SPS breakdown/Soft LPS coral in it's place.

[Tom Toro]

Thinking seriously about switching from sps to softy and lps. I got the idea first from seeing The Binford's piece of art in the living room that was packed with lps and soft corals, but not too much. I'd like to get close to that, but not sure what I'm in for. Any advice would be appreciated.

1.Do I still dose alk and calcium for soft and lps corals? Are the number ranges the same for sps and soft corals?

2. I remember reading once that soft corals have a chemical they release and can foul a tank. Any truth or experience with that?

3. In your opinion, Should I just keep soft corals or is it acceptable to keep lps too?

4. Is there a store that has the best selection of Soft Corals around S.E. Michigan (Between Preuss West and Stingray Bay East, Kees North and Tropicorium South? My radius has grown in the last year.

5. Are there colorful soft corals out there that are photosynthetic?

6. Do you feed Soft corals the same way you feed sps or is fish poop and light enough?

Also, should I sell my huge colonies whole or break them up as fresh cut?

Thanks and feel free to add anything I might need to know.

[Hopkins]

I am doing the exact same thing. I have two pieces of SPS left and I am happy to leave it behind.


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[Tom Toro]

I thought for sure I was the only one doing this, lol. Good luck and let me know if you find out some secrets to success.


I am doing the exact same thing. I have two pieces of SPS left and I am happy to leave it behind.


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[Hopkins]

Thinking seriously about switching from sps to softy and lps. I got the idea first from seeing The Binford's piece of art in the living room that was packed with lps and soft corals, but not too much. I'd like to get close to that, but not sure what I'm in for. Any advice would be appreciated.

1.Do I still dose alk and calcium for soft and lps corals? Are the number ranges the same for sps and soft corals?

LPS still has a calcium skeleton, so it needs both alk and calcium. Maintaining a healthy magnesium level is also a good idea.


2. I remember reading once that soft corals have a chemical they release and can foul a tank. Any truth or experience with that?

I have read that as well, and to mitigate the chemical warfare people have recommended running carbon.


3. In your opinion, Should I just keep soft corals or is it acceptable to keep lps too?

I like mixed reefs myself. RIght now I have soft, lps and a couple SPS(for now).

4. Is there a store that has the best selection of Soft Corals around S.E. Michigan (Between Preuss West and Stingray Bay East, Kees North and Tropicorium South? My radius has grown in the last year.

I have found that local reefers have a better selection than any store!

5. Are there colorful soft corals out there that are photosynthetic?

The Tyree neon toadstool is one of the most colorful, along with Fiji yellow leather, the dreaded GSP, blue xenia, and blue anthelia.

6. Do you feed Soft corals the same way you feed sps or is fish poop and light enough?

I am using reef chili and get a pretty good feeding response. I plan to pickup a bag of the food that Reef Paradise makes at some point.

Also, should I sell my huge colonies whole or break them up as fresh cut?

You will probably make more money off of smaller frags, but it will be harder to move all of them than a large colony.

Thanks and feel free to add anything I might need to know.

RIght now I have an RBTA, a couple leathers, two different hammers and a frogspawn. I like it now that my tank is "moving" now, instead of standing still with a bunch of SPS. Don't get me wrong, I still love SPS. I just do not have the time to dedicate to their needs and I am loving getting "back to the basics". I haven't had a tank with what they call beginner corals in over 8 years, but now I am remembering what got me into this hobby in the first place. :snorkel:

[slapshot]

No right or wrong answer here Tom. There are plenty of nice looking softies out there and even more LPS. I love my acros but no way they are as colorful as LPS. Softies move, you mix them with LPS color and you have an amazing tank. Got to get a wavebox of you go soft though. Nothing better than that sway! Is there anything that could match a tank full of acans?

As far as selling the acros, start with the colony and if it doesnt sell go for frags. Let me know if your selling any of your acros, but I only like colonies!!!! Lol

[Tom@HaslettMI]

LPS and softies are way easier than SPS IME. They are not as sensitive to water quality... though good water quality is still important, and they move in the flow.

Here are my answers to your specific questions:

1. Yes, LPS and softies need/use them but won't use it up as quickly.
2. Some species more than others. But carbon and skimming take care of it.
3. Keep both... some SPS can be kept too.
4. Preuss is my LFS so I am bias.
5. Tons. Neon sinularia is one of my favs.
6. I don't feed softies but most LPS benefit from feeding
7. Frag em and bring them to the LFS for store credit to get the new corals.

