Upcoming 45g shallow SPS lagoon

ShaneTweedz · Aug 12, 2016

Hi guys! I am planning a 3'x2'x1' 45g shallow sps lagoon and I have a few questions. First off some details on the system, It will have a 20l sump that has a monster of a RO 225 INT skimmer a Midwest aquatics Denitrator, 45 lbs of dry rock( aiming for at least 70lbs when I am done), and BRS GFO and carbon reactor. This is not my first build but I have never kept sps and It would help greatly if you guys could offer your opinions. First off I will be using the Giesmann Reflex HQ+ 150w light, I am assuming this will easily be able to grow sps all around the tank from the top to the sand. First off I am very unsure about dosing, I will be using reef crystals but will these alone be enough to meet the demands of lots of SPS? Second question, will I be taking out too many nutrients with the reactors,skimmer and Denitrator? Finally what return pump would you recommend for this build, there will be about 4 feet of head height.
Thanks,Shane

Mebeknob · Aug 12, 2016

Will all 70lbs of Rock be in the display?

ShaneTweedz · Aug 13, 2016

No, I plan to keep it in a refugium or in the sump, I am going to try to keep the tank minimalist.

ShaneTweedz · Aug 13, 2016

Possibly only 25-35 lbs in the display.

Mebeknob · Aug 13, 2016

I like the minimalist look too. I would say instead of putting the extra rock into the sump, do marinepure blocks. You get more bang for your buck when it comes to surface area and bacteria growth.

As for everything else I don't have experience with any of that exact equipments

ShaneTweedz · Aug 23, 2016

Bump, any input is appreciated.

Zero Nitrates · Aug 23, 2016

You could have just Cheato in the sump and no skimmer, denitrator, rock, gfo, or carbon.
Dosing will help you keep you Alk stable.

ShaneTweedz · Aug 24, 2016

Thanks for the advice! I would love to have a refugium split half for nutrient export and half display. I have already acquired the skimmer,dual reactor and Denitrator from a previous build. I am confused when you mean no rock, like just the rock in the display or no rock at all?
Thanks again!

Waters · Aug 24, 2016

To answer your question, unless you are doing large, frequent water changes, there is no salt that will keep up with the demand of a fully stocked SPS tank. You will most likely need to dose Alk and Calcium.