How to: SPS

doody · 04-02-2006, 09:29 AM

Being that I'm gonna be switching over to the SPS side soon. I thought it be cool to see a how to thread on keeping SPS. Can you guys tell us the basics?

skeety · 04-03-2006, 07:44 AM

hmmm...this will be kind of tough. Bit of a general question.

But while some argue that Lighting is key, others excellent skimming/nutrient exporting, MEGA-flow...etc

I've found that all those things can differ from stony coral to stony coral.

MY experience has taught me that truly the MOST important thing with the majority of the corals we commonly referred to as SPS's... is Stability.

While having your water parameters at the ideal value is important....having them at a stable/constant value seems even more important.

Granted...all those other things ARE important as well...but each of those can differ depending on the specific species.

So...to kick off a "how to" discussion on SPS's....I would vote for stability equipment first off.

Number 1 item: Some sort of Auto-Top off system. Topping your tank off manually once every couple days is NOT sufficient. Even once a day is not ideal. For SPS's...I feel a constant refresh of evaporate water is a MUST.

Next would come some way to keep your pH at a stable range! pH WILL fluctuate throughout the day, granted. But minimizing this...and keeping that range the same day after day, IMO, yields the best results with SPS's. Things like Kalk reactors or Ca reactors help do this.

Ca (again...IMO) is more recommended for an SPS set up. Mainly cause SPS's can be quite the calcium hog. And Kalk reactors will reach a maximum saturation level. Meaning...it can ONLY supply SO much.

Not to mention, Ca reactors don't just supply calcium...they also supply SOME trace elements.

So I'll end here by reiterating that stabilty is key!

now...let's see what everyone else thinks is important with SPS's?

Twitterbait · 04-03-2006, 04:00 PM

Basics!!! there is nothing basic about it

if your doing an SPS dominant tank then you will want a calcium reactor, You may also need an AC/Chiller too. clean water and bright light are important factors. depending on if your doing sand or BB that will have an impact. please give us a list of what you have and lets see if we can fill in the blanks.

wharyat · 04-03-2006, 08:11 PM

Yes, what type of sytem are you planning on setting up? Mainly DSB, SSB, or BB?

I too have to say stability is key; any major swing, and corals RTN (rapid tissue necrosis = die) out of nowhere. Minor swings significantly affect coloration and growth.

doody · 04-03-2006, 11:17 PM

Well, I got a 6' 125g. I allready got the starboard in it. Yesterday I drilled 4x1" holes in the corners of the back panal for the CL returns and a 2" hole to feed it. I'm planning to buy a Dart to run the CL and an OM4way. I'm planning to cut each end of the tank for external overflows to feed the sump. I allready have the sump return pump (pcx-55) and two penductors. How's my flow sound so far? As for lighting I might go with 6x80w t5ho off Ice cap ballasts.

sb1227 · 04-04-2006, 08:15 AM

You're going to have a blast! It's nice to have the tank set up the way you want it from the start.

I agree with the other posts, stable water parameters are paramount in an SPS tank. The other thing is a mature tank, and I think they go together, to a point. Other than that, most people's opinions will vary. Lighting, methods of Alk/Cal additions, etc you have more options on. Different things work for different people. The important thing is that you let your tank mature for a while, find out the most info on the animals you plan to keep, and add them slowly. This will let you keep the balance while learning how to manage the tank.

doody · 04-04-2006, 08:17 AM

I'll probably do a diy skimmer. I been following a thread over on RC about a skimmer made out of a 5g water jug. It looks prommissing, but the verdicts not in yet. So, we'll see about that. I'm also in the air about how I'll dose CA at this time. I don't plan on useing ozone or a uv light and might go with a phosphate reactor.

tdwyatt · 04-04-2006, 09:03 AM

I like Mike's answer so far, as stability is really the key to whatever setup you decide to use. Many of the issues with everything else (lighting, current, nutrient levels, duration of photoperiod, calcium and alk supplementation, water change schedule and amounts, etc.) all will be biotope-specific and will depend a good bit on how you decide to populate your system, the system's co-inhabitants, your population densities within the system of all occupants, and your coral husbandry methodology.

Where d you want to go today?

doody · 04-04-2006, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tdwyatt

Where d you want to go today?

Is this a trick question?
DISNEYLAND

Little Luey · 04-04-2006, 02:35 PM

Could you give us a link to that skimmer you mentioned?

Thanks

doody · 04-04-2006, 10:40 PM

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...hreadid=769752

If you or anyone starts a diy on this, lmk.

Casey · 04-05-2006, 01:21 PM

I would suggest get the best skimmer as big as you can afford really important on an SPS tank.

doody · 04-06-2006, 10:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Casey

I would suggest get the best skimmer as big as you can afford really important on an SPS tank.

I undertand this, but from what I can see, people have great success with DIY skimmers at a fraction of the cost. Plus, it's just fun and rewarding to DIY. It's just dificult for me to decide on whose design to copy as I don't know a whole lot about skimmers. The one in that link just seemed cost effective and easy compared to some I see. Any DIY's that you suggest?

goodfortune · 04-07-2006, 01:05 AM

Stability Promotes Success

There are many things to learn, and be mindful of...I would start by doing some reading. In addition to here with us

, checkout Eric Borneman's Corals, as well as Wet Web Media (WWM).

When you do get into SPS, be sure to buy only tank-raised frags and colonies. Captive raised SPS are much more tolerant, though still sensitive by coal std) than wild-caught coral.

Good Luck and let us know how it goes; we all love pictures

- Michael

skeety · 04-07-2006, 06:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doody

I undertand this, but from what I can see, people have great success with DIY skimmers at a fraction of the cost. Plus, it's just fun and rewarding to DIY. It's just dificult for me to decide on whose design to copy as I don't know a whole lot about skimmers. The one in that link just seemed cost effective and easy compared to some I see. Any DIY's that you suggest?

DIY CAN be successful. However, I'm a little nervous with the word Milk Jug! hahahaha

might want to look into Geoff's DIY skimmer. It's been done by many users here, and with great success.

check it out:

http://themantledmonster.thereeftank.com/sdiy.html

(and ask Geoff for more details, if you need 'em)