SPS coral care for newbies

[bakerslab]

Just got my first SPS frags and I'm kinda nervous about keeping them alive. My tank's a 40-gallon with AI Prime lighting, running at 80% for 8 hours. Parameters are stable, 8.2 pH, 1.025 salinity, 0 nitrates. Any tips for a newbie?

[outback]

Stability is key with SPS. Your params sound solid, but watch that lighting intensity. I'd dial it back to 70% for the first few weeks to avoid bleaching. Also, what's your alk sitting at? If it's below 8 dKH, you might wanna bump it up slowly.

[metamorph]

Yep, alk's a biggie. Mine crashed once and everything browned out. Now I dose daily to keep it at 9 dKH. Also, flow's huge for SPS. What kinda powerheads you running? Gotta keep those polyps dancing.

[deepdive1]

Stability is key with SPS. Your params sound solid, but watch that lighting intensity. I'd dial it back to 70% for the first few weeks to avoid bleaching. Also, what's your alk sitting at? If it's below 8 dKH, you might wanna bump it up slowly.

Agreed on the alk. I learned the hard way that swings mess with their vibe. Bakerslab, you testing magnesium too? Low mag can make alk adjustments sketchy.

[cad]

Flow's gotta be random, not just blasting one direction. I use two Nero 5s on opposite sides. And don't forget trace elements. SPS slurp up cal, mag, and strontium faster than you'd think.

[dudekay]

How often you guys doing water changes? I'm at 10% weekly but wondering if I should cut it to biweekly. Tank's a 75-gallon with a bunch of Acros and Montis.

[bakerslab]

Thanks for the advice, everyone. My alk's at 7.5 dKH, so I'll bump it up slowly. Running two MP10s for flow, and yeah, I test mag weekly—it's at 1350. Gonna dial back the lights too.

[Dreamak]

How often you guys doing water changes? I'm at 10% weekly but wondering if I should cut it to biweekly. Tank's a 75-gallon with a bunch of Acros and Montis.

Stick with weekly if your nutrients are low. SPS thrive on consistency. I do 15% weekly with Red Sea Coral Pro salt. Keeps everything chill.

[flavormist]

Anyone have issues with pests? Just spotted some red bugs on my Acro. Not sure how to handle it without nuking the whole tank.

[outback]

Anyone have issues with pests? Just spotted some red bugs on my Acro. Not sure how to handle it without nuking the whole tank.

Interceptor's the go-to for red bugs. Dose it in a QT tank if you can. Otherwise, follow the instructions to the letter. It's saved my Acros more than once.