Setting up a new lps tank: advice needed

[juicebox]

Hey Folks, I'm upgrading my living room setup and my wife is pushing for a LPS tank. I've got SPS tanks down pat, but I want to get this right if I'm gonna make the switch. Got a few questions.

Looking at another 180 or something similar.
Considering a bare bottom tank.
Wanting to keep chalice, zoa, cyphastrea, favia, brains, etc.
Planning for a bunch of small fish, including a school of anthias (7-9).

1) Will LEDs be enough to keep LPS healthy? I'm currently running Rapid LED Onyx systems (10 hrs pd) and supplementing with a 250 Radium MH (4 hrs pd) on my 80 rimless, and everything's doing alright (growth might be a bit slow). Hoping LEDs will do the trick.

2) Any issues with Bio Pellets and LPS? I've had great success with pellets in my SPS tank and love not having to deal with GFO or cleaning the reactors, but I'm wondering if the water will be too clean for LPS.

3) What kind of flow should I aim for? Thinking maybe a couple of MP40s or MP60s?

Thanks

[rileyon]

I've found that many LPS corals have lower light requirements and need more time to adjust to their new surroundings compared to SPS corals like acros. While I personally prefer T5 lighting, many people have success with LEDs, but it's crucial to monitor the lighting levels closely to avoid over-lighting. I'd recommend starting with the LEDs dialed back and gradually increasing the intensity.

It's worth noting that you don't necessarily have to choose between LPS and SPS - they can coexist peacefully as long as you're aware of the potential stinging issues between colonies and maintain a safe distance. When placing your corals, make sure to test the lighting levels at the desired location before securing them to the rock.

In your case, using bio pellets should be fine, given your experience with them. Many LPS and zoas actually benefit from small amounts of nutrients. However, if you have a lot of fish to feed and start feeding your LPS as well, you may find that phosphate levels eventually exceed the bacterial capacity to sequester it. Just keep monitoring your water parameters. I personally need to use GFO in my mixed tank.

In terms of flow, LPS generally require more moderate currents than SPS. I've found that the broad, variable flow patterns created by Ecotech pumps are particularly effective. The sync and anti-sync programs are really valuable in my opinion. While I'm not sure whether the MP40 or MP60 would be best for a 180-gallon tank, I do know that you can run the larger pump at a lower speed, which reduces noise and wear and tear. However, there's also the cost to consider.

[_frostbite]

I've had no issues running mine under LEDs.

[Puzzlea]

I run a LPS tank under LED lighting and it's doing fantastically well.

[finmaster_2]

I'd like to know how to disinfect new corals before adding them to my tank to avoid introducing unwanted critters or pests. Is there a recommended method or product from a reputable brand that I can use to sterilize my new LPS or SPS corals?

[zelkor9]

I'm planning on replacing my 180 with another 180 or something close. I've typically ran SPS tanks but the wife is pushing me to try a LPS tank. I've got some experience with SPS, but I want to make sure I set up the LPS tank right.

I'm thinking bare bottom, and I'd like to keep some chalice, zoa, cyphastrea, favia, brains, etc. I'll also have a bunch of small fish including a school of anthias (7-9).

I've got a few questions.
1) Can I get away with just using LEDs to keep the LPS healthy? I currently use a couple of Rapid LED Onyx systems (10 hrs pd) and supplement with a 250 Radium MH (4 hrs pd) on my 80 rimless, and everything's doing fine.
2) Are there any issues with using Bio Pellets with LPS? I've had great success with them in my SPS tank, and I like not having to deal with GFO or cleaning the reactors.
3) What kind of flow should I be looking at? A couple of MP40s or MP60s?

[axonify]

I'm considering setting up a LPS tank and I have a few questions. I've always run SPS tanks, but I want to try something different.

I'm thinking of using LEDs for lighting. I've heard mixed reviews about using LEDs for LPS, so I wanted to ask if anyone has had success with them. I'm planning on keeping chalice, zoa, cyphastrea, favia, and brains, and I want to make sure they'll thrive under LED lighting.

I'm also wondering if anyone has experience with using bio pellets with LPS. I've used them in my SPS tank with great results, but I've heard that LPS might require different water parameters.

Finally, I'm trying to decide on the best flow for my tank. I'm thinking of using either MP40s or MP60s, but I'm not sure which would be better. Does anyone have any recommendations?

Thanks

[ravenoak]

I run my LPS under an AI Hydra without issues. Previously, I had a hammer, frogspawn, and a candy cane thriving in a 12g cube with a CF, no problems at all.

[deepwave]

I've been using a Bayer dip for my corals with great success. Just look up "Bayer for coral dip" on Google and you'll find the info you need.