Dying (literally killing corals) to get into SPS

[Reefingmama]

So... I LOVE sps. In the past I have basically killed every sps in my tank. But we are setting up a “new” to us tank. It’s 9 years old and pretty established but we bought it from someone and moved everything so it’s still readjusting. My biggest question is, my lighting... I have 3 original AI hydras (yes you read that right) and 4 T5’s over a 120g 4x2x2. We are going to rent a par meter to dial in the lighting, but are we dreaming that this is enough light for SPS? Also, I have a tester acro (red planet) and it’s survived for 3 weeks now but isn’t very colorful. It also doesn’t have great PE. My last tests were:


Salinity 1.025
Nitrate 10
Phosphate .03
PH 8.4
Alk 8.9
Calcium 480
Magnesium 1310

 

[brmreefer]

That's awesome. Your are on the right track for renting a PAR meter, so once that is done, then the lighting should be sorted.

Something to consider is an ICP test. Use that data to compare to home testing results, so any human errors can be identified (if any) during home testing. ICP can be costly, but doing an initial will help identify so many things and another ICP test may not be needed for a long while. Don't let all the available ICP parameters overwelm. Just focus on the main parameters we test for and start from there.

Take it slow and steady and watch the tank for improvements over time. Hope that helps. ;Happy

 

[Reefingmama]

That's awesome. Your are on the right track for renting a PAR meter, so once that is done, then the lighting should be sorted.

Something to consider is an ICP test. Use that data to compare to home testing results, so any human errors can be identified (if any) during home testing. ICP can be costly, but doing an initial will help identify so many things and another ICP test may not be needed for a long while. Don't let all the available ICP parameters overwelm. Just focus on the main parameters we test for and start from there.

Take it slow and steady and watch the tank for improvements over time. Hope that helps. ;Happy

How do I get one done?

 

[brmreefer]

The ICP tests can be found on Amazon, Bulk Reef Supply, Saltwater Aquarium...etc. Just to name a few, but may be found on other online retailers. Just order a kit and follow the directions carefully to make sure not to compromise results.

 

[Miller535]

To clarify when you say SPS you mean sticks/acro's? Because most SPS aren't any more demanding then LPS. Like stylophora, montipora, pavona, etc

There are even other corals like Seriatopora (birdsnest) then even kind of look like sticks.

 

[Reefingmama]

To clarify when you say SPS you mean sticks/acro's? Because most SPS aren't any more demanding then LPS. Like stylophora, montipora, pavona, etc

There are even other corals like Seriatopora (birdsnest) then even kind of look like sticks.

Very fair question. In the past I didn’t even know the difference. This time around I’ve done a lot more research and I’m starting with montis, stylos, and sertiatoporas. I did add one acro for it to be my tester. We will see how it fairs.