Successfully keeping LPS and SPS together

[Carter o51]

I've found that it's difficult to successfully keep LPS and SPS together in terms of the lighting balance of my tank-specifically with acros/Millis and various "fleshy" lps. I struggle with providing enough light for my SPS (not including montis and birdsnest, etc) and not cooking my lps. Any one else seem to experience this difficulty? I'm considering getting rid of the high light SPS just because of the difference in lighting needs. Other experiences or advice is appreciated

 

[Connie]

You can have success with a mixed reef. Placement is crucial. SPS go at the top, most LPS go to the bottom and Montis can basically go anywhere. What kind of lights are you running? At what intensity and for how long daily?

 

[joeyhatch11]

I have a mixed reef. Probably have 10-12 sps pieces, mainly frags/small colonies right now but have been growing rather fast. I also have 3 acan colonies, some Kenya, xenia, zoas, shrooms, plate coral and a chalice. As for zoas/polyps, I probably have 15 different types some are rather big colonies 30+ polyps, others 10-15+. I use a simple 4 bulb ATI setup with 3xBlue Plus and one RedSea Pink, which is like a ATI Purple Plus.

Its no entirely difficult but did take some time to get the tank just right. More so with my parameters and keeping everything stable. I also started vodka dosing and I honestly believe that it made a world of difference in my tanks health.

 

[Koaboy]

My tank is mixed with just about everything. Running a Hydra 52's over a newly set up deep 70 gallon (moved my 40 breeder into it). Since I just set the lights over it, I'm in "coral acclimation" mode for now. When I set the tank up, I carefully aquascaped it so I had shadow-producing overhangs & such. Coral placement is everything. The tops of the upper rocks are about 12" from the lights, and there are areas of the tank that get pretty dark in comparison. I'll still have to watch for any bleaching as the light intensity increases over the course of the acclimation. LPS and SPS can live in harmony, if you watch what you're doing.

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

It is somewhat difficult and it's a balance I am trying to find as well. LED's make it more difficult IMO.

I had to entirely shade a monti and acan lord frags. As soon as I did they started doing very well!

 

[Carter o51]

I'm running LEDs as well. They are so bright! Its the reef radiance DM 155e. Lights run 11 am to 7 pm. I have my SPS at the top and LPS at the bottom, but even then finding a balance is difficult