This is my first time ever trying SPS but i really like these Monti's... I was wondering if anyone could tell me their experience with these? I have 2 165 watt LED's, and my Calcium is relatively high which is why i'd like to try some SPS. Nitrate are 0-5 and calc is 580-600 but should drop after Kh dose. Thanks!
ORA Supernatural
- Thread starter Atf22
- Start date
ajcanale
New member
That calcium level is very high, way too high, which means alk is most likely very very low. The balance of alkalinity and calcium is imperative when keeping sps. The more SPS you have and the more they grow, the more difficult keeping these two in balance becomes. Alk is the most important to test for regularly because it is the fastest level to change (due to lower concentrations compared to calcium and magnesium)
While most montipora's are considered to be relatively easy in terms of SPS, some tend to react poorly in low Alk conditions.
Target levels:
Alk: 7.5 - 9 dkh... and stable
Calcium: 410-430ppm
Mag: 1250-1350ppm
If you are serious in wanting to keep sps and keep this coral healthy and watch it grow, you need to test all 3 of these.... with alk being the most important and most often tested.
I don't have this particular ORA piece but I've kept a lot of SPS and montipora's specifically. That's my experience and the advice I can provide.
That was right after a calcium dose, right where I poured the dose. It was my first time dosing and I dosed for alk an hour later then Ph this morning. The levels were
Calc:520-540
Alk:7
Mag:1300
Ph: 8.2
With these level would I be able to? Thanks!
AdamNC
New member
Having a relatively new tank myself (8 1/2 months), my acro and monti frags seem to be responding well to Alk 8-9, Ca 440-450 and Mag 1250-1350. I test every few days and dose as needed by hand. Nitrate and Phosphate can also kill you, but your big 3 to keep in line are Alk, Ca and Mag. As long as you keep up on proper dosing, testing and water changes, you'll be fine. Having too high of levels can be just as bad as having too low. Also make sure you have a decent skimmer, or water change every few days religiously.
