Suggestions on husbandry for SPS

[howdy20012002]

Just wondering what books people would recommend for the most indepth information about chemicals, additives, husbandry etc for SPS.
I am looking at trying SPS again and will admit I am totally clueless when it comes to SPS.
as well, where are the best locations to get the necessary chemicals that I will need.
if anyone has any suggestions as to what they do for their SPS it would be greatly appreciated as well.

there are some awesome SPS tanks out their and all I can seem to do with mine is turn it into a nice bright white piece of calcium.

thanks for the info
Neal

[IceTurf]

welcome to the club, I think my SPS turned to a nice white block-o-calcium a week or two ago.

[michika]

Borneman's Corals book is a good starter. It gives you an overview of corals in the wild, as well as a little more specific information on particular species.

I here good things about this one, but I haven't read it yet, Book of Coral Propagation: Reef Gardening for Aquarists by Anthony Calfo.

There are also some good articles out there if you are interested in those.

[howdy20012002]

i hope it is a good book.....lol....
Book of Coral Propagation: Reef Gardening for Aquarists by Anthony Calfo is 199.00 on amazon.com
thanks for the info though...
keep it up.
I am sure I am not the only one that is turning SPS into expensive trinkets.

[mr_alberta]

The most important things about keeping SPS are water stability, water flow and light. If you are lacking in any one of these areas, you'll have a tough time with keeping SPS colorful and happy. The latter two are the easy ones.

Keeping Salinity, Phosphates, nitrate, nitrites and ammonia in check are the first step. Then keeping up Calcium, Magnesium and Alkalinity demand is the next. Don't forget about Temperture and pH as well...

[howdy20012002]

what are you suggestions for them?
salinity?
alkalinit?
magnesium?
calcium?
temperature?
ph? do u actually try to control Ph after the tank is stable?

this is all based on a SPS dominant tank.
thanks again
Neal

I am looking at setting up a very large tank with a very lite bio load of fish in it..so I am not all that concerned about the nitrates, nitrites, ammonia etc.
for coral propogation, would you suggest having no fish in the tank for best case scenario for corals?

[michika]

Originally Posted by howdy20012002

what are you suggestions for them?
salinity?
alkalinit?
magnesium?
calcium?
temperature?
ph? do u actually try to control Ph after the tank is stable?

this is all based on a SPS dominant tank.
thanks again
Neal

I am looking at setting up a very large tank with a very lite bio load of fish in it..so I am not all that concerned about the nitrates, nitrites, ammonia etc.
for coral propogation, would you suggest having no fish in the tank for best case scenario for corals?

Here is what I find works for me, lots of other people find other parameters work for them. What I did to select my goal parameters was to read up on tanks that I liked, and to see what they were aiming for.

SG 1.025-1.026
Alkalinity 8-9dKH
magnesium (4x that of Calcium) so I aim for 1600, but I find everything thrives at around 1300-1400 in my system
calcium 420ppm
temperature 78-83
pH 8.0-8.4 I don't try to control for it.

Some people find a high fish bioload feeds their corals. I personally don't subscribe to low-bioload SPS tanks, but its personal choice. I don't do it because I like the look of the fish, and I find that the high bioload (to a point) gives me good colors in my SPS.

[howdy20012002]

to be honest, I have never tested my alkalinity in any of my tanks..is it something that actually has to be controlled after the tank is settled?
thanks again for the great responses.
Neal

[saltynuts]

i have anthony calfo,s book of coral proagation.
i could bring it to you.
and i have a book called reef secrets too

[howdy20012002]

from the looks of the reviews, the book is definitely a good buy.
if you are around my part of town and remember it Ed, it would be great to peruse it.
thanks
Neal