New to SPS and possible growth

T

Tinyfish

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I have had SPS in the past but they have never really grown. I still have a frag from 2 years ago that is the same size today as when I got it at the frag swap.

Now I have 2 x 175w 14,000k Ushio bulbs, parabolic reflectors, with 2 VHO actinics over a 58g tank.

I would like to try some SPS but there are so many types that I am overwhelmed. What would be the best approach for me study about, obtain, and hopefully grow these types of corals? I do not know if I will make the frag swap or not due to its late time. What about a frag pack from Live Aquaria?
 
Best bet is to buy from people here. That way you can see the conditions they are being grown in. Also you can talk to the person that is growing them out and they can give you a really good Idea on Placement, Light and Flow. If you want some Birdsnest (Green, Tubbs, or Pink) i can clip you some frags and you can take them home and Mount them and see how they do. I found that BN is a really easy starter SPS and grows fast. Also live 3-4 miles from you.
 
Start with digitada, monti caps and birdsnests before goin to more advanced sps.

You have good lighting so the next problems are flow and stable parameters.

Phosphates need to be 0 as phosphates inhibit calcification

ca and alk need to be stable and in range

Flow is is prob the most important in my opinion as this is how sps respirate and get food



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OK, I am starting with birdsnest. How long before I should notice growth?

I also have a tiny piece of chili digitata (I believe), a yellow porites, and two frags of something purple that branches.

When you mention stable water does that mean no variation at all? Or just within the acceptable parameters?
 
keep things from taking radical jumps is what is important. you dont want temp going from 77 to 81 each day, ph dropping really low at night, salinity all over the place, or calcium going from 450 down to 350 before you change water or add chemicals, those sort of things.
 
I would think that by this time I would have noticed something in the way of growth. I did notice that the one birdsnest turned a nice rosy pink color. The other frag I can't tell if its still alive. There is still color on some of it but I couldn't tell you what color it was. My parameters have been very steady since there are only frags in this tank. I had hoped to be able to shop for some things at the coral farmer's market.
 
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