Volume: 308 Gallons / 1140 Liters
Dimensions (L × W × H):
66.0" ×
36.0" ×
30.0"
167.6cm ×
91.4cm ×
76.2cm
Water movement is crucial for the growth of small-polyped stony corals (SPS) as it helps reduce dead spots and promotes nutrient distribution. Installing multiple water pumps, such as Tunze Wavebox and Turbelle Stream pumps, can create a turbulent wave motion. Aim for a total circulation rate that is at least 25-30 times the volume of your tank per hour, ensuring maximum movement without stressing the corals.
A simple yet effective filtration method includes using a protein skimmer, which removes organic compounds from the water, and a refugium that utilizes macroalgae like Chaetomorpha for nutrient uptake. Incorporating phosphorus reductions systems like a Phosban reactor can also help manage phosphate levels, providing additional water clarity. It's important to regularly maintain and clean all filtration equipment to ensure optimal performance.
Key water parameters for an SPS tank include: - Specific Gravity: 1.025-1.027 - pH: Between 8.0 - 8.3 - Calcium: Around 400 ppm - Alkalinity: 10-12 dKH - Magnesium: Approximately 1300 ppm - Ammonia & Nitrate: Undetectable levels - PO4: 0 Maintaining these levels is crucial for the health and growth of SPS corals.
For SPS corals, a lighting setup should include a combination of metal halide, T5, and VHO lights to provide the spectrum and intensity required for growth. A total wattage of around 3-5 watts per liter is generally recommended. Ensure a balanced photoperiod, with metal halides running for about 8-10 hours a day and actinic and T5 lights for longer durations. Adjust the lighting spectrum to match coral needs, experimenting with different Kelvins to enhance growth and color.
Feed your fish once a day to prevent excess nutrients, which can harm SPS corals. Use a variety of high-quality dry foods and offer frozen food twice a week. To feed your corals, consider using specialized coral food like DT's Oyster Eggs every other day, but shut down the skimmer for 3-4 hours during feeding time to allow the food to stay in the water column longer.
A reliable maintenance routine includes weekly water changes of about 10-15% using high-quality salt mix and reverse osmosis water. Additionally, clean the skimmer cup and polyfilter every 2-3 days, trim macroalgae monthly in the refugium, and monitor water parameters regularly to keep the tank in optimal condition. Dosing beneficial products like Probidio can enhance biological filtration and overall system health.
To maintain calcium and alkalinity levels, consider using a two-part dosing system like C-balance, which should be dosed daily to adjust calcium, magnesium, and strontium. Incorporating a calcium reactor can automate calcium dosage while ensuring stable parameters. Regularly test the water to make adjustments based on consumption.