Keys to having a successful sps tank

[walleyebum]

what are the keys to having a successful sps tank? im just starting and looking for tips to have a great looking tank thanks!!

 

[jarrett shark]

Time

 

[tamarindthai]

tank chemistry balanced//stable temperature

 

[offroadodge]

stability on EVERY level no matter what it is, and nutrient export.

 

[Paulca916]

stability on EVERY level no matter what it is, and nutrient export.

+1 and Patients low PO4 and PO3 will help alot with keeping the colors.

 

[k.tran]

SPS - Stability Promotes Success

 

[allsps40]

Stability in all parameters +1

 

[wez]

can someone elaborate on nutrient export

 

[offroadodge]

as you feed the fish,corals, etc the POOP also feeds the corals. But some settles every where and get disolved into the sandbed,rocks etc.(as well as the uneaten food) This makes the nutrient level go up as well as other things. You have to manage the amount you feed and how often. 1st sign green HA, brown algae on glass. In there lies the problem, you have to be able to export(remove) the excess nutrients via FUGE(mangroves,chaeto,etc) and/or Carbon and GFO or both in reactors. Initial water for make up water MUST be GREAT meaning purified. What you start with is what is the building blocks of the tank. Good water,Good rock, and just understanding your tank as it matures. EVERY tank is different and one thing that works for one doesnt always work for the other. When you find what works for your set-up you will have found the MAGIC, all you have to do then is keep it that away.

 

[phenom5]

IMO/ IME success with SPS is all about water quality. Lighting & Flow are important, but generally pretty easy to provide. Water quality can be more of a challenge.

For me it all about...

Keeping Ca & Mg high (within range)
Keeping Alk stable
Keeping NO3 & PO4 low

The negative effects of temp swings are overrated IMO.

 

[Akrite]

Stability, Patients, Repetition = SPS Success

Stability: You keep Alk, CA, MAG as stable as possible with no or little flux and NO3 PO4 in line you corals will grow fast and steady.

Patients: Success doesn't happen over night. Get you parameters in close to NSW and wait for the magic to happen, some corals take longer than others to adjust.

Repetition: Form good habits and stick to them. schedule what days of the week you feed your tank, clean you skimmer, change or carbon, GFO or water. The more repetition the easier to maintain a stable tank.

Also great lighting and flow

 

[walleyebum]

Thanks everyone, for stability i was going to buy the 2 part mix from bulkreefsupply is this a good idea?

 

[jg2269jg]

bulk reef has good 2 part i would start there