SPS DREAMS

[5.0Stang]

Ok heres the deal i really want to try to keep SPS alive in my 100 gal. Ive tried some in my wifes 38 gal. but that didnt work out too well. I can keep softies in her tank with ease I always blamed it on getting too small of frags... I read now that SPS need very high flow i ws thinkin on 2 moded MJ 1200's. For lighting I think im gonna go with 2-250 10k halides with 3 5' VHO super actinic bulbs. I have a 20 gal fuge also w/ just cheato for now. Any tips? Should i just do softies till i get better equipment? What kinda test do i need? Which should i look for? I just wanna make sure im on the right path. Dont want anymore deaths!

[brewercm]

Sounds like you are definately on the right path with those plans. I had the same tank with very similar lighting (I used 14K hamiltons DEs and two VHO actinics). What are you using for a skimmer and filtration other than the fuge and LR. You can also try different types of a closed loop system to add more flow if you want. with a manifold to add flow throughout the tank in different areas.
Also a good way of adding calcium to keep your calcium levels up and keep your nitrates down. I'm going to try the B-Ionic this time around and see how I like it. Get yourself good test kits for all the standards (PH, Nitrate, Ammonia, Calcium, Alk), Salifert is probably one of the best out there.
I'm sure others will come up with more input here

[hobogato]

you may want to plan on some method for cooling the tank, chiller or fans, SPS can be a bit more sensitive than LPS and other corals IMO

also - the best advice i can give (and you probably wont like it) is 6 months (at least). meaning, set up the tank and let it run with NO sps for 6 months. then, try some hardy corals from another established tank (not wild coral from a LFS). something like digitata, cap or even milli, valida or tenuis. once those show good color, polyp extension and growth, then move on to more sensitive species.

[brewercm]

See, I knew one of the master SPS keepers would chime in. Where's Brian (greenmako).

These two guys have two of the nices SPS tanks I've seen along with the guy in Austin we held the meeting at a couple of months ago (sorry don't remember his screen name). Pick their brains and you should be well on your way.

[hobogato]

See, I knew one of the master SPS keepers would chime in.

im flattered cliff, but i really feel like i know merely enough to be dangerous at this point :blink :huh

[5.0Stang]

I got fans in the hood But the temp still swings a lil from night to day. For filtration right now while I have 2 superskimmers a 220 and a 125 while i make the rest of my rock then im gonna take one off. Im for sure gonna take Aces advice cause look at his tank!
*PLAN B*
I think i can stock this thing wall to wall w/ softies. Will my previous ideas for lighting and flow be a lil too overkill? Maybe MJ900's w/20k 250w halides? Oh yea the tank is 4 months old (had to move). Will i still need the CAL. and ALK. test? Or is it just safer to get them anyway?

[Texreefer]

i would add that if you are not going to automate things like, top off, calcium, alk,.. that you test often and don't get lax on keeping up the routine.. SPS are much more sensitive to flucuations in whater chemistry than others..

[5.0Stang]

Will a Porcupine puffer or burrfish eat softies also? I had one before we moved and really liked him wish i didnt sell him :(

[erikharrison]

I have a striped burrfish, and he eats what I feed him. Never touched anything but frozen food, and he inhales it. A well fed fish will be to full to do anything, but mayyyyyyybe nip every now and then.

[5.0Stang]

HMMMMMMMMM Wanna sell him? :skeezy I think im gonna do softies till i move out of this APT. then HOPEFULLY I get a house and get a bigger tank then i can do SPS. 8 months to go guess im still gonna have SPS DREAMS

[5.0Stang]

Im gonna keep the CSS 220 for skimming. I live in a 2nd story APT so i chose to go with a BB tank but i do have a sand bed in my 20gal high fuge its only about 1" deep. Im moving in 8 months to a house hopefully and then i want a bigger tank W/ a sandbed cause my wife wants wrasses. Do you think if i get some easy frags a month or 2 before the move they will survive the move? Im not gonna move very far. Yes i do have a RO+DI unit.