Questions About Adding Birdsnest.

[Pigpen17]

Hello RC!

Very new to this SPS thing.

So I got into this hobby thinking Fish Only tank, maybe some easy softies. After realizing my 56g wasn't going to hold much in the way of cool fish, I am thinking differently. I want to add a Fiji Pink Birdsnest. and after reading a bunch online about them, and reading in here of what it takes to keep SPS, I am rethinking it again. I am not sure how much I want to invest to keep a single piece of SPS. $$$ is a huge issue for me.

I guess I am wondering if I add a single birds nest, how much it will change my systems requirements and how much more I will need to invest in it's care? Right now I have a minimum LED fixture, HOB skimmer, and 700+950gph flow. I don't dose anything.

My first purchase will be a calcium test kit to see where I am at. I don't add now, but I do use reef salt. If I am running only one SPS will this be enough? Also, my lighting is basically a toy. It's a Marineland Reef Capable LED. I do have a decent spot I have been saving in the tank that gets the most light. "œTHE" spot.

<a href="http://s17.photobucket.com/user/pigpen_/media/TheSpot.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b71/pigpen_/TheSpot.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo TheSpot.jpg"/></a>


I do have an algae "œissue". I actually like a bit of growth, but after reading I can see that is can be a problem for SPS. My dKH is also a bit low, but I have read that 8 is alright for some SPS.

I still want to keep my system simple. So what am I looking at as far as new needs for this thing?

Oh! And my system is still very new, but with old LR. The 56g has been up and running for about 4 or 5 months. I have had the rock for 10 years.

 

[Pigpen17]

Perhaps I should be more specific. Do you all think I can keep a Birdsnest without having to upgrade my system?

 

[alb_56]

What salt do you use?

 

[Dapg8gt]

You need to see where your levels are. You are going to have to change your habits for sure if you want it to live. It's going to need good flow and stable parameters. Test kits should be your main concern.. At least quality cal/alk/mag kits (Salifert, red sea, Hanna etc) imo it's a major thing to have reputable kits other than cheap ones..

Birdsnest are pretty easy to grow but as with most sps can be pretty easy to kill also when certain things are overlooked or lacking. They can also be temperamental to change and show it faster than other sps imo.

Your light should work, Def not the best but if you have it high enough it may work. The colors may not get great but you should be able to grow it.

As for adding supplements at first I'm sure you will be fine and nothing needed but as it grows so will the consumption. You may get by with water changes for a while but plan on at least having test kits and some means to dose if it's needed. Randy's 2 part will be your friend if $ is an issue..

Read the stickies above and maybe look into getting some more flow and a better light(used is great =) down the road if you want it to thrive to its full potential.

 

[Grandlotus]

I personally recommend start with softies. There are some stunning zoa, pally, rics, ect out there.

 

[Pigpen17]

Awesome post. Thanks. Yes, test kits are my first purchase. I am curious where I am at as far as this Reef salt goes. I am betting not very far. I will get tests, see where I am at and how far I have to go and decide then. Good news about my light. I know it will only do so much, but it’s all I could get over my water for now.

Right now I am using Omega Sea-Premium Reef Salt. The label states it contains essential elements, but never trust a product called "premium". I am actually using it just by chance as I have had no use for “Reef” salt until now. I have read a bunch of folks on here using Reef Crystals, and I may try to dig some up.

As with everything else, first things first. I can only spend so much on fish stuff per paycheck. With knowing I have a chance to keep this thing with my current set up, this week, test kits.

 

[Pigpen17]

I personally recommend start with softies. There are some stunning zoa, pally, rics, ect out there.

Agreed, and that was my plan. I have been looking all over the place for a good center piece for "THE" spot. Might end up with just softies, but a birdsnest would be stunning. I was also thinking of a Rose Bubble Tip. I would have to wait about another 6 months, which is no poroblem, but there is no guarnetee it would stay there, so maybe not.

 

[alb_56]

Honestly, I think one birdsnest would be ok. I have a handful of SPS in my tank and Ive never even tested mag/cal/alk at all. Not saying its not a good idea to test them, just saying weekly water changes (with good salt) and a stable tank should be able to support one birdsnest.

 

[Pigpen17]

Honestly, I think one birdsnest would be ok. I have a handful of SPS in my tank and Ive never even tested mag/cal/alk at all. Not saying its not a good idea to test them, just saying weekly water changes (with good salt) and a stable tank should be able to support one birdsnest.

Glad to hear it. What salt do you use?

 

[alb_56]

I use Reef Crystals.

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+4685+4856&pcatid=4856

 

[Pigpen17]

Thanks!