SPS Introduction?

[rob020880]

Hello,

I started a new tank a few months ago. It is cycled and so far I have a couple of fish in there. I was wondering when it is safe to begin introducing SPS corals? Do they have to be put in at certain intervals or can I put in a bunch at once?

[bertoni]

They can be put in all at once, although the cost will be high if they're not happy. I'd probably start with some of the hardiers ones, like Montipora. After a 3-4 months, the tank might be ready for some of them.

[rob020880]

What do I look for to ensure the tank is ready?

[Kaos]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11601349#post11601349 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by rob020880
What do I look for to ensure the tank is ready?

Stable water conditions is most important IME. You also need to make sure these key param's are in check:

amm/trites/trates: 0
pH: around 8.2 and stable
mg: 1300-1500 (preferrably toward the high end)
cal: 400-450
kh (also known as alk): 8-10 dkh

Other then this I would recommend a good stable temp (fluctuations of less then 2* daily) in the 78-84*F range and good lighting (MH and T-5's seem to be the best although many VHO lit tanks do very well also). And, as bertoni suggested, start w/ easy SPS until you get a handle on them.

[MiddletonMark]

Great suggestions above.

I found that once I had coralline algae spots on the back glass about the size of a dime, many of my skeleton-building corals [LPS or SPS] seemed to thrive more.

Take it slow. Get a good fast growing Montipora [like a digitata or plating/scrolling type] and give it a month to see how it does.

As mentioned above, keeping Ca/Alk stable and in a good range is important. Test a lot, it's good practice.