LPS only tank

1Der9_3hy · Mar 17, 2011

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 · Mar 17, 2011

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 · Mar 17, 2011

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 · Mar 17, 2011

1Der9_3hy said:
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 · Mar 17, 2011

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 · Mar 18, 2011

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 · Mar 18, 2011

I'd go 2 T5's.

1Der9_3hy · Mar 18, 2011

Stevejrnc said:
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....