LPS only tank

[1Der9_3hy]

Ive got a small spot next to my frag tank that i can fit a 10 gallon, ive been thinking of setting it up with the sole purpose of holding acans/challices/other encrusting lps separate from my zoas and palys.

Ive had success with small tanks before (10 and 15 gallons) with sps, but i thought i would double check and make sure im not overlooking something. They both require similar water quality, but i think the LPS would be happy under 2-3 T5's and i could probably just do 50% water changes weekly to keep N&P down.

Just tossing around the idea now, anyone want to chime in?

 

[thewackyreefer]

I don't see any issues with that. I think 50% weekly is a little excessive, especially given LPS generally enjoy a little "dirtier" water than SPS do. Depending on your filtration and feeding habits you should be able to get away with 20% every 2 weeks.

 

[1Der9_3hy]

Thanks for the support.

I was thinking 50% because in the past ive done lots of feeding (2-3X a week) with the lps and they seem to do well so long as the alk/ph are maintained. I was going to go skimmerless and make up for it with the water changes....i can probably play it ear for the first couple weeks. 50% may be too much, or it may be just enough.

What do you think about lighting for a 20" tank? 2 24 watt T5s?

 

[thewackyreefer]

Thanks for the support.

I was thinking 50% because in the past ive done lots of feeding (2-3X a week) with the lps and they seem to do well so long as the alk/ph are maintained. I was going to go skimmerless and make up for it with the water changes....i can probably play it ear for the first couple weeks. 50% may be too much, or it may be just enough.

What do you think about lighting for a 20" tank? 2 24 watt T5s?

I really don't have any experience with T5's personally but based on what I've read 2 should be okay for keeping LPS in a 20" deep tank.

 

[1Der9_3hy]

sorry i meant 20" length, i beleive the depth is 14". I would think a 150 MH would be too much right?

EDIT: I have some power compact retros that would fit well over the tank. I know PC's are not as popular as they used to be, but after seeing GrimReefers tests with them i know they are as strong as T5's when properly maintained. Anyone use PC's with LPS successfully?

 

[Stevejrnc]

I had some of my most best encrusting lps growth
under pc's

but with the right t5's
you will have more color and there much cheaper then pc
bulbs

 

[thewackyreefer]

I'd go 2 T5's.

 

[1Der9_3hy]

I had some of my most best encrusting lps growth
under pc's

but with the right t5's
you will have more color and there much cheaper then pc
bulbs

True....

I'd go 2 T5's.

I have a dual T5 fixture over my fuge, im sure the chaeto would be just as happy under pc's. Again...i had a dur dur dur moment...lol.

 

[jski711]

I've got 4 bulbs over my lps 10g tank. Running 3 ATI blue plus and one uvl actinic white.

 

[1Der9_3hy]

Do you have a pic that shows the color well?

Do you have any problems with the smaller water volume? Do you feed (if so how frequent?)?