Am i ready for SPS?

thank you. im glad im finally getting into corals, its taken forever. most people would have a bunch of frags by now, but i only have two. so its time to see things speed up here, especially since the tank is coming on 6 months old

 

so what chemicals do you think i will need to buy to keep my levels right, i'll probably go to my close lfs next weekend to see if they have any.

 

API does not make a Mg test.

Red Sea's is rather difficult and annoying to use

I recommend Salifert. It's super easy to do, read results, and seems more accurate than the Red Sea PITA test kit I had.

 

You will need a magnesium test kit (I use red sea, pain in the butt), magnesium supplement (I use brightwells magnesion), alk, and calcium. You can start with DT's or the like but I use Bulk Reef Supply for those as it's many times cheaper.

 

I'm sure you've heard of the bulkreefsupply 2-part dosing kits?

That's what I use to keep my Alk/Ca/Mg steady.


Keeping these steady is important for SPS. My setup is automated but doesn't have to be.

I dose daily...

 

after my last red sea test kit, i refuse to use anything red sea, i know my lfs carriers the salifert, so ill look for the mag test

ok ill check out brs

i actually havent heard of the brs2 part dosing kit. I dont think ill be able to have it automated because no sump, so i'll have to do everything manually

 

You know i don't have a sump either right?

check out my pics at this post:

http://www.3reef.com/forums/filters-pumps-etc/dosing-pump-question-66742-2.html#post646717

 

Your lighting will be fine for SPS.

I would start with one or two SPS frags (try a montipora - they are probably the most forgiving of the species). But I would get a calcium supplement (doesn't really matter which), and do clarify the alkalinity issue (I'd get some alkalinity supplement too). For magnesium, I personally use a salifert kit (and like it, even though it is pricey). You can get the BRS 2-part system, or you could just buy a bottle of calcium and alkalinity supplement from your LFS. With only a few SPS, it will be MORE than adequate.

Post lots of pics.

-Jeremy

 

Automatic is way easier, but I don't have it either. I just do it manually. +2 on BRS two part, that's what i use. His starter kit comes with everything you'll need. Great price too.

 

totally forgot you didnt have a sump. i'm doing water changes to my two tanks right now, so when i'm done ill check it out.

i dont have the spare money on my credit card right now as its pretty much full, but once i get it done, i'll check out BRS