What are the priorities of an sps reef?

[DeepThought]

If you could make a list of what is important to you when it comes to an sps reef, what would it be from high to low priority?

Im asking because my priorities might be different from others and i want to see how much it varies. In terms of lights, flow, stability, quarantine, husbandry, chemistry balancing, water quality, testing,... Etc.

Please do not tell me "its all important" because i really feel like some people do have priorities. Whats yours?

 

[grcforce327]

You've got to be kidding!

 

[trueblackpercula]

Stability

 

[gbru316]

What is more important for your survival? Food, water or shelter?


sorry, but it's all important. :spin2:

 

[DeepThought]

Truly, its all important. However, lets say your buying equipment. What would be your first purchase after reasonable parameters have been met?

 

[gbru316]

Truly, its all important. However, lets say your buying equipment. What would be your first purchase after reasonable parameters have been met?

I wouldn't start the tank if I didn't have appropriate equipment...

and I didn't. I saved and purchased for almost 8 months prior to anything getting wet.

 

[reefer91]

Excellent flow arrangement and flow amount for your specific coral placement and aquascaping.

I think this is often overlooked. I guess you could say placement is the most important for a rewarding experience overall, IMO.

Throwing a light on it, a big skimmer, some form of dosing, etc. are all set and forget tasks in most cases. Placing corals correctly (and aquascaping in the first place), and setting up ideal flow in general and for each specific coral, are the few things that require adjustments and some form of judgement... If that makes any sense haha.

 

[DeepThought]

I said all parameters are reasonably met. Ie doing balling method now and a possible upgrade to a ca rx

 

[juan bueno]

For me #1 ro di unit
Tank
Test kit
Patience
Water circulation
Coral dip
Stable alk cal and mag

 

[Epicreefer]

Well it's all a "package" but I would start with good flow and a good skimmer. Without enough flow detritus will settle and the skimmer won't be able to work to it's best efficiency and nutrients will become a problem. Essentialy stability of waste removal is number one, and having the ability to feed your fish and corals without nutrient issues. Then stability of alkalinity followed by Ca and Mg. In a sence alk is more important that flow and nutrients but is also easier to keep in acceptable range than nutrients. Light is important too but without good water quality any light won't help you. You could run a 180g with 8 80w t5, 3 250 halides or 3 400w halides and get similar color and growth but you need good water too.

On my new tank, still in planning I'm starting with high(70-100x an hour) flow and medium light, with a dosing system for alk and a good skimmer, probably biopellets, gfo and maybe turf scrubber for nutrients

 

[rsaha]

Patience - I'd say patience needs to be the top priority. You haven't even really gotten started (based on your build thread). Let it run for a while. You don't need anything right now. Just enjoy for the moment... Controllable Tunze's are something you might think about down the way but I'd say you are a long way from needing a calcium reactor - you could keep up dosing for quite a while yet. If I understood correctly you have 5 frags in a 75? Water changes and maybe a bit of bio calcium will more than meet your requirements (unless I am totally mixing you up with someone else in which case please accept my apologies).

 

[jpacker1508]

I wouldn't start the tank if I didn't have appropriate equipment...

and I didn't. I saved and purchased for almost 8 months prior to anything getting wet.

Over a year before my system saw the first drop that wasn't part of a water test. Lots of research. Lots of reading, Lots and lots of redos of the setup until I got it just right. You have one opportunity to get your infustructure just right. After it is set up and running any changes become much, much more difficult. Stability and Balance are your most important things you cannot have one without the other, atleast not long term. Everything else is to achieve stability and balance.

 

[DeepThought]

No, your thinking of the right person. Lol. I know i have a while to go before needing anything fancy. I am just getting a poll of what is important to some people more than others.

So far the number one thing i have seen being discussed is stability. I recognize that stability has a lot to do with tank maturity, as well as the quality and functions of your equipment you are using.

So stability can be achieved through....? I would say an ato, great heater(s), great husbandry, accurate test kits, adequate waste removal (flow, WC, uas), patience and time. Am I wrong to assume that is what is meant by stability?

 

[DeepThought]

Well, besides proper balanced chemistry that doesnt drastically change on a daily basis. Ie proper test kits and testing would be ideal to reach stability of water chemistry.