How to keep sps well???

[aeroreefs]

Hello, sps keepers.
I'v been keeping some corals like sps,lps and soft corals.
Unfortunately my corals always havn't been good condition.
So I'v decided to upgrade equipment for sps to some extent.
Equipment to be upgraded is as follows:

- tank size : 75gal.
- skimmer : DIY
- lighting : 1*Aquaconnect 400watt/14,000k/single ended/10hr, 2*T5/35w/4hr
- flow : 2*tunze 6100 with single controller
- return : iwaki 20rlxt
- calcium reactor : corallin 1400

What I would like to know is
1. if my equipment is reasonable
2. To keep sps coral good condition, what kind of foods and additives should be added.
3. any others

Any kind of comment would be very appreciated.
TIA

 

[jjmcat]

I had alot of problems when i first started.The best advice i can give you is good water quality.The equipment you have is by far better than i have.As far as additives i only use the two part alk. and calc.I let nature do the rest.

 

[moumda]

Water quality, water flow, lighting in that order. provided your diy skimmer works well you should be all right. How long is your tank? I believe each halide bulb can cover 2 sq feet effectively. Best of luck with you tank.

 

[aeroreefs]

Thanks Mr.OMAS MEMBER and moumda
You mean that foods and aditives such as phytoplankton
and amino acid don't matter in keeping sps well, don't you?

 

[MiddletonMark]

Acropora doesn't eat a significant [if any] amount of phytoplankton ... so IMO, you're just adding nutrients with that.

As far as suppliments/etc - some claim great success, others claim no difference, others have success without. IMO - the others hit it pretty well ... pay attention to water quality, keep Ca/Alk stable and at NSW, keep nutrient levels undetectable ... and let 'em grow.

 

[mortenN]

In this three thread you will find very good information about SPS keeping.


Lets talk about water quality in a SPS tank
Lets talk about water movement in a SPS tank
Lets talk about lighting an SPS tank

Have a nice SPS day.

 

[MiddletonMark]

Re: How to keep sps well???

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6813792#post6813792 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by aeroreefs
What I would like to know is
1. if my equipment is reasonable

Looks it to me. The single MH will obviously have light areas + dark areas in the tank ...

mortenN linked some of my favorite threads on Acropora care.

Perhaps also check this thread from a few days back, too:
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=783487

 

[chtan]

Lots more attention than when you kept a LPS or soft coral tank ... maintaining a high standard of water quality is very important whether you choose to feed or not to feed.