The Stoney bug has bit! Advise for a sps noob?

[Drae]

So yeah, I'm diggin em. I said I wouldn't but I did.... 7 frags and 1 clam,1 Monti cap. Any advise for a first time sps keeper? Btw, t5 lighting 8 ATI bulbs. Aquatic life fixtures. And I'm willing to replace any equipment needed to be successful.

 

[Frick]

Use the 3Qs of SPS reefing.

Quarantine
Quarantine
Quarantine

Everything that you put in your tank should be observed in a separate tank. There are so many SPS parasites and diseases that can be difficult to identify when purchasing the coral. I would hate to see another thread "What is eating all my Acros ?!?!?!?" post.

Buy-acclimate-dip-quarantine-observe-treat if necessary-dip-acclimate-place in display.

Your light fixture sounds like it should do the job fine.

 

[Norwood IND]

Stability, stability, stability. Besides quarantine of new corals, make sure parameters are stable. Regularly check Alk, Ca, Mg. Keep phospate and nitrate low.

 

[Drae]

I've been learning how to keep my ca/alk levels stable,and I do have a rkl w/ph probe so I've been keeping a close eye on when and why ph fluctuates. I will admit that I'm still learning how to 2 part dose and I think I'm getting the hang of it so far but It's a little tricky. My tank has 150 + gallons so at least my water volume is pretty large. Ato, and a decent sump volume( 26 gallons) should aid in stability. And I also have a good tank to sump turnover as well as large filter socks to keep the water free of detritus. Stable temp constantly,and no nuisance algae since upping the flow. This was planned but I'm still a noob spa keeper. Fingers crossed.

 

[nrike]

The answer to keeping your parameters stable Bubble Magus dosing pump its a good investment specially if your thinking of going with sps.

 

[Piper27]

Research sps pests til your heart falls out, as well as how to maintain levels.

 

[gasman059]

patience!

 

[Finland]

Besides what was already mention, lots of circulation. Irratic, random flow is best. oh yeah, a good skimmer. And in case it was overlooked, stability.LOL Dip everything and quarantine if you can. Nothing worse then having to battle pests.

 

[SHADYreefer]

good skimmer, dip your corals, vortechs, stability, kalkwasser or calcium additive.

hope that helps

 

[dlterry85]

start with something easy imo. birdsnest and monti. if they are doing good, go for the big money sticks,lol. good luck.

 

[Drae]

Thanks ya'll. I see that water parameter stability(not just levels) and pests seem to be the most warned things. Noted for sure.