Would I be Ready for SPS Corals?

Ryde · Jan 20, 2022

I've had my tank for 2 years. I keep everything fairly stable, with nitrate and phosphate creeping up over time. I usually keep it down with water changes. My second coral was a Red/Pink Montipora, somehow, I still have it alive and well. It had a minor setback after a cyno outbreak but is doing much better. Everything is kept under Radion xr15 G5 pros.

So, would I be ready for acropoas, tenuis, stags, millis?
If so, what are some things to improve survivability?

happyhourhero · Jan 20, 2022

Ryde said:
I've had my tank for 2 years. I keep everything fairly stable, with nitrate and phosphate creeping up over time. I usually keep it down with water changes. My second coral was a Red/Pink Montipora, somehow, I still have it alive and well. It had a minor setback after a cyno outbreak but is doing much better. Everything is kept under Radion xr15 G5 pros.

So, would I be ready for acropoas, tenuis, stags, millis?
If so, what are some things to improve survivability?

Yes. If you have done the research and know the baseline requirements for acros, I’d say pull the trigger on some cheaper, hardier types. Your real learning and experience comes from growing them yourself.

shakacuz · Jan 20, 2022

if you have kept things stable, if you’re growing coralline algae i believe you are ready for SPS

phillybean · Jan 20, 2022

Consistent parameters are the most important thing IME. Start with something easier, like a Green Slimer or Birdsnest and move on from there. Go slowly, don't add 20 frags all at once.

Ryde · Jan 20, 2022

shakacuz said:
if you have kept things stable, if you’re growing coralline algae i believe you are ready for SPS

I currently don't have coralline growing (as far as I can tell?) I did buy some in a bottle which gave it a jump start and was growing. After the cyno outbreak, I haven't seen too much, and it has slowed down.

shakacuz · Jan 20, 2022

Ryde said:
I currently don't have coralline growing (as far as I can tell?) I did buy some in a bottle which gave it a jump start and was growing. After the cyno outbreak, I haven't seen too much, and it has slowed down.

keep things stable. start off maybe with a green slimer or any of the ORA acros should be a good starting point

phillybean · Jan 20, 2022

Ryde said:
I currently don't have coralline growing (as far as I can tell?) I did buy some in a bottle which gave it a jump start and was growing. After the cyno outbreak, I haven't seen too much, and it has slowed down.

I don't get much Coraline growing in my tank, but have no problems with SPS. It's a good guideline that Coraline grows in similar conditions as SPS, but not a hard rule.