Starter Sps

[Magga Pie]

I just put a 14k 175 watt metal halide over my 20g and wanted to start adding sps to it. I was wondering what I could put in there with this lighting? I know I will be able to do monti's but was wondering what else.

 

[flamron]

Anything you want really - With the depth of a 20 and a 175W MH, you won't have too many coral (if any) that you would have issues with. Just be sure to keep your heat in check.

 

[Magga Pie]

Ok thanks, what would you recommend me starting with that are some of the "easier" corals?

 

[moo0o]

any monti cap or digi is pretty easy to care for. Hmm...with acros, i want to say millis are generally hardy.

Tank raised SPS tend to be tougher aswell, try to avoid maricultured or wild colonies the first time around.

 

[flamron]

And be sure to dip all your corals, or QT them if you are setup for that. At the minimum, though, you want to dip everything.

Melev's website has a great step-by-step on what he does for QT.

 

[Reefaddict79]

acro valida was my first sps and did really well

 

[GPhiAce]

The validas, montis, digis and millis are pretty hardy. The are good starters and there are some colorful ones out there. Few hints from someone who has seen a few ups and downs.... read up on the proper conditions, go slow, check your parameters, good flow, and good lighting are keys to doing well. Good luck. and welcome to SPS. Watch out, it's a little addicting.

 

[flamron]

Ha - A little addicting? This stuff is like crack, but more expensive!

 

[xXreefracerXx]

My first was digis, They seem to thrive in any condition! But in pristine water conditions they grow like weeds! lol

 

[Magga Pie]

Thank you everyone for all the responses and help. I cant wait to start getting some, my friend already fragged a couple of his montis for me to try out. How far off the water should the halide be hanging?

 

[xXreefracerXx]

depends on a few things, Tank temp, light spread, maint. convenience (ie. Wont be in the way all the time)

 

[eros]

I recommend Birdsnest coral. They generally grow fast which makes them fun to keep. Slow growers are a drag.

 

[Magga Pie]

Yea I have been reading alot lately and looking at tanks, and I really like the pink birdsnest. And the green slimer

 

[GPhiAce]

If you are looking for fast growers, stick to montis, birdsnests and green slimers. SPS as a whole generally are slow growers, so you MUST BE PATIENT. They take a while to settle in, but tend to take off after a few months of consistently good parameters/conditions.