Tips for "entry level" SPS'er but "experienced LPS'er"

[E.intheC]

I've had a reef system for about 2 or 3 years now, and have stuck with LPS and zoanthids. I've tried a few different montis and even acros (about a year ago) but the acros died off rather quickly. Caps did well.

The next venture will be taken even more seriously. My new setup (actually.. rock, sand [after cleaning], water, and corals will be transferred from my 72 bow) will be a mixed reef with primarily LPS and zoas, but I'd like to try my hand at SPS. The bug has bit and I don't even have a single SPS frag yet

What are the best tips you can give someone like myself? ...other than go slow, get great equipment (I have MH, a Vortech mp20, and a Vertex IN-100 skimmer on my 45 cube)..

Thanks in advance.

(yep, accidentally posted this in the soft coral forums as well..:worried: )

 

[Logzor]

If you can keep your parameters stable you should do fine with SPS. Get some montipora to start out with, they should do fine. They may need more flow than your SPS, so keep that in mind. Good luck!

 

[serpentman]

Logzor hit the nail on the head. Steady water parameters and diligent husbandry are the basis of successful SPS. If things need to be tweaked, do so patiently. Once you start cutting corners, trouble becomes inevitable.

 

[E.intheC]

Stability seems like the key note here. I can't say I'm surprised. ...I need to get some more test kits.. I have nitrates, phosphate, calcium, Kh, and pH. All API.

I should probably get a mag test kit as well.

 

[serpentman]

Stability seems like the key note here. I can't say I'm surprised. ...I need to get some more test kits.. I have nitrates, phosphate, calcium, Kh, and pH. All API.

I should probably get a mag test kit as well.

I think that with a mag kit you should be all set. I would consider a digital pH meter if you don't have one already.

Also, on the subject of testing, should a parameter ever appear out of whack, I always recommend using a different test kit before taking any corrective action. Sometimes kits simply go bad.

 

[Bullredchaser]

First thing I would not do is tranfer your sand from old system.Could cause serious problems as sometime hydrogen sulfide is released and all the waste from your old system will come with the sand.Alot of Germans completly change out there sand beds every 6 mos to prevent any build ups.David Saxby owner of Deltec from England has been known to do this as well.While this is drastic I would never put old sand to a new tank.If you do put the old sand get ready for several months of hell dealing with algae and phosphates.Which none are good for acros.If your going to do acros you need to pay attention to potential threats as they are not forgiving.Another advice I would give is you need to assume that everybody you trade with has acro AEFWs and red bugs and treat accordingly.I would say that 80% of the tanks with acros has some kind of predator and most people dont even know it.They just assume the acro died for no apparent reason.

 

[plyle02]

could not agree more with this statement from above^
I tested mag and kept getting a low reading and dosed the crap out of it only to buy a new test kit and be coming through at well over 1550ppm using Elos. I was testing at 1200ppm btw on my Salifert test, which was old, so I do not blame them...

 

[E.intheC]

thanks again for the tips. I'm considering getting a different sand. May go with the 'regular' aragamax as opposed to the Reef Floor, but I'm worried about the MP20 pushing the sand around.

What are some good "starter" SPS (other than caps?) Are encrusting monti's similar in requirements to the caps? I really like a lot of the acros, but will (of course) wait until I have a better handle on things overall.

How are Milli's in terms of hardiness?

 

[spleify]

Glad to hear you are taking a plung into SPS, here is a great thread(previous Thread of The Month) that should offer you some great information.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=1609942

HTH

Good luck

 

[klepto]

thanks again for the tips. I'm considering getting a different sand. May go with the 'regular' aragamax as opposed to the Reef Floor, but I'm worried about the MP20 pushing the sand around.

What are some good "starter" SPS (other than caps?) Are encrusting monti's similar in requirements to the caps? I really like a lot of the acros, but will (of course) wait until I have a better handle on things overall.

How are Milli's in terms of hardiness?

Good call on some new sand. I think that it's wise to seed unused sand. This will bring in some micro fauna and bacteria (just be sure you are seeding from a healthy tank).

You will be fine with the Vortech in regards to the sand. You may not be able to set up a deep sand bed in a 45 and keep the high flow that SPS prefer- so a couple inches may be the way to go. Choosing the optimal particle size with your sandbed is important. Ron's sandbed research and information is the best I have found..
http://www.ronshimek.com/deep_sand_beds.html

Go with aquacultured corals! I have seen too many of the wild and maricultured SPS (inc. lots of millepora) go under. Stick with small fragments over large colonies because they will adapt to your system much better. This is where patience pays off!

Caps are probably the easier (and faster growers) of the Montipora. They are good to start out with because they can be used as a visual barometer of how your parameters are.

Seriatopora are another good option. Also, a staghorn acropora (often what people refer to as a 'green slimer') is usually a good bet because they are quick growers and will add structure to your tank.

Get in touch with your local reef community and swap/buy frags from fellow hobbyists, so you don't offer up your savings towards the typically heavy retail pricing...

I hope this is useful.

 

[E.intheC]

Glad to hear you are taking a plung into SPS, here is a great thread(previous Thread of The Month) that should offer you some great information.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=1609942

HTH

Good luck

Great. Great. Thread. :bounce1: Lots of very good information.

 

[reefsic]

Test your params constantly!!! This will help you to keep your Ca and Alk up! Plenty of flow and lighting too!!! Get used to dosing Iron, Potassium and Iodine if you plan on housing colorful SPS.

Brace yourself cuz your about to get addicted

~Cheers

 

[E.intheC]

I hope this is useful.

klepto, that was a lot of helpful information. I just read that link you provided and definitely learned some things.

I like a shallow sand bed, and it will be a must in this tank as it's only 18 inches high.

It's funny you mention joining a local club. That's actually the main motivating factor for me getting into SPS.. I have been doing lots of trades and some sales of my corals, trying to gather money for this new upgrade. In the process, I've seen lots of excellent tanks with awesome SPS pieces. Seeing them in pictures on the computer is one thing, but seeing them in person is another. (Don't get me wrong; I LOVE the pics as well :thumbsup