SPS vs Mixed reef - GROWTH?

[evoIX_Reefer]

I wanted to switch over to a SPS dominant tank but with zoas/palys. I had a mixed reef in my prior 45 cube and experienced slow growth. I read a few threads/post in the past, I believe on RC, where mixed reef can cause slow growth.

Anyone ever make a complete switch from mixed reef to all SPS and see a huge growth spur?

My GARF Bonsai, Green and purple digi, pink birdsnest, and even new acquisitions are showing great growth since my change to SPS/zoas&palys.

I think a major change though is the amount of feeding since I have more fish, added a trio of bartlett's anthias, almost feed daily due to their needs.

 

[MIKE NY]

The only think I would suggest if your not running carbon is to do so...many softies, leathers etc.. release toxins which will inhibit the growth of SPS...I run carbon 24/7 and change it out every 30 days at the rate of one cup per 100 gallons...also heavy feedings do help as long as the excess nutriants are removed to keep the phos and trates down..

 

[evoIX_Reefer]

Yeah. I think I will have to move to carbon dosing - vodka if I decide to keep long term daily feeding.

 

[evoIX_Reefer]

No one?

 

[albano]

I think a major change though is the amount of feeding since I have more fish, added a trio of bartlett's anthias, almost feed daily due to their needs.

Anthias should have multiple feedings daily!

 

[evoIX_Reefer]

albano, I feed about 2-3 times a day. I just feed in smaller portions.

No one has an answer/experience?

 

[charliethetuna88]

I gift fixed reef and I'm getting pretty good growth I also run carbon like mike .if u have 2 many leathers there toxins def can effect ur sps.also make sure alk is steady that made a huge diffrence for me .once I gkt a cal reactor no more swinging alk

 

[evoIX_Reefer]

ahh...I dose 1/2 recommended A&B but at mid-week with weekly water changes. I don't test. It's been working for about 6 months now. I have not had a single death in coral or fish since I started up my 45 then transfer to the 80. So can't knock what currently works.

I am also going to start testing only because I am going to start dosing vodka.

 

[NewfiDog]

SPS use alot of ALK to grow, you should start testing. ALK, CALC, AND MAG. play a big roll in the growth of SPS. I have found the new Red Sea kit to be easy. Buy the 3 pack and if you use there additive it tells you how much to add. Once you figure out about how much you use in a week you wont need to test so much. Im using so much ALK that im thinking of getting a dosing pump or mabey even a Calcium reactor.

Just a ? i thought the vodka dosing was to help with nitrates?

 

[evoIX_Reefer]

to help with NO3 and PO4. I am starting to get algae on my glass which wasn't a problem prior to getting anthias and having to feed several times a day. I am probably over feeding and that is a sign of my NO3/PO4 on the rise.

I am getting rid of them but I also wanted to do it for ULNS. I am going to start adding more and more SPS so I think it is the best way to keep it down with many success stories.


I just noticed your from bergen county as well. Where in the area are you from?

 

[charliethetuna88]

Get the reactor bro best thing I ever got my alk and cal is very steady and no more dosing daily I havnt doses 2 parts since I got it 8 months ago my coral are growingmuch faster

 

[NewfiDog]

Westwood

Thanks charlie, yeah this dosing is getting on my nerves.

 

[evoIX_Reefer]

calc reactors are just freaking expensive though! Plus, I have to look into how they work ;x

 

[charliethetuna88]

I'll explain it to u when u get one just get one that has 2 chambers they are scary at first but once u understand how it works its a peice of cake .plus when u use a reactor ur adding to ur tank exactly what ur coral needs as the rock breaks down in the reactor its adding alk and cal at a balanced level ,it adds stront, mag ,idione, to me adding 2 parts is not natural for corals

 

[Awibrandy]

evo, when MikeNY said run some carbon, I am pretty sure he meant regular carbon such as ignite carbon to clean the water from the toxins released by the corals in to the water.

 

[evoIX_Reefer]

I found the price of aquamaxx cr1 mano has good reviews and price is great so ill.be getting that.

 

[charliethetuna88]

Check out mtc also I have the mni cal on my tank