How Long before i can put Sps in new tank?

[Vj]

Hello, as the title says id like to know around how long i should wait before i decide to introduce any sps corals into my tank.

I have a 55 Gallon with 2 96w actinics and 1 175w 14k MH.

Its been up for only a week, so obviously i have a ways to go, im just doing my homework ahead of time.

How long would be a "safe" amount of time to wait? Ive had succesful reefs in the past for over 5 years, but without any stony corals so im looking to do mostly stonys in this one.

Also is my lighting suffecient? Dont be affraid to tell me its not im an electrician so adding more lighting is not an issue.

[Vj]

Also, where do you find your montis,acros,etc?

My LFS can get em but they dont look like there in the best shape when i see them in the display tank.

So if you have a reliable website or other ideas about acquiring healthy frags id appreciate it.

[Loverotties]

I'd waite a month after it cycles!

[hng]

For a tank that size, I'd really consider adding a second 175 w halide. In a perfect world, I might even go to two 250 w halides and drop the power of the actinics. I'd wait at least a month or two until the tank completes it's nitrogen and algae cycles. Look for good growth and spread of coralline algae before taking the plunge too. While waiting, you can add a few fish or softies so the tank won't be empty. Close them carefully though, you don't want to add a fish you'll later regret (hard to catch fish).

[Vj]

Ok sounds good. Is it an issue not having the actinic lamps with only the 14k MHs or should I possibly go with 20k?

I'm not nessecarily trying to keep it blue I'd just like to have the best spectrum of light for the corals.

I was also wondering about the ammount of time I should run the lights. What would you guys suggest?

I hope it's ok for me to ask these questions in this part of the forums, I'd just like to get opinions from people who house sps.

Great site and thanks for the advise.

[Hendersonracing]

Run the lights 6-8 hrs this seems best for my tank but every setup is different! I have 14k pheonix on my 75 w/o atinics & everything seems fine!

[crvz]

I agree with hng, once there's little evidence of nitrate or algae in the tank you can start slowly, but take your time. Start with a few of the easier stony corals (birdsnests are good, as are montipora), then go from there. There's no set time to wait, it just depends on the tank parameters and overall health.

[Vj]

Sounds great. Right along the lines I was thinking so I think I'm on the right track.

If anyone has suggestions on where to purchase healthy (preferably tank raised) sps I'd appreciate it. Spent some time looking at the corals on liveaquaria but if anyone has a different site or other retailers I might want to look into that'd be great.

Doesn't absolutely have to be aquaticultured I'd justlike to impact natural reefs as little as possible.

Anyone have opinions about frags from Garf.org?

Sorry for the list of questions

[Fat Tony]

Live Aquaria is probably going to be your best bet for online purchasing of aquacultured stuff, or from other reefers.

Also, if your LFS carries ORA, it is aquacultured here in the good ol USA (except for the clams)

[Vj]

Originally Posted by Fat Tony

Live Aquaria is probably going to be your best bet for online purchasing of aquacultured stuff, or from other reefers.

Also, if your LFS carries ORA, it is aquacultured here in the good ol USA (except for the clams)

Ok thanks Tony.

Btw what is ORA i tried but i cant figure it out.

[bcrum51]

club frag swaps are always good

[fox2589]

ocean reefs and aquariums i do believe..-drew

[Vj]

Originally Posted by fox2589

ocean reefs and aquariums i do believe..-drew

I shoulda known that

[Vj]

Originally Posted by bcrum51

club frag swaps are always good

Hmm ok i was unaware there was such a thing, ill have to look it up and see if theres any in southern california.

[tdwyatt]

Originally Posted by Vj

I'll have to look it up and see if theres any in southern california.

Boy are YOU in for a treat...