What to expect when adding frags?

[ScottR]

I just put in 15 frags of SPS and as I recall last time I did this, alk dropped significantly. Current alk is at 8.8 and I’ll watch it closely. Do any other parameters swing or anything else to watch out for? I’ll keep a close eye on Ca. I also dose trace elements.

 

[Vinman]

Blast them with flow...yup

 

[BiGGiePauls33]

Blast them with flow...yup

+1 on flow and light. Test dKH each day at the same time, so you can figure out how much they consume daily. Also, try not to let dKh drop more than .5 dkh and all will be well.

 

[Joe Batt]

I would be careful with light, new frags that are not acclimated to your lights could easily bleach.

 

[ScottR]

I would be careful with light, new frags that are not acclimated to your lights could easily bleach.

Thanks. They came from my friends tank and and went directly into mine. I put in at ramping down time. So they should be good.

 

[ScottR]

+1 on flow and light. Test dKH each day at the same time, so you can figure out how much they consume daily. Also, try not to let dKh drop more than .5 dkh and all will be well.

I’ve got good flow and light. I just recall last time I did this, my alk dropped big time.

 

[BoSalman]

i would monitor dKh on 24hr basis. just measure your alk let's say at 5pm, then again at 5pm next day.

do this for a couple of days and then back to normal schedule. i wouldn't stress on any other parameter myself.

Good luck.

 

[AdamB]

I would check a week or so later on the alk as well. I added several pieces in my tank and I checked my alk every day after adding and my alk readings stayed the same until a few weeks later I saw change . I assume that is where the new sps acclimated to my system and began growing ? Not for sure that was reason but I assumed that was the case.

 

[ScottR]

Thanks for the info all. Last time I added a bunch of pieces, alk dropped to 6 something. I try to stay around 8-9. I made the mistake of not checking daily but weekly rather. It’s a mystery to me why a bunch of SPS frags can tank your alk so fast.

 

[BiGGiePauls33]

Thanks for the info all. Last time I added a bunch of pieces, alk dropped to 6 something. I try to stay around 8-9. I made the mistake of not checking daily but weekly rather. It’s a mystery to me why a bunch of SPS frags can tank your alk so fast.

They consume the alkalinity for their structure. Depending on size, will dictate how much it how little is consumed.