getting tank ready for sps help please

[9501gle]

OK so I've got the tank up and running and the cycle is complete. Now what? I plan to keep only sps this time around. Never had much luck with the softies last time. I think because I kept the tank conditions to clean for them? SPS did well till I had a crash which I still havent figured out yet. Anyway my question is what are some things I could do to help get the tank ready for sps. I'm in no hurry just need some suggestions.

Temp 77 to 80
cal over 500 (had an old test kit so I boosted with turbo):headwally:
ph 8 to 8.1
po4 .10ppm
alk steady at 8.6
amm nitrite and nitrates undetectable with my kits

I am running a kalk reactor and carbon now. Thanks for ur help!

 

[djapel1]

What do you have for flow?

 

[9501gle]

5500 gph hammer head return pump. Plan to add a couple tunzes or vortecs before adding sps.

 

[dunc101]

Overall, your parameters look good. You will want to get the PO4 down around .03 ppm or lower and get your calcium down around 420-440 or so. The main key to SPS is to get your parameters where you like and keep them steady.

 

[LAKEM0NSTER]

I agree with dunc, just get that PO4 down a bit (good-sized WCs, or GFO until levels are lower) & get the main parameters to where you can keep them at steady levels. PO4 level dunc101 suggested would get you the growth you're looking for in SPS if all other params.(including LIGHT) are good and stay near constant.

With the PO4 reading, I'm guessing you're feeding something. What kind of fish you gonna get for your reef?

 

[bobkill]

What lights are you running,

 

[9501gle]

I'm running 2 400w MH's with 12000K Reeflux Bulbs. Plan to have mostly tangs mixed with some smaller fish like chromis and antheis. Love the schooling fish. Should I stsrt the gfo now?

 

[brettinteriors]

I would start gfo when you ad fish and are feeding. Alk stability is paramount to sps.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

 

[9501gle]

I've got 6 chromis in now and feeding them. So go ahead and start gfo?

 

[9501gle]

OK got the gfo in. Anybody have any other suggestions?

 

[hypnoj]

what kalk reactor are you using?

 

[9501gle]

Aquatic Systems Design. Its a local KC company.

 

[9501gle]

OK so added the gfo and some purigen yesterday and phosphates dropped from .10ppm to .04 in a 12 hr period. Glad to see that result. So whats the time frame on adding sps. Last time the tank was running I started with some softies then added sps but cant remember how long I waited to add sps. Whats everybodys opinion?