Help Me Select My Next SPS!

IronChefItaly · #1 03-31-2017, 07:04 AM

I seem to be on a streak lately and I was thinking of testing my luck with a tougher SPS coral. I am currently considering the following...

ORA Hawkins Echinata
Forest Fire Digitata
Green Slimer
ORA Red Planet

I run a mixed reef with a heavy emphasis on LPS corals so choosing an SPS that doesn't rely on a SPS dominate or ultra low nutrient system is key. The location receives medium flow and about 300 par next to a 7" colony of seriatopora. A taller or less full (as to not create a shadow) profile is also preferable. Any thoughts, experience or advice is welcome. As always, thanks for reading!

Parameters...
Salinity - 1.025 SG
Temp - 86 F
pH - 8.05
Alk - 8.5 dkh
Ca - 420 ppm
Mg - 1350 ppm
PO4 - 0.04 ppm
NO3 - 1.5 ppm

tang daddy · #2 03-31-2017, 09:48 AM

Nice looking tank, I think you could add many sps that will hold colour in your tank. The top of my tank is reserved for sps and clams bottom is softies and Lps. I am huge on Lps and softies aswel and have a huge collection of all 3. The often info given about sps and no nutrient or low nutrient scares people off but I have had my phosphates really high and also low. I now gauge my tank on how my Lps look. The colours of sps can be tweaked later but if you stick with nice coloured pieces from the start like hot pink Millepora, neon green stags or slimers and other simple pieces you won't have a problem with them colouring down. Lookingnat your pic below something red or pink would add some pop to that corner. If it was me I'd look for a red Diablo, red planet, or hot pink Millie good luck!

adam84 · #3 03-31-2017, 05:15 PM

Green slimer would give you more of the growth pattern you are looking for, red planet tends to table as the colony gets larger

WarDog · #4 03-31-2017, 06:12 PM

Forest Fire is a weed.

Scythanith · #5 04-01-2017, 06:05 AM

Hawkins echinata or the Red Planet.

IronChefItaly · #6 04-14-2017, 10:04 PM

I appreciate the input everyone. After consideration I ended up going with the forest fire digitata, green slimer and hawkins echinata. Shipment came in yesterday and they all seem to be doing well so far - fingers crossed! I'll update if any of them die or do exceedingly well.