Reef Frog
New member
I'm ready to try my hand at a few select branching SPS in my predominantly LPS tank. I'm adding them primarily for their branching & plating qualities to give my tank the classic reef look, as opposed to trying to keep arcane & difficult species for the sheer challenge. I only have about 4 choice spots up high under 6 39W T5s so I have to choose carefully. Would prefer the brighter colors as opposed to the more pastel shades, but the emphasis is on hardiness & form.
So for branching varieties I read the Bali Slimer is one of the most hardy & bullet proof choices. True? What else fills the bill for being hardy & colorful? Could anyone discus a range of branching species from EASIEST to DIFFICULT or EXPERT? Any for an SPA newbie to avoid?
For a plating variety, I'm thinking the Orange Capicoris at the top
2/3rds of the tank. Right choice? I understand a little mellower
light is OK for caps? Are the plating montis considered hardy?
I've recently dialed in my Calc/all/mag levels & am keeping them steady with my dosing schedule. But am hoping any species I choose won't melt away if the ALK fluctuates 1 dKH or the CALC 20 ppm for a short time while I correct it for example.
Last question on dips for SPS. what's the bottom line on dipping? I've used ReVive on LPS but don't think it has the oomph for all the SPS bugs out there. Lugols dip? I'm told it's effective but harsh. CoralRX? I'm hesitant to use Bayer but will if its the best way. Is a combination of dips recommended? I want to do anything I can to avoid pests from the get-go.
My tank: Mature 2.5 year old 65g w ample LR & flow. Six 39w T5s. 1.025 SG, 400 ppm calc, 8 dkH, 1300 mg, 8.2 pH. Maimtain levels with Kalk. RODI, GFO reactor & carbon. Low nutrients, no longer any algae issues & very low fish bio load for now.
Thanks for any advice you can share.
So for branching varieties I read the Bali Slimer is one of the most hardy & bullet proof choices. True? What else fills the bill for being hardy & colorful? Could anyone discus a range of branching species from EASIEST to DIFFICULT or EXPERT? Any for an SPA newbie to avoid?
For a plating variety, I'm thinking the Orange Capicoris at the top
2/3rds of the tank. Right choice? I understand a little mellower
light is OK for caps? Are the plating montis considered hardy?
I've recently dialed in my Calc/all/mag levels & am keeping them steady with my dosing schedule. But am hoping any species I choose won't melt away if the ALK fluctuates 1 dKH or the CALC 20 ppm for a short time while I correct it for example.
Last question on dips for SPS. what's the bottom line on dipping? I've used ReVive on LPS but don't think it has the oomph for all the SPS bugs out there. Lugols dip? I'm told it's effective but harsh. CoralRX? I'm hesitant to use Bayer but will if its the best way. Is a combination of dips recommended? I want to do anything I can to avoid pests from the get-go.
My tank: Mature 2.5 year old 65g w ample LR & flow. Six 39w T5s. 1.025 SG, 400 ppm calc, 8 dkH, 1300 mg, 8.2 pH. Maimtain levels with Kalk. RODI, GFO reactor & carbon. Low nutrients, no longer any algae issues & very low fish bio load for now.
Thanks for any advice you can share.
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