Tricks to keeping a mixed reed tank??

Gwitness

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I know what he normal range of parameters are for a reef, but I'm just curious if there is a more specific range of parameters that I should aim for when having a mixed reef compared to Lps only or sps only??
 
I've just started this in my tank so I'm no expert, but so far I've balanced it with a few things. I buy easy SPS that can tolerate a little bit of nitrates. LPS tend to like a little bit of nitrates so I keep them between 5-10ppm. The LPS sit on the sand and the SPS a little higher up.
 
I find mixed reefs to be the most challenging type of reef. Getting everything happy is pretty tough IMO, lots of flow for SPS (especially big colonies), but gentile enough for LPS like bubble coral, lighting that is bright enough and even enough for some but not bleach out others. Not saying it's impossible, but it required lots of trial and error imo. "Oh the shading in this spot is perfect for a low light softie or LPS - oh wait... there is a ton of flow there... I guess that spot needs a lower light SPS, oh wait, there is a big LPS next to it with large sweepers... maybe I can put a clam in the low flow/high light spot and move this guy over here" that type of stuff!

Chemistry-wise I don't think there is a difference. I have found my LPS and some softies do better in ULNS than acros - at least they hold color longer. IME 1-5ppm nitrate makes everything happy.
 
I have a mixed reef running for about 7 months... 0 nitrates 0 phosphates everything growing super fast... Only thing I do is dose CA and ALK. Water change mandatory every Sunday. ‪
 
Just takes some trial and error finding placement for each coral as your system needs to have a variety of flow and lighting options.
 
I dont see how you could have a tank for more than x amount of time and not end up with a mixed reef.lol
I found the biggest challenge with coral warfare. Not the sweeper stuff but stuff you cant seem to see. Say a certain coral down flow from another that now thinks it is being invade and constantly. Keeping everyone in the tank up in arms and only growing in there tight lil spot. Placement is all trial and error but some times you screw the pooch and cant take it back
 

IF YOU HAD TO TAKE A REEFING EXAM, WOULD YOU PASS?

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