SPS in 28g?

TheReefGeek · #1 02-15-2006, 07:52 PM

Anyone running a successfull SPS tank in a similar sized (or smaller) tank? If so I would like to know the specs, and your experiences.

SeaHorse_Fanatic · #2 02-15-2006, 08:14 PM

Sumpinfish used to run a very successful SPS smaller tank. You can ask him details.

OCDP · #3 02-15-2006, 08:16 PM

I keep lots of SPS in my 20g. I think the biggest problem is keeping everything stable, as this is harder to accomplish in a smaller system.

Basically.. I keep millepora, digitata, various acros, and they are all lit under my 150w HQI . I have had great success so far.. everything colours up great and grows wonderfully.

I do weekly water changes of about 2.5g . I top-up every second day, sometimes that changes though.. just depends. I dose calcium and alk. and that's about it. I am fugeless and sumpless.

Heh, you'll all think less of me, but I have had such great success so far with SPS.. and I keep 4 fish in my 20g. Some acros do not thrive though. But most do... it depends on the species I suppose.

Anything I forgot , just let me know... HTH

TheReefGeek · #4 02-15-2006, 08:19 PM

Is the 150 HQI the only light over the tank? What color temp is it? Where idd you get it?

I am going to drill the 28g and add a 10g or 20g sump to hide equipment and add volume for stability.

What fisihes do you keep in there?

OCDP · #5 02-15-2006, 08:53 PM

Yep the 150 HQI is the only light over the tank. It is a 20k Ushio bulb which will soon be replaced with a 14k of some sort.

Drilling it is probably a good idea.. my reef is in my bedroom and noise is a big factor for me.. so no sump for me.

And I keep two True Percula clowns, a Yellow Watchman Goby, and a Lawnmower Blenny.

TheReefGeek · #6 02-15-2006, 08:57 PM

Thanks for the info!

I hope to drill it AND keep the noise down because this is going into a shared office....

OCDP · #7 02-15-2006, 08:59 PM

Yeah, I am sure that won't be too much of a problem. I am an extremely light sleeper.. so that's why. Otherwise.. the sound of trickling water can be quite relaxing at times IMO.

Good luck! Let me know if I can help with anything else.

untamed · #8 02-15-2006, 11:30 PM

I think I have slightly more than 20gallons in my Hex..but it isn't more than 30 gal. I have a single 175W MH and 2 9W actinics.

I use a dosing pump to add Kalk. (On a small system it is really easy to overdose Kalk!) I started with two part Ca/Alk supplements, but couldn't keep up.

SPS are thriving.

I'll attempt a photo, but I've had trouble posting photos in the past.

Oh...my avatar is a reasonable shot of that tank...you just can't see the light above it.

TheReefGeek · #9 02-15-2006, 11:54 PM

What kind of gph are you running in these smaller SPS tanks?

shotzee · #10 02-16-2006, 12:13 AM

I have a 18 gallon high that I have been running for over a year (converted from a 10 gallon before that). The system has a 5 gallon sump and I use a 250W DE halide for lighting. I have been keeping SPS/clams since it was established and it has been going well. I have to agree though that it definately very hard to keep stable, and sometimes your coral color or growth will reflect this. But who doesn't like a challenge