SPS dominant reef, cant seem to keep euphyllias?

[Laynrockers]

I have noticed over the years some going SPS or LPS tank specific . I have always like a mixed reef, with a little of everything. What are the main difference from a water chemistry standpoint between LPS and SPS? Is there something particular about a SPS dominant tank that would slowly kill Euphylias? I would say I run a low nutrient system my nitrates and phosphates are always undetectable with my test kits. Keep Calcium and alk in range for sps growth. Weekly water changes of 10%. Total 300g system. Growing chaeto and running sock filtration with skimmer.

I have lost hammers, torches, ect. i just cant seem to keep them happy. interested in other opinions on what about my tank may be enabling them the thrive.

 

[chefjpaul]

I assume lack of nutrients and heavy flow.....they don't like that

 

[Wilsoni]

Do you ever target feed the euphyllias you've tried to keep?

 

[TUSI]

I have a mixed tank. The key is you can't have undetectable phosphate and nitrates for both technically but more so for lps. 0.05 on phosphate with some low nitrates should do the trick for you.

 

[McMullen]

I have a sps dominant system and I also cannot keep euphyllias. I suspect in my case it's a flow issue

 

[Laynrockers]

I assume lack of nutrients and heavy flow.....they don't like that

HAve two MP40's only running half way with a ton of rock work, not sure if flow is the issue. The lack of nutrients i am very suspect of. How can i dose Nutrients? i pulled my Chaeto out today in hopes that will help.

Do you ever target feed the euphyllias you've tried to keep?

Rarely, i do turn of the MP'40's and feed pretty heavy about weekly. But I dont target feed. If target feeding is a must, how often?

I have a mixed tank. The key is you can't have undetectable phosphate and nitrates for both technically but more so for lps. 0.05 on phosphate with some low nitrates should do the trick for you.

Do you do anything to dose nitrates?

I have a sps dominant system and I also cannot keep euphyllias. I suspect in my case it's a flow issue

thanks for the info!

 

[Wilsoni]

Target feeding certainly isn't a must. It's a heavily debated topic in fact. However in my own experience, all of my LPS greatly benefit from target feeding. I usually target feed all of my LPS, LRS Reef Frenzy once or twice per week. My scoly get's a feeding every other night. Probably not needed but it keeps him nice and plump.

Turn off your MP40, feed with a baster and only provide as much as they're willing to eat.

 

[joshkirkland83]

I have noticed over the years some going SPS or LPS tank specific . I have always like a mixed reef, with a little of everything. What are the main difference from a water chemistry standpoint between LPS and SPS? Is there something particular about a SPS dominant tank that would slowly kill Euphylias? I would say I run a low nutrient system my nitrates and phosphates are always undetectable with my test kits. Keep Calcium and alk in range for sps growth. Weekly water changes of 10%. Total 300g system. Growing chaeto and running sock filtration with skimmer.

I have lost hammers, torches, ect. i just cant seem to keep them happy. interested in other opinions on what about my tank may be enabling them the thrive.

Whats your alk?

 

[Wilsoni]

Also are you mainly keeping them placed in the sand bed? I can't quite tell from the photos.

 

[dacianb]

Here is my attempt on mixed reef. I have an Euphyllia between SPS (very strong light + flow) and also on bottom of tank. All are doing fine and grows OK.
I feed fishes and corals every day (not target feeding, but throwing some coral foods in tank). Seems that tangs poo (they are very messy) trigger feeding behaviour on corals; it may help??

this is how coral between SPS looks like - it is a bit shaded, but not white as this picture...