SPS, anyone?

Well, since the purchase of my sun coral, I have decided that maybe SPS wouldn't be so boring after all. I know the sun coral isn't SPS, but the polyps aren't out often, and still the striking orange/red color is very appealing. My only interest in corals before were ones that would sway, i.e. Softies, and LPS. I'm beginning to think that with some SPS, my tank could become a lot more vibrant in color. I have 288w of PC over my 46gal. I have been told that not many, if any, SPS would survive under my lighting. Is this completely true? If not, which ones will? What would be a good beginner SPS? Would they fare better if they were placed at the top of my tank? Any other important tidbits I should be aware of if it turns out I can try some? THANKS!

 

If you want to go with sps, try some montipora. They dont need mh. I had a brown one (before it fell on a death coral...ugh lol) it was always bushy with polyps

 

So it's true then? Most SPS need MH?

 

Well...most sps need MH to keep their color. Some might be able to live but...for example. If you get a neon green acropora and put it under your lights, over time it will most likley turn brownish.

 

Montipora is a very good choice but you are likely to have them brown out under PC lighting. The vibrant colours can be attributed to the light they are getting. They will survive under PC but will be brown and the growth will be slow
I had a friend give me a brown Acro with faint purple tips it was under PCs. Now it is green tip pink and purple body and pink polyps.
Oh here it is


Boy that was taken a while ago it's huge now and way better colour

J

 

Hmmm, it's not sounding like I'm equipped for SPS.

So even with placement up high in the tank, montipora would still brown out?

Is that the only good beginner SPS?

Maybe I will just stay away from SPS until I get a bigger tank and finally go with MH.

 

I've read everywhere that SPS minimum is halide. The zoxanthellae require intense light for good coloration and health. The zooxanthellae is responsible for giving the coral it's beautiful color and is a great indicator of color health. Did you know the corals color is suppose to shield off UV from the sun? If you ask me, a coral losing it's color and morphing to something else is not a good sign and can definetly affect the corals health as it is obvious it has lost symbiotic cells.

My advice, stay away from SPS with that lighting. ;D SPS are expensive and will burn a hole in your pocket if you end up losing'em! ;D

 

Ok so after I did some pricing about getting a 125gal going, I just dont have the financial resources for that ($1500 for the tank and stand (USED!), rocks, sand, and MH fixture). So I thought I would just make my 46 the best reef it can be for now. Would this light let me keep anything? I have softies and LPS going good now, but I want some SPS and a clam, maybe 2? If not, can you point me in the direction of one that would suffice? http://cgi.ebay.com/ODYSSEA-36-305W...ryZ46314QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

looks like a pretty cool fixture brandon, 20,000K are the coolest(although it is a lot of blue). a good starter sps would be a pink birdsnest. just make sure you have plenty of flow and moderate to high lighting. good luck

 

I agree with Zissou on the Bird's Nest. Mine thrived near the top of the tank. That reminds me I need another one with this tank. Nice coral J!