(ease) of keeping SPS. Pretty much anyone can keep SPS, The tough part is keeping them colorful and growing.

While you tank is deep you should be fine keeping the SPS in the top 1/2 of the tank. If I had a 36" tall tank I would probably be using a bulb with a bit more punch, such as an XM 10K.

So long as your water quality is good, Parameters are in check you should have no problems.

If you haven't done so already, I highly recommend you purchase The Reef Aquarium Vol 3: Amazon.com: The Reef Aquarium, Vol. 3: Science, Art, and Technology (9781883693145): Julian Sprung, J. Charles Delbeek: Books

I have read this book front to back many, many times over.

Good luck, and please keep us posted on your results and successes. :D

firsttime · Apr 16, 2010

As Sonny already put it. They are indeed less forgiving. But lots of reading and making sure you have good water params will definitely give you a good start.

What I have found so far is that after learning the skill of keeping them alive next skill is to get the best colors out of them. I am still finding it hard to get the best colors out of them. So it does take some time but its definitely worth it.