Wanna start SPS

[TonyJR]

So I hope you'll forgive me if this is tedious, but I want to take on some SPS, and my first attempt failed. I am appropriately paranoid, the last thing I want is to set my corals up for failure. I have since made several changes but am worried that I am missing something.

I have 100 gallon DT (60" long) with 30 gal sump which has been running for two years. Skimz Monster SM203. Maxspect Gyre opposite a Sicce Voyager 4 (both new). Three Kessil A360W Tuna Blue (all new).

NO2, NO3, PO4, Ammonia all undetectable. SG is 1.023, dKH 9, Ca 420 ppm. I've just started dosing Alk and Ca from BRS 2 part, I haven't received my Mg test kit in the mail yet so haven't dosed any Mg.

What am I forgetting? Any insight or tips for an SPS noob? Thank you much!

 

[Akito starwind]

Looks good. I'd just start with a monti or birdsnest and see how it dose. Then after you see them happy and growing add others.

 

[TonyJR]

Thanks for the tip, I'm going for it.

 

[arashsheikhpoor]

make sure you also try and keep the ph, alk and cal as stable as you can.

 

[Art13]

up your SG to 1.025-1.026, i had mine mistakenly at 1.022-.1023 (calibration issue) and all my sps suffered a slow decline. I corrected it by using saltwater to top off until i got my salinity up. Also, if you have a refractometer, make sure you are using 35p calibration fluid, not r/o water, r/o water will give a false reading (this was my calibration issue).

 

[rovster]

Best advice is to start with a proven performer. Montis, birdsnests, but also proven aquacultured acros. Don't go to the LFS and get that new wild or mari that came in. Anything from ORA or anything from a locals tank that has been established for some time. Also, don't buy anything that doesn't look perfectly healthy. GL!

 

[TonyJR]

Great advice, all. Thank you

 

[Sps_Reef]

Po4 and No3 shouldnt always be 0.

Po4 Between .03-.04 is niice to have
No3 Nice to have it around 2-4ppm

 

[dgelz]

Get on your local reef forum and post "new to sps...looking for beginner frags." If you were in SoCal, I'd give you some pieces for free, as I assume most other reefers would too.

 

[Icefire]

Try to let your All lower closer to 8 and shoot for stability
For each 2.8 dkh you dose you'll need to dose 20 ppm Ca and 1 ppm Mg
Mg can be dosed less frequently