There is an exciting announcement from us here at Fragd.it. Because the reefing season has officially been kicked off, we will be offering to all customers 10% on all orders from now until the end of this month.

That means on already reduced prices, you will be able to take an additional 10% off. Just enter ‘FRAGDITROCKS‘ as the promo code during checkout. Perfect timing, I know! Now its a great time to restock your tank with superbly colorful aquacultured corals and frags.

This is the Nose Be Panther Chalice from Fragd.it

Along with this kickoff, we will be introducing new and exciting corals, especially in the echinophyllia and zoanthid/palythoa genus. More palys and chalice corals for all!

 Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

Stay tuned!

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 4x54w 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.

Am I glad to have them back!

Acropora inermis Deep Water

 

Acropora tenuis Fiji Tricolor

 

Acropora grandis Bably Blue

Acropora abrolhosensis Blue Tipped

Acropora millepora Pink

 

For the rest of the corals, visit our sister site at www.fragd.it. For tomorrow’s post, I will have an exclusive from Digital Aquatics. You don’t want to miss it.

Here’s the initial email from Walt Smith:

Effective immediately the importation of all Tongan Rock, Clams, and Corals into the US has been suspended. This directive was initiated by US Fish & Wildlife and affects all Tongan suppliers and their US Importers. Right now we do not know the future of this situation. It could be temporary, or possibly be a permanent ban. We will just have to wait and see.

This does not affect Tongan Fish. The action taken is only restricting Rock, Clams, and Corals.

A shame. Tonga shipments are always exciting.