What to do?

[drew2007]

Ok so im ready to take the next step and stock some sps. I ordered a few frags from someone on RC. My parameters have been stable for over a month in my new system. Here is my latest test results...
ammonia - 0
nitrite - 0
nitrate - 0
ca - 450
alk - 8
ph - 8.2
mg - 1350
sg - 1.025
temp - 79

I do not have a QT. How do i go about dipping? What should i get? Whats the best way to acclimate? Any advice is much appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Reef264]

For starter SPS, I would start off with some easier pieces, for example: Birdsnest, or Montipora Capricornis'.Your Parameters look really good, just be sure and keep them good.I do recommend dipping them, CoralRx or CoralRevive is what I would use, personally I use CoralRx.I always drip acclimate mine, I usually set it up where they acclimate for 1 hour, I set the drip at 4-6 drips per 2 seconds.

 

[consumed corals]

I agree with the coral rx. I have not had any issues using this product. I also drip for around an hour then let it set in coral rx for another 15-25 min and then rinse and then you can either qt or add to your display

 

[drew2007]

Thanks for the advice guys. Ill pick up some CoralRX from my LFS. My parameters will hopefully stay this way. Ive become very meticulous with my new setup. I bought 5 pieces. Here is the list...
1 - orange skin/green birdsnest
2 - blue/purple birdsnest
3 - orange monti cap
4 - ORA purple stylophora
5 - green slimer
I did some research on some of these and they appear to be hardy and easier for some first frags. Do you recommend removing from plugs and placing on rock? Acclimate them to my light before removing plugs and giving them a permanent spot?

 

[Reef264]

Sounds like you got some good pieces!For light acclimation I place the frags on a magnetic frag rack that attaches to the side of my tank, they arent real expensive, very handy to have.When I buy my frags I place the rack about 2 inches from the Sandbed, then once or twice a week I will bump the rack up 2 inches and observe to see how they are doing.Once I have them at the height where they look the happiest, I take them off the rack.Then I break the tip off of the bottom of the frag plug, and glue the newly flattened plug to a sizable rock, usually I do 2-3 frags per 5-8" wide rock, to give them room to grow and have space to avoid them stinging each other.

Something else to take into necessary consideration, it food for the SPS corals.Something like Roti Feast, Oyster Feast, or Phyto Feast is what I use.I use all three in combination.Works pretty well.


Hope this helps.

 

[drew2007]

That is a really good idea. Ill have to order some of those. Thanks!

 

[benchland]

a side note- BE CAREFUL if you decide to snap the frags off the plugs! i've never had the heart to try. also i have had awesome results with elos pro skimmer, a drop of lugols (test your iodide) will make your monti cap POP. im dealing with the results of my over feeding of phytofeast (my own ignorance).

coralrx works wonders, i always dip with twice the recommended amount (like 8 caps per gallon).

 

[drew2007]

Thanks for the tips guys. My frags should be here tomm. Im excited. :dance:

 

[murphreef145]

looks like your tank has the right parameters going on.... good luck and post some pics of the frags

 

[drew2007]

looks like your tank has the right parameters going on.... good luck and post some pics of the frags

Thanks! And i will definitely post pics. After i dip do i rinse with fresh ro water or saltwater? Doesnt make sense to rinse it back in the water i acclimated it in. It will have the other persons water in it as well.