New SPS tank

[turbosek]

I have a 200 gal system. DT is 42" x 30" x 30", with a 6" DSB. I have 3 400W MH...2 are 14K and the middle light is 20K. I have them running approximately 6 hours each...each turning off 2 hours after the previous one, and shutting off the same way. Kind of like the sun is rising and setting across the tank.

I want to have an SPS tank. I currently have my CUC in, but nothing else. Tank cycled this past May.

What types of SPS corals would be suggested to add first? My rock work has areas at varying heights to allow for corals demanding different levels of light. I have one area of rock that is only 4 inches below the surface.

What kind of SPS coral would you put at the very top...right near the light?

Finally, are there any advantages to keeping only SPS...and not mixing other types?

Thanks!

 

[allsps40]

I would put all 20k bulbs in insted of mixing them and have them all run the same time instead of a sun rise sun set. Start with caps, birds nest, montis are all good to start out with. You can mix sps, lps and softies just fine. I run carbon to reduce chems released by corals.

 

[iap]

Why all 20k? And what is the disadvatange to turning the lights on and off to simulate sunrise/sunset?

 

[allsps40]

20k 400 watt bulbs have a very nice bright blue look and great PAR readings and having a bluer bulb in the center IMO will look odd. They wont blend well set up like that. As for the sun set rise deal your corals wont care and you could just get some T5s or VHOs for that effect or LED fixtures. JMO but to each their own.

 

[Reefobsession]

Not all 20K bulbs have great par.

 

[iap]

That's what I thought. I guess if you want colors, go with radium bulbs(20k). Or is you want growth go with a 10k bulb for greater par.

But that's not the question. I would start with birdsnest IMO. They are growing the most rapid in my tank. But I would start with anything that you like. Monti's, birdsnest, millis, acros whatever. Just make sure when you introduce them start them on the bottom then slowly move them upwards and towards or away from flow. There is no set guide to where to place them, they will show you where they want to be.