Lps basics?

coralosity351 · Jun 30, 2016

So I am looking to grow out from softies to beginning lps my lfs has torch coral and a large green tounge coral that is beautiful. I would like to know what do I need to have in order on my tank before attempting these coral

bruleyii · Jun 30, 2016

How big is the tank? Starting off if the tank is small enough you may be able to get by without dosing and just rely on water changes. Keep in mind that moving to LPS you are starting to move to corals that can sting. So mind your placement.

Tab28 · Jun 30, 2016

As mentioned above what your system is now will let others know what is needed. Softies can tolerate things that stoney corals will not. Light, tank size, type of filtering system. As well as current water perimeters.

Torches can sting other corals 10-12" away from themselves. Tongue corals grow fast and can inflate to allow them to move inches to feet along the sand bed. They are more aggressive than their plate coral cousin.

Tahoe61 · Jun 30, 2016

Consistent Ca/Alk values.

coralosity351 · Jun 30, 2016

80 Gallon tank

coralosity351 · Jun 30, 2016

And it's a trumpet coral not torch my bad not sure I I mixed that up was talking to my lfs about a couple different coral that day

twilliard · Jun 30, 2016

Also keep in mind they love to eat

bruleyii · Jun 30, 2016

When I had a trumpet I got away with water changes but I didnt have much in my tank and it was a 37g. Start slow. Get 1 or 2 and watch your parameters. Like twillard said "They love to eat". It will grow quicker and be happier if you feed them. That's not necessary but it helps.

coralosity351 · Jun 30, 2016

I have 2 zoa frags 2 mushrooms 2 clowns a fire shrimp and snails that's about it

Mandrew · Jun 30, 2016

I would say the most important things are lighting, they need more intense lighting than softies. As well as maintaining Calcium and Alkalinity levels so they can grow since they have a Stoney base. I have a few LPS in my 20g long set up and I'm kind of new to them myself. Up until a few days ago I was running my tank without a skimmer and they still did okay. And I just recently started feeding mine once to twice a week hopefully it helps.

coralosity351 · Jun 30, 2016

With you not running a skimmer how often did you do water changes?

Mandrew · Jun 30, 2016

When I was being responsible I was doing 4g a week on a 20g tank. But I took a month or two off from doing them. Oops... Lol

that Reef Guy · Jul 1, 2016

Feeding them is Huge.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/s...nthids-happy-healthy-and-growing-fast.250791/

I have lots of Helpful Tips in that Thread.

Even though I Posted it in the Zoanthid Forum all of those Tips will Apply to LPS too.

Mandrew · Jul 6, 2016

Speaking of LPS, does this Acan look healthy? It's been in my tank for a week or two now and it's the first one I've ever had.

ImageUploadedByREEF2REEF1467817513.915029.jpg

CodyRVA · Jul 6, 2016

Agree with all, with the exception of feeding. It's not required or necessary, but they do respond well to target feeding in regards to growth. I ran into the trouble of my LPS out growing my tank, thus I halted spot feeding. Saw no difference in the coral with the exception of slowed growth. Obviously, you'll want to make sure you target feed "well," as to not over feed your system.

Tab28 · Jul 6, 2016

Feeding of LPS is not required unless you want slow growth or you have a decent nutrient system.

Low nutrient system and no feedings will slowly cause coral to decline. If you have fish, minimal water changes and minimum skimmer/filter system. You more than likely will have decent nutrients in the water. Additional feedings are not required. Coral health and growth will be a balance between water nutrients enough to thrive or too much or little to decline in heath.