Name 3 Easy SPS Corals for my setup.

Ok, everyone I want you guys/gals to name 3 SPS corals that you've personal have had in your tanks at one point. Once I get my nitrates below 20ppm I will consider getting some..

Note: my current setup

2 T5x54w back of tank
4 PCx65w front/mid of tank.
SPS will be placed towards back of tank and within 10-12" of T5 lamps.

Flow is moderate w/ 2 maxijets 1200s and 1 mag 3 return pump.

I consider my lighting to be moderate.

Most bulbs are UVL brand. T5s are 10k and 12k PCs are 14k and actinic.

I want SPS that can handle water temps 76-81, moderate flow, moderate lighting and nitrates below 20ppm, and slight changes in water quality.

I know im asking lot. I just know you reef/sps experts have got some answers for me. ;D let the games begin!

 

i've never dealt with sps personally but i hear montipora digitata is one of the easiest.

 

+1 to the monti digi. They are extremely tough and grow like weeds. Most other montis also do pretty well under moderate lighting specially encrusting ones.

On the harder end of what your tank could probably handle would be birdnest. I've always had a pretty easy time with my birdnest coral even with my old pc lighting.

 

What are you doing for calcium, alk and mag? Lighting and flow are only 2 points of the trifecta for successfully keeping SPS.

~Will.

 

try to keep calcium at 400-450, alk is always 15-16, mag is always 1250-1400..

I use kalkwasser water (twice a week), kent liquid calcium, kent strontium, kent iodine (dont really use,no test kit) and epsom salt for mag.

 

why kalk only twice a week? are you dripping it in, or just dosing a set amount?

~Will.

 

I just add 1-2 tablespoons to 2 cups of water and slowly pour into tank.

 

It looks as though he has a good start in the right direction. The main thing will be to test often at first to keep from having a large swing. Once the SPS acclimate they take off and really start using up calcium and alk, etc.

 

so far monti and birdsnet. thats it!?!?!

 

yikes . . . where did you read about this dosing method? That could kill SPS in a hurry with such a fast change to PH and alkalinity.

~Will.