The DOs and DON’Ts of SPS Keeping

I have been asked to do this before by a number of individuals, as the desire to keep SPS corals has grown considerably. Being experienced enough in both good and bad situations, I agreed to put together something that could be helpful to most beginner and intermediate reefers. This would serve as a starting point, so adding future helpful ideas is not out of the question. It will be kept in a dynamic state.

So without any holdup, here is a  point form guide on how to keep SPS corals.

The ‘DOs’

• maintain stable key parameters, which include salinity, pH, alkalinity, calcium, magnesium, and temperature
• invest in a aquarium controller such as a ReefKeeper Elite/Lite or a Profilux
• an auto-top-off system, like an Tunze Osmolator, is a must.
• have a lot of random flow via powerheads or a closed loop system
• peg your corals with rigid airline tubing, so that you can easily remove them from areas in your tank that are not suitable (will have a post on this soon)
• must have a refugium as a biological source of removing organics
• must have a decent sized skimmer as a mechanical source of removing organics (the bigger, the better in most cases)
• either employ a two stage calcium reactor or a 3 part automatic doser for your ALK, Ca, and Mg needs
• must have at least 250w per bulb (if MH) or at least 4×54w T5 in 10K-14K spectrum
• you can supplement your corals’ nutrition by feeding them ReefRoids, Cyclop-Eeze, or ReefChilli, but it is not necessary.
• keep an eye on the proximity of each coral, as they should not touch. Certain SPS corals can have a higher stinging potency and can damage any nearby coral.
• if you add any supplements, such as any Seachem or Kent product, you must add it slowly and in half dosages (at first). Monitor your tank for any changes while you add this supplement.
• as well, add only one supplement at a time as it will be easier to monitor the changes it makes.
• dip your new frags or corals for pests. Make a quick dip session with Lugol’s Iodine, ReVive, and tank water. Setup a station of dips so that you corals will be introduced pest free.
• always use RO/DI water, and change your pre-filters every 3 months.
• visually inspect your SPS corals daily. Look for damaged areas (bites, dead spots, STN)
•  when picking out your coral from a store, use your senses to obtain a healthy specimen

The ‘DON’Ts’

• don’t do anything quick, as nothing good can come of it
• don’t forget to change your carbon once a month
• don’t use tap water. Ever.
• do not allow your RO/DI water’s TDS (Total Disolved Solids) to go above 5 ppm
• do not strip your aquarium water from nutrients too fast (via either skimming or starting carbon dosing), as you may witness a STN event
• never cheap out on flow, the more the better
• don’t be scared of angelfish. They do nip, but not at the rate to kill a coral.
• don’t be scared of keeping SPS. They are fun if you are patient!

If you have any other great tips on keeping SPS corals, please send them to info@fragd.it or make your comments below.

Related posts:

1. Do You Really Need Carbon?
2. A Proper Quarantine Tank Setup
3. Reef Tank vs Vacation Time
4. Controlling Your pH
5. Problems…I’ve had a few

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