Clams vs. SPS

[kfisc]

There must be an obvious answer that has eluded me: Why can I keep clams but SPS is such a struggle?

Are clams really able to tolerate bigger swings or less optimal conditions than SPS? Clams thrive for me, but my sps colonies just putz along.

Alk- 9
Calcium- 430
Mag- 1350
Phosphate - not detectable, but there, I have periodic outbreaks of algae
0 nitrates
S.G.- 1.026

Does even a little phosphate make such a huge difference?


Ideas? Thanks-

[zero26]

Do you run a skimmer? I think that it might be difficult without one.

[aleonn]

Your tank parameters and lighting looks good. Do you have enough water circulation via powerheads?

[kfisc]

Do you run a skimmer? I think that it might be difficult without one.

I actually run two; and ER 135 and an old ER ES-52.


Your tank parameters and lighting looks good. Do you have enough water circulation via powerheads?

I have two Korolia 4's, a Koralia 3 and a modded-maxijet 1200. I still wonder if it's enough flow.

[Crustman]

Try a really tough SPS like a Green slimer. Plate montiporas are hardy and fast growing.

[malawinovice]

How old are your lights?
check your flow
start with the monti plates, they are easier/

[Raggamuffin]

another question... to you have changing movement in your water? most SPS like high flow BUT they don't like the same direction all the time.

[chimmike]

Do you run a skimmer? I think that it might be difficult without one.

You can most certainly have/grow SPS without a skimmer.

[N-dog]

This might be a dumb question, but do you use ro water?

[steelhead77]

There must be an obvious answer that has eluded me: Why can I keep clams but SPS is such a struggle?

Are clams really able to tolerate bigger swings or less optimal conditions than SPS? Clams thrive for me, but my sps colonies just putz along.

Alk- 9
Calcium- 430
Mag- 1350
Phosphate - not detectable, but there, I have periodic outbreaks of algae
0 nitrates
S.G.- 1.026

Does even a little phosphate make such a huge difference?



Ideas? Thanks-

IME clams can tolerate MUCH more "dirty" water than SPS can. +1 to the guy who says SPS need really good flow as well.

[kfisc]

Definitely will rearrange/increase the flow to see if it helps. I've been toying with increasing use of GFO, but will do so slowly based on what I've understood about what it can do to clam health. Thanks all-