cant keep sps corals help

[GPhiAce]

I agree with the flow and wavemaker, but I haven't seen what bulb combos you are running. It see it says Mh and T5s- great, but what kind and how old??? SPS are frustrating. the nitrate level is fine, but 0 is ideal, I would just try to lower it- there are several different ways. What fish do you have????? you said an angel, but what kind??? And what else do you have???? Sorry for all the questions, but the more information, the better. Good luck, I have had several frustrated days and casualties too. Start with the caps like you are and birdsnests and slimers are good starting/testing sps. GL

 

[60Cubed]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14171487#post14171487 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by dwilly
Wait, I just read your signature. If you are just starting up this tank you need to let it cycle and then settle down for at least 4 to 6 months before you try any sps. They are difficult under any conditions and virtually impossible in a new tank, don't waste your time and money killing more animals until your tank is much more established.

I disagree with this statement. I know your tank(carlosngloria) is just past the year mark. But my tank is less than nine months old. And I have over 50 SPS in it and doing quite well if you ask me! I will say the more mature the tank the more likely for success. But no way a tank over 8 weeks old with his parameters would kill an orange monti cap in such a short period of time. I think you are a bit naive to say that. I have had many SPS in very young tanks and not had these issues. I do however believe it could be a flow issue or a nitrate issue. But not a new tank syndrome! JMO

 

[trido]

What kind of tank is your 210? AGA (aqueon). If so, how do you have the overflow plumbed? The two one inch bulkheads are rated for a max flow of 1200GPH together. Even if you are using the two 3/4" bulkheads for additional drainage, the barracuda is far too big of a return pump for that, and most stock tanks. Im only asking because if thats the case, get a smaller pump rated for 1000+GPH and use the Barracuda for a CL.

I have a 210 mixed reef and this is what I use for flow just to give you an example of what SPS are going to want to thrive.
Mag 18 return pump (approx 900GPH after head loss and pipe friction
Sequence barracuda CL with penductor on one port (Aprox 5000GPH)
three tunze nanos (3600GPH)
Maxijet mod (2000GPH)
Seio 680 (600GPH)

Total 12000+GPH or 57X turnover. Im getting ready to add another 3000GPH with a vortech. I have plenty of LPS and softies that dont mind the flow either.

 

[boxerzz]

I believe it is stability. KH and ca parameters have to be stable. Anyway I had montis before. First time they never made it past one month. Second time they grew but still died. My acros are doing better though. Which makes me think that I cannot keep sps montis only acros.