Ultra Bushy Acro Placement

[HurricaneSystem]

So this is my first foray into SPS. I have 2 Kessil A150W's on my 55 gallon. They are on goosenecks and are about 6 inches off the water. How do you think this placement will be for the SPS? Close enough to the light source?

 

[Whisperer]

Hmmm...I don't see other choices.

 

[HurricaneSystem]

What do you mean whisper? Money is no object, I can fix anything that is wrong

 

[franklypre]

If it gets pale or looks like it needs more light you might try epoxy/supergluing it to the filter snozzle. There really isn't enough info on the Kessil to know what to expect, keep us updated please.

 

[Whisperer]

What do you mean whisper? Money is no object, I can fix anything that is wrong

I meant, you have no other higher place to put it. That kind of SPS likes high random flow based on its structure.

 

[karsseboom]

If money no object why don't yoi build yourself a sump and use some epoxy to build a Rick structure.

 

[Whisperer]

Who is Rick?

 

[smartandfast]

That light should be plenty for just that one piece of SPS. Try to get it to color up first though. Check your water parameters.

 

[lokii_37]

Rick structure= rock structure

 

[blakers82]

Are talking about Slick Rick?

I haven't read up on the Kessel output. Have you looked around for PAR numbers? But flow and filtration are important too. We might as well ask what you are running for these factors? What are the dimensions of your 55gal? Standard 4ft?

 

[rowdy29can]

HI,
Just my opinion but you will need more light = more PAR. This SPS will also need way more random flow. Just going with your picture you have leathers so i am assuming the flow is not that high. You will notice over time it will be hard to keep its colour even if your parameters are normal. Good Luck!

 

[HurricaneSystem]

Hey Everyone,

Thanks for the replies. That shot was taken at night so it is hard to see what all I have. I have an Emperor 400 HOB that only houses Chaeto, it flows right on top of the Acro. I have a strong powerhead just to the left that is on a timed APEX outlet. In that corner is a UV outlet (minimal flow) and also my return pump from my sump.

Coming from the other side is just my overflow and another strong powerhead on a timed outlet (various flow). I do need to add more live rock, this tank has been established almost 2 years. The leathers are recent additions as well, I had a Kenya tree that took over and I had to eradicate most of that.

The flow and water quality is no problem. The Kessil on that side is shining directly on the Acro. I have a 4 bulb T5 VHO in the floor, but I think the Kessil lighting is doing well.

Thanks again for the input.

 

[HurricaneSystem]

So after only a few days in the tank the coral is bleaching. It never looked like it did in the picture when I bought it, but getting worse. Parameters are all very good, I think the light is too much, too soon. I moved it down tonight so we will see.

 

[Jeremy Blaze]

Your tank may have been set up for 2 years, but it certianly does not look like a healthy established reef.

What is your main filtration system?

I see you list a UV ilter, useless for our reefs.

You have a HOB with a small amount of cheato, whats lighting the cheato, how often are you harvesting it?

With no sump, or other filter, you seem to be relying on the liverock, which it appears you have very little of.

The lighting certianly does not look like its enough. Maybe borrow a par meter and and see what its output really is.

What are your water paramters?

The acro was a wild collected acro, which are very difficult to keep anyway.

 

[Met3112]

You have decent coraline growth and what looks like a clean healthy tank to me.
Although Acropora can be very difficult if not given the perfect conditions.

That Acropora Humilis is not one that I would start with for my first acro. It looks to be maricultured also which will make it even more difficult. This coral will need tons of indirect random flow and lots of light eventually.

You might want to run carbon also to suck up whatever those leathers are putting in the water. Keep your ALK as stable as possible. Good luck!

 

[Jeremy Blaze]

You have decent coraline growth and what looks like a clean healthy tank to me.
Although Acropora can be very difficult if not given the perfect conditions.

That Acropora Humilis is not one that I would start with for my first acro. It looks to be maricultured also which will make it even more difficult. This coral will need tons of indirect random flow and lots of light eventually.

You might want to run carbon also to suck up whatever those leathers are putting in the water. Keep your ALK as stable as possible. Good luck!

Though it is really impossible to tell for sure from that photo, I am pretty sure that is not Acropora humilis.

 

[Whisperer]

It may be a gemmifera, a coral that is very elusive for me.

 

[HurricaneSystem]

Thanks for the input. I bought it from LiveAquaria, advertised as a secale and not maricultured.

Jeremy, if you read above, I do have a large sump and I assure you that the 2 Kessils are plenty of light. I can post a full tank shot later.

I have extensive experience in the hobby, but I have never kept SPS. So I do not know their habits and changes, but learning fast. Lowering the Acro seemed to help as the color is coming back better than yesterday which seems like a very quick turnaround.

 

[Jeremy Blaze]

Like this one?

http://www.liveaquaria.com/diversden/ItemDisplay.cfm?c=2733+2&ddid=149840
It is straight from a reef.

 

[Jeremy Blaze]

What is in your large sump?
What is your method for maintaining water quality?
Water changes?
filtration?
What filtration?
What are your current water parameters?
What else is in the tank?