My first SPS

[dalilgriffith]

Alright, after constantly questioning my local lfs as to what i could put in my 20L, they advised I could get away with "Red Vase" montipora. I got a small frag of it for about $20.00. For calcium carbonate, I am dosing Reef Code A and B. My levels are at 500 ppm and 12dkh.

http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/group/1814/product.web

So, I understand I just keep my normal tank parameters plus these and I should have no problem? I notice my heater is not very accurate, any suggestions on a better heater? Its a marineland

 

[Jandree22]

Your calcium and alk are fine. I imagine you're using some type of high output lighting (PC, T5, MH, etc), which is sufficient over 13" of water.

Marineland should be good. It should be around 100W. By not accurate, do you mean it is not steady (temp swings) or that when you set it to a specific temp on the heater, it's always off by say 5*F or so from your thermometer? If it's the former, I'd suspect a bad heater or an overpowered one. If it's the latter, IME, that's nothing to worry about. The thermometer readings on the heater itself are terrible and I sometime have to set it at like 74*F to get a consistent 79*F, etc.

Some people will advise you to get a Ranco temp controller as they're more reliable at controlling heater on/off than the cheapo thermostat in the heater itself. This is good advice, however they are relatively expensive ($60). I've never used one, but it's probably money well spent and basically a judgement call.

 

[volcom69]

I already gave you what i thought in the sps forum, but like i said before stability is the biggest thing you can give any sps. Like i said before i would lower your alk, let it fall slow that way you have some room for error just in case. I would watch your calcium levels also you dont want them to go much higher then what you have now. Good Luck

 

[stephenrsaiz]

You also want to keep an eye on your Magnesium levels and ensure they're within a proper range.

 

[turbonegro]

Whats going on with your big tank?

 

[dalilgriffith]

its a FOWLR right now. I was laid off from my job etc and im not buying the lights right now until i get a new job

 

[volcom69]

Yea getting into sps can get very expensive.

 

[stephenrsaiz]

Absolutely. The bigger the tank, the more money to cool, heat, light, give proper flow, provide for water changes, supplement, etc.

It only gets worse if that big tank turns into a reef. And even worse if it turns into an SPS reef. You should really consider if the big tank is a good investment right now, and if you have enough funds to take proper care of its inhabitants.

Just something to keep in mind.

BTW...got any pics of the big tank running? We'd love to see some pics of something that big.

 

[Jandree22]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15234033#post15234033 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by stephenrsaiz
Absolutely. The bigger the tank, the more money to cool, heat, light, give proper flow, provide for water changes, supplement, etc.

It only gets worse if that big tank turns into a reef. And even worse if it turns into an SPS reef.

yeah, an easy 5-figure price tag for sure to do it right. i constantly ponder going back down to a nano tank to more fully enjoy the hobby with the limited funds I have to work with.