Gearing up for sps, help me along.

[ERICinFL]

Ok, I've got a 112gal tank and I'm wanting to get into SPS. All the HA is gone and my water parameters are good, with the exception of Nitrates, which usually stay around 20. My CA hangs around 380-400 and my Alk around 9-10 (I dose the two part from the reef chemistry thread) I'm going to start dripping Kalk to maintain my levels because every third day I'm gone for 24hrs (see my occupation) and can't dose my two part. Flow wise, I've got a Mag12 return pump, running a single head, two MJ1200s and a Seio620. I plan on modding the MJs (my friend did his two 600s and said they are SICK!) so that'll surely increase flow. I've got two EVC 250watt e-ballasts running two EVC 10k bulbs and two 120watt Actinics. Is there anything you all would suggest I add/change to improve my chances for success, or am I on the right track? Thanks for your time.

 

[PITSTOP]

skimmer?

 

[ERICinFL]

I've got a crappy skimmer now that came with the tank when I bought it, but I'm picking up a EuroReef today from a friend who is down grading tanks. I believe it's a CS135 or CS180. He has been using it on his 90g cube and he bought a much larger skimmer than required. His tank is full of SPS and it's gorgeous. At any rate, I'm not turning down a one year old ER skimmer for $150!

 

[clkwrk]

First things first .............With all the bugs lately the first andf MOST important is a proper QT tank to deal with RB's,AEFW's, Sea Spiders,preatory snails and monti eating nudis.

 

[ERICinFL]

I've got a 10gal I can set up for QT.

 

[ERICinFL]

Just picked up the ER CS135 and it's in full operation. WOW is all I can say. It's performing better than the two I had in there before.

 

[Jaime_309]

A good skimmer is extremly important, water clarity or purity is key.

 

[Jaime_309]

also regular water change... i prefer biweekly.

 

[ERICinFL]

Well, along with the skimmer I just bought, I also acquired some small frags. I got some acros, some digis and a small monti cap. When my friend down sized he didn't have room for all the stuff, so he handed me a bag-o-frags. I guess I'll see if I'm ready for SPS whether I really want to or not. I've got all of the frags securely glued into place and I made sure they have plenty of water flow. I'll try to get pics of my new Guinea Pigs... er, uh... frags, tommorow when the lights come on.

 

[Fishguy13]

Calcium reactor

 

[ERICinFL]

Can't afford a Calcium Reactor yet, but thanks for the suggestion. Does my original post sound ok?