thinking about getting first LPS coral

[CraigSlice]

well, i am thinking of getting my first LPS coral. Tank has some mushrooms on the rocks that have split a few times and also some GSP that i have isolated at the bottom right now since ive read a bunch of they grow too fast and take over LR posts.

I am just wondering if i am ready to get a LPS coral. Lights are 4x54w TH50 with individual reflectors. Tank has been running for about 6 months.

I know that it is very important to keep checking calcium and alkalinity with these, but is there any other important things i need to know? or would there be a better starter LPS

and is placement on the bottom good for these with my lights?

I am going to be making an order online soon to replace my foxface who died and figured i mine as well save on shipping (once i make sure everything else in the tank is alright)

also what brand of calcium and alkalinity tests are the best, im currently using API tests

 

[Aadler]

Get a nice brain coral. fairly cheap, nice colors and pretty tough.

 

[GrantMeThePower]

2nd on the brain coral

 

[otrlynn]

How about Caulestrae (candy cane or trumpet coral). My candy cane is thriving under 196 watts of T5 lighting. It is about 1/3 way to the top of the tank. Here is a good site re coral requirements.
http://www.asira.org/caresheets

 

[sjm817]

I like Euphyllia. Torch, Hammer, Frogspawn (branching not ridge).

 

[crvz]

I'd do a eyphyllia also if it's one of the first in your tank. Their movement in the water is a bit more entertaining if it's the first in the tank, but there are a lot of very colorful favias that would probably do well too.

 

[KarlBob]

If you can find it, Duncanopsammia is another fun LPS to start with.

 

[CraigSlice]

thanks for the advice, i think i am going to go with the frogspawn (one of my favorite looking corals along with torch) even though a brain might be easier to keep, frogspawn just looks alot cooler imo.

Now i just need to find a 2 part calcium/alkalinity additive system to use to keep both of those up, any brand recommendations?

 

[CraigSlice]

and liveaquaria sold out of the frogspawn anyone happen to know how often they get new corals in? or another trusted site?

 

[crvz]

plenty of trusted sites out there, check bluezooaquatics, reefermadness, any of the sponsors here would be decent options. or local hobbyists in your area (if you can find a local club). But, I don't think you'll really need to worry about supplementing calcium and alkalinity for just one LPS, regular water changes will supply plenty for the coral.

 

[Tswifty]

Here's a few that were among my first additions... I think they are all pretty easy, and grow fairly quickly.

Pink Hammer

Green Trumpets

Green Open Brain (in the bottom right corner). Actually you can see all the LPS in this shot. My favorite by far is the Purple Chalice coral in the top left corner though.

 

[Tswifty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13226152#post13226152 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by CraigSlice
and liveaquaria sold out of the frogspawn anyone happen to know how often they get new corals in? or another trusted site?

www.reefhotspot.com :thumbsup:

 

[sjm817]

My nuclear green frogspawn. Never seen one like it