Lesson on sps?
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Stable parameter alk/calcium/mag and nitrates and phosphates as low as possible. Most important IME. Then comes ample light and flow
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Stable alk/cal/mag...nitrates and phosphates low
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Poorly worded...my bad
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Depends on how fast your corals are depleting the elements/how often you're doing water changes. Weekly water changes should take care of it, but frequent testing us the only way to know what's actually going on.
I am not claiming to be an expert on SPS, but here are my thoughts:
* Stability is key: This includes stable temps, as well as Alk/ Calc/ Ph/ Salinity. One of the best ways to stabilize temps is to use a controller. Salinity can be controlled with an ATO and Alk/ Calc can be controlled with a calcium reactor.
* Flow is important: If you really want SPS to do well, they need to be in a high flow environment. I love the Vortech as it has multiple modes and can produce tremendous flow, but there are several good options out there.
* Nitrate/ Phosphate Control: SPS are very sensitive to the quality of the water. A good skimmer will help here, and a GFO reactor is an inexpensive but effective way to control phosphates. Using a good water sources/ RODI unit will help with this.
* Light: My only experience is with metal halides, and I know this is an effective light source for SPS. MANY members here have success with LEDs as well as T-5's, so you have a lot of options when it comes to lights. In general, SPS should be acclimated to lights and slowly moved to the top of the tank.
* Stability is key: This includes stable temps, as well as Alk/ Calc/ Ph/ Salinity. One of the best ways to stabilize temps is to use a controller. Salinity can be controlled with an ATO and Alk/ Calc can be controlled with a calcium reactor.
* Flow is important: If you really want SPS to do well, they need to be in a high flow environment. I love the Vortech as it has multiple modes and can produce tremendous flow, but there are several good options out there.
* Nitrate/ Phosphate Control: SPS are very sensitive to the quality of the water. A good skimmer will help here, and a GFO reactor is an inexpensive but effective way to control phosphates. Using a good water sources/ RODI unit will help with this.
* Light: My only experience is with metal halides, and I know this is an effective light source for SPS. MANY members here have success with LEDs as well as T-5's, so you have a lot of options when it comes to lights. In general, SPS should be acclimated to lights and slowly moved to the top of the tank.
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+1...what i use and it works great. Super easy to change out media.
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break it down for him Randy...lol
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Granular ferric oxide=gfo=phosphate magnet
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Here's my take... it just takes patience and a sense to know when to micro manage and when to keep your hands off.
They do require stable conditions, low nutrient levels, and most do dose Ca in some way or another.
SPS tend to be a little more light hungry than other corals IME also.
It helps me to think of the whole ordeal like this... I keep water.. the corals just live in it.
If you have any specific questions feel free to message me.....
They do require stable conditions, low nutrient levels, and most do dose Ca in some way or another.
SPS tend to be a little more light hungry than other corals IME also.
It helps me to think of the whole ordeal like this... I keep water.. the corals just live in it.
If you have any specific questions feel free to message me.....
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It's not a stupid question. No serious question is stupid however with that said your questions would honestly take a 3 page post to summarize. All those questions contain ALOT of answers. You would be very well served with doing a lot of reading so that you can better understand how to ask a more specific question. Use a google search for those questions and do your research. Hope that helps
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