Is this enough light and flow?

[JeffersonReef]

Hello all. I am new to keeping SPS. I have several sps frags that I have gotten from local reefers, including monti's (caps and digis), acros, green slimer frags, and a few others.

I am wondering if my lighting and flow is going to be enough. All of the frags are placed about midway or higher in my 24" tall tank. My lighting consists of 2 250w DE 14ks (about 8-10 hrs a day) and 2 PC 96w acintics (about 11 hours a day). I am using a Mag 12 return pump, as well as 2 SEIO 820s. I am planning to add 2 educators (one for each of my return lines) and a SEIO 1100. What do you think? So far, my sps are all colored up pretty nicely... I am just wondering if I should plan now for the future. Thanks for your input!
-TJ

 

[Yinger]

You're on the right track. I'd say add some more flow. two 820s wont' be enough. Also, stable and good water parameters are key to keeping SPS. how's ur water quality?

 

[JeffersonReef]

It is getting better. I have been battling nitrates... they hover around 20ppm. I just upgraded my skimmmer, and now I am pulling out skimmmate like crazy. I am also upgrading to a 75g sump/fuge system. I am quite sure that between the added water volume and the increased fuge space, things will do even better.

What about the lighting? Do you think that is sufficient?
-TJ

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9426983#post9426983 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Yinger
You're on the right track. I'd say add some more flow. two 820s wont' be enough. Also, stable and good water parameters are key to keeping SPS. how's ur water quality?

 

[Yinger]

how long is your tank? if its 6 feet, you might have a little trouble getting a nice spread throughout the entire length of the tank. 250s will be enough for the depth, but reflectors are really important for lighting.

 

[JeffersonReef]

my tank is 5'. I am using a Hamilton Protostar light fixture... so Im not sure how effective their reflectors are...

Let me as this about water flow... should my SPS polpyps be visibly blowing in the flow? I had one of my SEIO 820s pointed right toward the SPS frags, and it just seemed like too much flow. Also, the powerhead blows my poor anemones all over the place... should I point the SEIOs right at the rock work ayway? ??

 

[Yinger]

direct flow should be avoided. I have my powerheads blowing across the top of the acros usually or to the side. When the powerheads collide, they should give some random turbulent flow throughout areas of the tank. But definitely upgrade the flow.

 

[wizzbane15]

I think the 820's may be on the weak side too. As for lighting, it sounds like you have a good firm start.

You need to get your nitrates in check a little better than 20 ppm for continued health and longevity of your corals. 'fuge is a good idea and do some research about getting rid of bio-balls if you have them.
I had the same problem, 'fuge helped alot.