Could I theoretically have SPS in my low tech tank?

[CjAmaryllis]

Hey all. I have a pretty low tech tank. Just a heater, powerhead, HOB skimmer, and lighting. I have LPS and softies that have been thriving for awhile.
I want to consider SPS down the road when I've got a more mature tank.
However, I'm not sure I want to set up ATO or auto dosing. I dose and add water manually, day and night.
I am wondering if it's possible to keep SPS in this set up, as I know there will be changes in salinity and Alkalinity more than a gradual auto dose system. I also know SPS need stability. Would my manual dosing be too much instability to keep any SPS?

 

[Cthulukelele]

People do it, but you'd definitely still need to monitor alk consumption and eventually do daily manual dosing once the colonies grew in a bit

 

[Spare time]

It is fine. I have never owned an auto doser and have kept SPS.

 

[Spare time]

I don't really like having dosing automated when my hand is failproof and it takes only 20 seconds. I also worked at two LFS stores that never ran auto dosers.

 

[CjAmaryllis]

People do it, but you'd definitely still need to monitor alk consumption and eventually do daily manual dosing once the colonies grew in a bit

I do that now for my LPS and softies. Weekly testing, adjust alk, Ca, Mg dose to keep it where I want it. The alk dose is broken up into 2 doses a day mixed in the freshwater I add. Ca and Mg in morning.

 

[CjAmaryllis]

I don't really like having dosing automated when my hand is failproof and it takes only 20 seconds. I also worked at two LFS stores that never ran auto dosers.

How often do you dose?

 

[Cthulukelele]

I do that now for my LPS and softies. Weekly testing, adjust alk, Ca, Mg dose to keep it where I want it. The alk dose is broken up into 2 doses a day mixed in the freshwater I add. Ca and Mg in morning.

You're more than good for sps trial then. Just be prepared for significantly more alk consumption as your sps colonies grow

 

[Spare time]

How often do you dose?

For my big tank back at my family home, once a day. My office tank hasn't reached the point of dosing yet.

 

[bakbay]

If you can keep LPS you can keep SPS - can start with proven and hardy SPS corals. For example: my Green Slimer survived through alk swings, Covid, and zombie apocalypse! Go for it!

 

[dansyr]

How often do you dose?

You & sparetime probably have gotten this figured out, but just in case - remember the minimal dosing frequency is essentially a function of reservoir size (i.e. tank volume). Assuming you have larger tanks, you can absolutely get away with infrequent dosing. a 5 gallon pico with active SPS will need much more frequent dosing.

 

[CjAmaryllis]

You & sparetime probably have gotten this figured out, but just in case - remember the minimal dosing frequency is essentially a function of reservoir size (i.e. tank volume). Assuming you have larger tanks, you can absolutely get away with infrequent dosing. a 5 gallon pico with active SPS will need much more frequent dosing.

I have a 40 gallon. I do have a 5 gallon pico but that's just for nearly invasive corals that can handle it.