Softies to LPS

[BZMikeH]

If this is in the wrong section, I apologies. I wasn't sure if it should be posted here or in LPS. My question to everyone is I currently have a few softies (shrooms, zoas) and looking to get into other corals (LPS mainly). What other then the basic Salinty, pH, Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate should I be monitoring with them? Should I be adding anything in the tank to help with LPS? I'm completely new to topic so go easy on me

 

[AS]

Calcium

 

[pyithar]

all what you're testing now plus alkalinity, calcium and magnesium and act accordingly. lps have coral skeletons so they need calcium,mg,alk but not as much as sps do. if you do regular water changes, you might not even need to supplement. so test ca,mg,alk, and if they're low, you can use kalkwasser, 2 part, etc.

 

[E46Twist]

Calcium is the biggest one I watch. Just make sure things are stable. Most LPS are still pretty hardy and it is more important to keep levels constant than dosing this and that to try and help coral growth. If you use a decent salt frequent water changes should add all you need for now.

 

[lutz123]

Most lps are extremely forgiving. In my opinion, blastos, favia, duncans,acans are excellent types to start with and very easy. They can do fine in even a slightly neglected tank, don't require special lighting, and do great in tanks that have softies. Dirtier tanks are preferred. They don't need special food - mine extend when I feed the fish.

My opinion is to avoid testing if everything looks healthy. Chasing numbers often causes a chain reaction and is often unnecessary unless you have something that requires pristine conditions. Watch your corals for extension and color. Buy from a reputable source. Don't overskim your tank. Adding some attractive macroalgae will also help things stay in balance and adds refuge for the microfauna that those corals eat.

Unless you are jam-packed with lps colonies, your calcium will be fine with regular water changes (even a small monthly change). Don't simply dose calcium. That is a delicate balance of minerals and you can really make things get out of whack quickly. Keep it simple at first and only add equipment and chemicals when you have a need.

 

[Rob6311]

Alkalinity as well but definitely calcium

 

[Sk8r]

Imitate my parameters in my sig line: I specialize in lps; plus use kalk in your topoff water. In SETTING UP sticky above there should be an article on how to use kalk.

 

[BZMikeH]

Thanks everyone, looks like I need to invest in a better test kit now