Thinking of finally making the Sps Jump

[jascymcl]

The SPS Jump:
Iam thinking of going sps. This is what I have:
1= 130 gallon tank
2= SWC mini cone,SWC 200,Octo 250 recirc.
3= 3 120 watt Led module or six bulb t-5
4= WM ecoback biopellets or I do have a lot of Vodka, and some Rum for me:xd:.
5= Got a couple different koralias
What else will I need, what do you guys recommend?

 

[xmjxflipx]

how long has your system been running?
Sps do well in a well established tank IMO, do you also dose alk/calcium/mag as well?
the equipment in your tank look great, what kind of koralias do u have? i would recommend at least a K4 or the koralia magnums for ur size tank

 

[jascymcl]

this is for a new set up,k4,and which choise of equipment would you use. How many k4's?

 

[xmjxflipx]

for my 46 i already have 2 k4s in the front and 2 k3s in the back to prevent detritus build up...it may sound alot but with the koralia cover,,it really broadens the flow....and its not to overpowering...

man if u can afford it...get an mp40 or wait for the mp60...but a good cheap alternative are the koralia magnum editions: then can push up to 1600-3000 gph...
Hydor | Koralia Magnum 5, 6, 7, 8

If u have a new setup, i would test out with a small sps frag at first and see how well it does..then prob add small sps frags like digis or something slowly and make sure they grow and do well in the system before u start buying off expensive sps colonies or frags because sps do well in a stable, well established system..ull start to notice when u do lots of sps u will need to dose alot with 2 part solutions to keep up.

 

[xmjxflipx]

I heard good things about the SWC skimmers, my favorite are ATB skimmers , IMO i would go t5...more bulb options and im really waiting to see someones system that has a full on LED system that has great growth and coloration. If sonny (sunnyx) dosed vodka and used LED lights to get his colors on his sps...id prob transition to LEDs, but until that time and until that time im a t5 guy.

 

[Luisra]

What else will I need, what do you guys recommend?

A nice QT tank, magnifying glass 20x + , Interceptor tablets, and Flatworm Exit; all of this just for incoming corals.

 

[soccerbag]

All good points made above. I'm curious to know what your saltwater experience has been up until now. It sounds like you've been in the hobby. What types of corals have you kept with success? Do you have any fish currently that you would want to put in the SPS tank? Curious how you would handle your topoff (get fresh RODI water from local fish shop or make your own)? SPS love a lot of random flow. This can be handled many ways. I would recommend T5's as well. As mentioned above, LED's are so new, I haven't seen any long term LED SPS tanks. T5's are proven and is all I use.

What are your livestock plans?

 

[aquafrags]

the key is to get you params stable before introducing any SPS, start with some hardy montis and get your corals from a reputable seller or fellow reefer, and I would stay away from the wild and maricultured corals when you first start. Frags from a established colony in a aquarium are much hardier and easier to care for and hopefully PEST FREE!!

your lighting and filtration seem fine, I have seen sps grow well with led and T-5 together and that is what i would reccomend.

get some revive and dip all corals before putting them into the tank.

At first when you start with frags flow is not a major issue, it is when the colonies start growing you need to add more flow in the tank.

 

[dakotasreef]

All good points. What are the dimensions of the tank? More than likely you will need some Koralia Magnums 6, 7 or 8's. Depending on the fixture the 6 bulb may not be enough. Something to supply calcium and alkalinity to the tank, reactor or dosing system(not necc, but will provide a more stabil enviroment). 200lbs or so of live rock.

First things first. I would get the tank setup and running. For the long term success I would get the tank up and running then work on the other major equipment. It will be a challenge either way

 

[Luisra]

hopefully PEST FREE!!

get some revive and dip all corals before putting them into the tank.

Revive can deter, but CANNOT completely prevent pest intrusion. I have kill acros do to the strength of my revive dips. IMO, a quarantine tank is a must; I learned this the hard way. Before you get in the SPS game, prepare yourself for this.

Red Bugs (2 weeks ago) I nuked them with Interceptor


AEFW (today )

Get your tank ready for SPS, and please, prevent these pests by having a QT, and the right medications for the dips.

 

[ohridmkd]

+1 on the QT and i would invest in some tunze's 2x6105 should do the job

 

[jascymcl]

thanks for the info