Mixed tank is hard!

[Tuan’s Reef]

My tank was predominantly softies and LPS 2-3 weeks ago. Not because I choose to, but I didn’t have the knowledge or equipment to support SPS. So now I have 5-6 frags of SPS and they are growing.

Thought I might as well get another MP10 on the other side for some nice random flows but it didn’t go as planned. While my SPS is absolutely loving the flow, my softies and hammers is not. Turned it off yesterday and everybody is happy again. So it’s in use for a total of 1 day at the lowest possible setting . Not the wisest investment at $300

 

[TheWB]

Having an extra as a backup is never a bad idea. Or keep it installed and use it every once in a while for some extra short term nutrient export capability.

 

[reef lover]

And now tou have an extra wet side to swap out when the other needs cleaning .

 

[homer1475]

Mixed shelving. Low flow, low light at the bottom, high flow high light at the top with the PH's at the top 1/3 of the tank. Flow and light aren't the problem with a mixed reef, it's the nutrient levels that are tough. LPS and softies like a little "dirtier" water, while SPS prefer a much "cleaner" environment. Balancing between the two is the hard part of a having a mixed reef.