keeping SPS??

Jasontkd · 03-01-2006, 09:37 AM

hey all, I have a 150 tall (48x24x30). I have a 100 gallon sump with a 39" tall DIY kalk reactor hooked into my auto top off. I have a dual 400watt 14k MH. My tank has 2 overflows with the returns split in two and driven by a Little Giant pump (~1200GPH). I have an via aqua ph which I am going to add a DIY eductor to, qand a tunze stream 6060.

I want to keep SPS, but I am just wondering what else I need to do to take care of them. I think my set-up is pretty good, just didn't know what else I need to do to make sure they stay healthy and grow.

Geoff · 03-01-2006, 09:42 AM

sounds like you have a good start. do you have a Ca and alk test kits? do you have a refractometer? you will need to start dosing Ca and alk on a regular basis. you could get a Ca reactor, but i suggest getting the hang of supplements first.

you can try the Via Aqua with an eductor, but i do not think that it will be as helpfull as you hope. i am pretty sure you will end up with less flow with the eductor on it than without it. those Via Aqua pumps can not handle much head pressure at all. i would just stick with the Tunze. maybe use the Via Aqua for a spraybar.

G~

Jasontkd · 03-01-2006, 09:57 AM

yes, I have salifert test kits, and a refractometer. My pH is around 8.1 and my CA is ~450ppm. salinity 1.025. Is my Kalk reactor not enough? It is pretty big, and since it is hooked to my auto top off, it doses fairly regular.

Thanks for the tip on the aqua via. I have it in my tank blowing in the opposite direction of my tunze right now, but I was thinking of adding a spray bar, so i will probably just go that route.

Geoff · 03-01-2006, 10:43 AM

the amount of Ca and alk that a kalk reactor can supply is purely based on the amount of water that is replenished during the day. at some point you will not replenish enough water during the day to keep up with the demand of Ca and alk. for me it was when i added my 8" squammie. my Ca and alk requirements shot way up. that clam alone was prolly using more than kalk could produce. this is part of the reason why i was suggesting getting used to the two part suppliments. it allows you to get a feel for where you demands are.

G~

Jasontkd · 03-01-2006, 10:49 AM

what type of two part supplements?

Jasontkd · 03-01-2006, 11:51 AM

110galreef · 03-01-2006, 12:09 PM

Big skimmer.

You have 200 gallons of water considering the sump.

gwen_o_lyn · 03-01-2006, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jasontkd

what type of two part supplements?

something like this:
http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewIt...roduct=KMTCB64

Jasontkd · 03-01-2006, 12:27 PM

My skimmer is rated for 300gallons, but, I was thinking about upgrading that eventually, or adding a second skimmer.

110galreef · 03-01-2006, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jasontkd

My skimmer is rated for 300gallons, but, I was thinking about upgrading that eventually, or adding a second skimmer.

Ratings mean little...what skimmer is it?

Most are way over rated!

gwen_o_lyn · 03-01-2006, 12:32 PM

usually the kind or brand of skimmer is more important than how many gallons per hour. You can have a skimmer that's rated for more than twice the size of your tank that doesn't do a good job.

Tell us what kind of skimmer and or what kind you wanna buy to get opinions. Skimmers are very important and you want a GOOD one.

gwen_o_lyn · 03-01-2006, 12:34 PM

ah- he beat me to it

At least you get consistent advice here!!

Jasontkd · 03-01-2006, 12:36 PM

Kent Nautilus TE

110galreef · 03-01-2006, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gwen_o_lyn

ah- he beat me to it

At least you get consistent advice here!!

110galreef · 03-01-2006, 12:39 PM

If you truly want to keep SPS...i'd sell the one you have and upgrade.

Look at www.myreefcreations.com
or www.asmskimmer.com