New to SPS

Scouter Steve · 12-27-2007, 11:27 AM

Hello. I want pretty fuzzy sticks like I see in your tanks. So I have a few SPS in my 120 that I am trying not to kill. Here are my questions. Does more flow mean more polyp extension? If they "brown out" I want to increase the light? My water quality is good, 0 trates by dip strip, Alk 9.6, CA 430, Ph 7.9?, Mg ~1200. Lighting is 2 250 MH 2 65w PC actinic.

mps9506 · 12-27-2007, 12:31 PM

Polyp extension can mean different things. It might relate to flow, respiration etc... Hard to narrow down exactly.
I would suggest investing in some quality liquid test kits for your alk, Ca, pH (or meter), etc. As far as your levels, I personally try to aim for natural salt water levels as opposed to higher than natural salt water levels.
Here are some ranges for your levels you should aim for:
Reef Aquarium Water Parameters by Randy Holmes-Farley - Reefkeeping.com

Browning out can be attributed to different factors as well. Higher nutrient levels in the water, low lighting, lighting in the improper spectrum are going to be the main causes I think in brown sticks.

Scouter Steve · 12-27-2007, 12:55 PM

I use sailifert for the alk, Ca and Mg. Trates is the only thing I use dip strip for. My Ph meter I don't trust. Have a liquid test on the way to confirm it. I have a large fuge and run 2 TLF phosban reactors changing one every 6 weeks.

12-27-2007, 11:27 AM	#1 (permalink)
Scouter Steve Neon dottyback Join Date: May 2006 Location: Somers Wisconsin (Kenosha County) Posts: 683 View Gallery Karma Komment	New to SPS Hello. I want pretty fuzzy sticks like I see in your tanks. So I have a few SPS in my 120 that I am trying not to kill. Here are my questions. Does more flow mean more polyp extension? If they "brown out" I want to increase the light? My water quality is good, 0 trates by dip strip, Alk 9.6, CA 430, Ph 7.9?, Mg ~1200. Lighting is 2 250 MH 2 65w PC actinic.

12-27-2007, 12:31 PM	#2 (permalink)
mps9506 They misunderestimated me Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Wilmington, NC Posts: 7,143 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: New to SPS Polyp extension can mean different things. It might relate to flow, respiration etc... Hard to narrow down exactly. I would suggest investing in some quality liquid test kits for your alk, Ca, pH (or meter), etc. As far as your levels, I personally try to aim for natural salt water levels as opposed to higher than natural salt water levels. Here are some ranges for your levels you should aim for: Reef Aquarium Water Parameters by Randy Holmes-Farley - Reefkeeping.com Browning out can be attributed to different factors as well. Higher nutrient levels in the water, low lighting, lighting in the improper spectrum are going to be the main causes I think in brown sticks. __________________ Mike "The Bandwith Bandit" Help Build Reefpedia Premium Membership Available! Support Reef Sanctuary Sponsors

12-27-2007, 12:55 PM	#3 (permalink)
Scouter Steve Neon dottyback Join Date: May 2006 Location: Somers Wisconsin (Kenosha County) Posts: 683 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: New to SPS I use sailifert for the alk, Ca and Mg. Trates is the only thing I use dip strip for. My Ph meter I don't trust. Have a liquid test on the way to confirm it. I have a large fuge and run 2 TLF phosban reactors changing one every 6 weeks.

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