Mixed reefs are the best. I find that there are cycles that take place over the years... sometimes one group of corals is rocking while another is doing so-so.

Tom

P.S. if you go for the switch I can trade frags for frags!

[MizTanks]

My first tank was nothing but softies and LPS. My present tank is nothing but softies and LPS + 1 Clam and Sun Coral. I find that these corals are much more forgiving when it comes to slacking on the husbandry. Not that I do :) Everything grows crazy for me, and this is why I stick with them.
I dose BRS 2 part it's a pain but I'm still waiting on a doser from Santa :)
I've never had any chemical warfare, it's a Yooper neighborhood :) Wonderful place to raise your kids!
I feed Coral Extacy 1x bi-weekly, just for the corals. Otherwise I feed several types of frozen every day.

[binford4000]

I agree with slapshot. This is your call Tom. Personally I like a mix of all of em. Yes as they grow you will need to adjust levels just like sps but just not as much. The very best place for any coral that pops is cherry coral !! Unreal selection and all ya got to do is call Todd and make an appointment. It's like the willy wonka factory for fish geeks ! The trop and Ypsilanti FD do well also. I would like to invite you over and have ya look at what we did with the new tank befor you pull the trigger. I would not break up the colony's instead find someone who will care for them like you have that way if you want good frags they will be glad to return it to you. I doubt selling is a money issue,but if it is then call cut away !! I call first dibs tho ! Lol sending you a PM also

[dlhirst]

I always defined "weeds" as "anything growing where you don't want it". In the flower beds, even blue grass is a weed... And while my lawn IS a dandelion free zone, I do prefer the motion of soft corals and LPS. I find it hypnotizing to a degree, and I am certain it helps reduce my blood pressure at the end of the day. Well, that and a glass of...

[Tom Toro]

RIght now I have an RBTA, a couple leathers, two different hammers and a frogspawn. I like it now that my tank is "moving" now, instead of standing still with a bunch of SPS. Don't get me wrong, I still love SPS. I just do not have the time to dedicate to their needs and I am loving getting "back to the basics". I haven't had a tank with what they call beginner corals in over 8 years, but now I am remembering what got me into this hobby in the first place. :snorkel:

Thanks for the work, Hop. I'll use a lot of that info and yeah, I'm looking forward to seeing things moving around. I might have to tone down the Tunzes some so I don't kill the lps.


No right or wrong answer here Tom. There are plenty of nice looking softies out there and even more LPS. I love my acros but no way they are as colorful as LPS. Softies move, you mix them with LPS color and you have an amazing tank. Got to get a wavebox of you go soft though. Nothing better than that sway! Is there anything that could match a tank full of acans?


As far as selling the acros, start with the colony and if it doesnt sell go for frags. Let me know if your selling any of your acros, but I only like colonies!!!! Lol

I was looking into the wave box for the other tank. They're not priced too bad and I see 'em all the time for sale, used. I'll let you know if I see the colonies, Don!


I agree with slapshot. This is your call Tom. Personally I like a mix of all of em. Yes as they grow you will need to adjust levels just like sps but just not as much. The very best place for any coral that pops is cherry coral !! Unreal selection and all ya got to do is call Todd and make an appointment. It's like the willy wonka factory for fish geeks ! The trop and Ypsilanti FD do well also. I would like to invite you over and have ya look at what we did with the new tank befor you pull the trigger. I would not break up the colony's instead find someone who will care for them like you have that way if you want good frags they will be glad to return it to you. I doubt selling is a money issue,but if it is then call cut away !! I call first dibs tho ! Lol sending you a PM also

It's always a money issue when I have a budget, lol!! Thanks and I'd definitely like to come over and see the new setup in person. I think you guys are right about adding some lps along with the softies. I plan on keeping the frogspawn and would like to put in some lobo and open brains. That's what I started with many years ago.
PM coming your way, Chuck.

[Tom Toro]

Thanks for the help, Tom! I would like to trade sps for soft corals. That will work great for me. I'll work up some pics.


LPS and softies are way easier than SPS IME. They are not as sensitive to water quality... though good water quality is still important, and they move in the flow.

Here are my answers to your specific questions:

1. Yes, LPS and softies need/use them but won't use it up as quickly.
2. Some species more than others. But carbon and skimming take care of it.
3. Keep both... some SPS can be kept too.
4. Preuss is my LFS so I am bias.
5. Tons. Neon sinularia is one of my favs.
6. I don't feed softies but most LPS benefit from feeding
7. Frag em and bring them to the LFS for store credit to get the new corals.

