Getting First []PS

I'm going to the lfs either Wed. or Thurs. after I get my dosing/testing equipment today. I'm going for a L/SPS (whatever is cheaper, usually Acans/LPS are more than their Montis/SPS) I have had coraline growth for about a week and have ~3W/G. Would I be fine if I get an L/SPS? Thanks.

 

We need a bit more info.

How long has the tank been set up? What is your lighting? Also, what do you have for flow in the tank?

LPS might be more expensive for you, but the odds are you'll be much more likely to keep it alive over SPS, being your first stony coral.

 

Never base a purchase on your tank on the notion of price. This will turn around to bite you in the butt if your dishing out dough when your tank isnt ready for it.

You need to give us ALOT more info to help you. What size tank,what are your EXACT parameters, Lighting, What inhabitants do you have, equipment your running? and what is ~3W/G??? And L/SPS? LPS and SPS? these 2 need diff lighting, sps more, as well as flow.

 

Ok, sorry. It's a 40B, amm., nitrite, and nitrate show 0, not sure of alk/cal etc. I'm waiting on a reef testers kit., SG is at 1.026, have a clown, brittle star, hermit crabs. Lighting is 3x 39W bulbs (2x 10000K and 1x Actinic). I have a 150W heater, 500gph power head (have 850gph soon to be ~1350) and an XP3 canister (cleaned bi-weekly). I am setting my sump/fuge up in a few days with a Precision Marine Bullet 2 skimmer. ~3W/G is about 3 watts per gallon and L/SPS is reffering to either LPS or SPS. I know they are very different, but my lfs rarely get lps in and it's wayyyy to hot here 99% of the time for online orders to go well.

 

I would not buy any SPS until you know what your Ca, Mg and alk are and can keep them steady. Buy a LPS.

Lighting is sufficient for any coral you want. Clams will be fine under it too.

 

I don't think SPS would be a wise choice. You lack flow (even with an additional PH) as well as a bit on lighting.

Stick with LPS or softies for now.

 

Ok, I'll see if I can find one, I just got my alk and ca tests from the mail, I'll post those. What would you all recommend for a first LPS? I heard acans and brains are the easier ones.

 

I would say a brain. Favias would be good.

 

Acans are fairly hardy, but pricey most of the time...I agree Favia/Favites would be good...most of the Euphyllia sp. do quite well...so do the Caulastrea sp.

If you can't find what you want at the LFS don't discount ordering online...sure the risks are minimally higher during periods of extreme heat/cold, but anyone who knows what they are doing shipping corals can pack them so they can easily ship overnight regardless of temps and be fine.

 

Duncans are also a good choice; a bit more on the interesting side to look at as well.