Growing sps

bjledbetter · Sep 7, 2012

I want to start growing sps corals in my tank. Any advice on some easy sps to start off with and how to care for them? I've tried a purple montipora digitata and it lasted a while and then almost over night bleached and died. This is the second time ive tried it. Ive got MH and a evo 200 led light fixture for lighting so that shouldnt be a problem. My parameters are always in check when I test them or have them tested. And I feed using Microvore. Flow is a nano korale and a powerhead from petco and my return pump from my sump.

bjledbetter · Sep 7, 2012

jaguars4263 · Sep 7, 2012

Birdsnest is a pretty easy coral. Or anything from ORA since its been in captive a long time. Goodluck!!

CUNAReefer · Sep 7, 2012

Hi Bjledbetter,

Hope all is well!

Have you tested your water recently? Do you know what your Alk, Ca, Nitrate, and Phosphate levels are at? What do you use to keep your alk and Ca stable? Would you say that your flow is strong enough to move all of the polyps? This will help us answer your question.

Warmest Regards,
James

bjledbetter said:
I want to start growing sps corals in my tank. Any advice on some easy sps to start off with and how to care for them? I've tried a purple montipora digitata and it lasted a while and then almost over night bleached and died. This is the second time ive tried it. Ive got MH and a evo 200 led light fixture for lighting so that shouldnt be a problem. My parameters are always in check when I test them or have them tested. And I feed using Microvore. Flow is a nano korale and a powerhead from petco and my return pump from my sump.

bjledbetter · Sep 8, 2012

Water is tested weekly at the lfs and also weekly at home on different days. I test with api and the lfs uses the o that starts with a "s" i cant say it let alone spell it and im typing this on my phone so i cant look it up. As for parameters my SG is1.023. Ca was 500. Nitrates and phosphates both 0. Alk ive not tested at home in a little while but when thw lfs done it the other day he said it was fine. He didn't give a number. All other test are ones i just did a few mins ago. No flow does move all polyps and i think im going to have to increase it, but im afraid to with my bubble coral. Thanks for the help its greatly appreciated

bjledbetter · Sep 9, 2012

Brad Syphus · Sep 9, 2012

Water quality, water stability, and water flow are key factors. If these are all good in your tank then you will be good to go. If you only have one powerhead, I suggest adding more flow.
Montipora is an easy sps, start out there.

duke62 · Sep 9, 2012

if you want to start with sps you are going to need some GREAT test kits API is not them. Salifert ,elos and even red sea kits. You need to figure out how much you tank uses alk everyday not just check once a week and dose you alk,cal and mag accordingly daily. Most important is alk swings. Even if your alk swing a small amount in a day it can kill SPS that monti cap you had is a good indicator that it happens to you they are the first to go when alk swings.You need to read some books that specialize in caring for SPS not just reading on forums