Next Steps

[Ironworm]

Hello All!

I am wanting to take the next step to evaluate my saltwater tank. It has been running for for about 8 months now but it looks... bare. For lights I currently have two 165W Viparspectra's, and when I rented a par meter I was getting PAR readings between 50-200. What are the next steps on getting coral to actually grow and really upping my saltwater game.

Stock List

• ClownFish x 2
• Yellow Tang
• Foxface Rabbitfish
• Royal Gamma
• Cleaner Shrimp
• Lawn Blenny
• Sherman Anemone

Current Readings

• PO4 - 0.00 (via HI 713)
• ALK - 6.9 (Via HI772)
• Calcium - 506 (Via HI 758)
• PH - 8.14 (Hydros PH Probe)
• SG - 1.021 (via MA884)
• NO3 - 5-10 (Salifert Test)
• NO2 - 0 (API Test)

NH3 - 0 (API Test)
Temp: 77.2 (Hydros Temp Probe)

 

[threebuoys]

increase your sG to 1.024-1.026

 

[CanuckReefer]

increase your sG to 1.024-1.026

Yes this...and do it gradually...

OP what look or type of system is your desired reef? Softies, LPS mix, or SPS? You've obviously got space to fill but I'd suggest some LPS that are a bit easier to start with and gradually add. If you can aquire a Duncan with a few heads, that's a nice starter imo. Mushrooms are nice and in a variety of colours, and if they start to spread thats a good sign. They are easily saleable if they start to get out of control, although in my experience they dont spread too rapidly. Softies like Xenia and Kenya Trees I'd stay away from as if they like it they may spread too rapidly for your liking.
A nice leather would add some life and fill some space, can get them in a variety of configurations and generally hardy/ cheaper. An Acan or favia can also bring some colour but slower to grow in my experience... Succeed with these and wanting sps, then away ya go, world is your oyster....
Also I quite like your scape, this has real promise... and how you have gone slow and steady off the start rather than gangbusters. This is success in the making.