Suggestions on husbandry for SPS

mr_alberta · #2 10-18-2007, 08:50 PM

Kalk seems to raise Alkalinity and maintains it quite well but not so much for Calcium levels. Calcium reactors raise Calcium levels and maintains them well but do not maintain Alkalinity as well as Kalk. Run both and its the best of both worlds!

mark · #3 10-18-2007, 09:12 PM

Also recommend the books by Calfo and Borneman (and actually had them both out this morning looking into Elegance).

Had my reactor for a while now and biggest thing I can say on it is it will maintain the levels but not really raise them very well. When I first set it up tried driving my Ca up with it but just ended up raising my Alk at a higher rate, though could be was low on Mg. My pH is on the lower side (8.1) but don't think I'll be trying the kalk to compensate.

Good cost on Ca and Mg supplements from littlesilvermax.

howdy20012002 · #4 10-18-2007, 11:10 PM

so besides the chemicals and such...
what are people's opinions on bio loads?
would it be better to have no fish in a tank with SPS??
thanks again
Neal

Der_Iron_Chef · #5 10-18-2007, 11:30 PM

I think it's beneficial to have SOME sort of bioload. It's my understanding that corals use fish waste as a food source. It's when the waste is left to accumulate, producing nitrates, etc., that it becomes a problem.

Delphinus · #6 10-18-2007, 11:50 PM

I agree with Drew. It's more about managing and balancing the nutrient intake/output rates. Sure, a smaller bioload means you have less to take out, but I wouldn't say it makes things any easier or harder either way. It just depends on the situation and equipment available and maintenance routines. Some of the nicest SPS tanks out there have a LOT of fish.

howdy20012002 · #7 10-18-2007, 11:56 PM

so the main issue from the fish is Nitrates and phosphates correct?
so waterchanges and Phosban?
thanks
Neal

mr_alberta · #8 10-18-2007, 11:56 PM

Tony! You lied! You said you'd stop a few posts up! FOR SHAME

As for bioload, as long as you can manage waste removal efficiently, there isn't anything to worry about.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Delphinus

I agree with Drew. It's more about managing and balancing the nutrient intake/output rates. Sure, a smaller bioload means you have less to take out, but I wouldn't say it makes things any easier or harder either way. It just depends on the situation and equipment available and maintenance routines. Some of the nicest SPS tanks out there have a LOT of fish.