55g softie to SPS switch over.

[nano10]

I currently have a 55g tank with a few softies, zoa's and polyps. I'd like to get away from the Softies and go more toward SPS corals.

my current stats
weekly 5g water change

55g
10g rubber maid sump
80lbs LR
Return Pump gets me about 500gph
40lbs LS
24" Aqualight Pro 150W HQI Metal Halide/Compact Fluorescent w/ LED Moonlight, hung over the center of the tank with brace removed.

misc parameters are straight.

ALK 9
CA 380
MAG 1100

I really would like to avoid the added expense of a Calcium Reactor to control my Calcium. What should i use as an additive? What else should i worry about before added a SPS coral. What are good beginner corals, fast growers?

[plyle02]

near perfect parameters, I would reccomend a good to advanced skimmer that is overated. I would also get as much flow as you can as sps really like heavy water movement......jmo...good luck

[nano10]

Thanks, I just decided that i will be adding another fixture to my lights i have another 24" that i haven't been using so i'll hang that tonight. Things are alittle slow at work so i made a 3d image.

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm129/flyersdjh2001/untitled4124124.jpg

[mile sq. reefer]

Thats funny I am converting my SPS to a softy tank. Good Luck. You cant find a better source of info and experience than this forum, IMO. I would get the flow going. I used two K4's. No need for a reactor. I used Kalk to top off ( 1g to 1tsp) and Bionic two part to make adjustments. Easier corals are Monti's and some stags. Stay away from A. Hoek.

[sjames]

your ca is a little low, your mg is quite low. NSW for mg is about 1300.

for additives I like what Mile Sq. said, kalk topoff with 2-part to pick up the slack if there is any.

What are you using for salt mix?

[nano10]

Instant Ocean

I haven't begun raising my levels, Didn't really need to with Softies. But will begin tonight.

[mile sq. reefer]

DKH is fine, just boost the Calcium to 420 and Mag to 1350. Bionic also makes a Magnesium supplement. It is also found in their two part. Just test frequently. I would also start using a reef formulated salt. RC is ok but I'm sure others will chime in.

[jonrx]

I prefer the Tropic Marin Pro Reef salt if you can get it.