Mixed reefs are the best. I find that there are cycles that take place over the years... sometimes one group of corals is rocking while another is doing so-so.

Tom

P.S. if you go for the switch I can trade frags for frags!

[Flynnstone]

what really makes a tank beautiful is when you yourself can look at it, then smile. it can be SPS, LPS, softies, or simply an algae tank with inverts. weeds are unwanted and/or worthless, they can be any coral, worm, or comment.

[pjr]

Interesting idea Tom! You could do some cool stuff with a tank dominated with acans and the multi-color ricordia as well. The nice thing is that you'll still be able to spend a ton of money on frags as well! :roll_eyes: Just be careful not to burn anything with those LEDs, as LPS and softies will require much less light.

[binford4000]

what really makes a tank beautiful is when you yourself can look at it, then smile. it can be SPS, LPS, softies, or simply an algae tank with inverts. weeds are unwanted and/or worthless, they can be any coral, worm, or comment.

Well put ! I think the later comment was out of line also. Many people feel softies are more enjoyable then SPS and difficulty level is low which makes care easy and successes much easier also. This hobby is unique because as I see it you can strive for expert level of experience in any species that pleases you. What's important is that you first maintain your livestock and remeberr that it is your responsibility . I find it rude to knock anyone who puts this much effort into anything. Weather it's an SPS dominated tank or a vat of Texas trash. If it pleases you and fills you with pride it is time well spent. Good luck with the change over Tom and when you do visit bring a bucket for some freebies ! :thumbsup:

[Tom Toro]

Interesting idea Tom! You could do some cool stuff with a tank dominated with acans and the multi-color ricordia as well. The nice thing is that you'll still be able to spend a ton of money on frags as well! :roll_eyes: Just be careful not to burn anything with those LEDs, as LPS and softies will require much less light.

Thanks Pat! I agree, it's going to include lps along with the softies. Lots of color there. LOL, my budget is going to take a good size hit, but it's going to be a lot of fun.
.
Also, I can already grow sps in the big tank and have one of the four sections dedicated to sps, with the led hung about 5" lower than the other three. I won't be done with the sticks completely.

I'll be careful with the LED's in the softie tank and hang 'em higher than they are now. A lot more power than I thought in those lights. Thanks for the tip!
.



Well put ! I think the later comment was out of line also. Many people feel softies are more enjoyable then SPS and difficulty level is low which makes care easy and successes much easier also. This hobby is unique because as I see it you can strive for expert level of experience in any species that pleases you. What's important is that you first maintain your livestock and remeberr that it is your responsibility . I find it rude to knock anyone who puts this much effort into anything. Weather it's an SPS dominated tank or a vat of Texas trash. If it pleases you and fills you with pride it is time well spent. Good luck with the change over Tom and when you do visit bring a bucket for some freebies ! :thumbsup:

I agree with you, Chuck. By the way, I already bought the phosgard before I saw your offer, sorry about that. I want to get over there to pick your brain, so I'll have to come up with another excuse to see you guys.

[Sir Patrick]

1.Do I still dose alk and calcium for soft and lps corals? Are the number ranges the same for sps and soft corals?

The LPS will benefit very much. The number ranges dont matter as much as consistant numbers do.

2. I remember reading once that soft corals have a chemical they release and can foul a tank. Any truth or experience with that?

Its called Allelopathy.

Allelopathy - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allelopathy)

pretty much all corals do this to some extent, but it seems that the softies effect SPS in a much harsher manner than other corals. Same with the mucus/slimes the softies give off. I agree with the running of carbon to lessen effects.

3. In your opinion, Should I just keep soft corals or is it acceptable to keep lps too?

I am sure whatever you decide, it will be nice.

4. Is there a store that has the best selection of Soft Corals around S.E. Michigan (Between Preuss West and Stingray Bay East, Kees North and Tropicorium South? My radius has grown in the last year.

As far as softies go- i would concentrate on local reefers. Alot cheaper that way. LPS gems are found everywhere- if you are at the right place at the right time.

5. Are there colorful soft corals out there that are photosynthetic?

Blue anethalia, clove polyps, neon nepthia, yellow leathers, green polyped cabbage leather, neon toadstool....

6. Do you feed Soft corals the same way you feed sps or is fish poop and light enough?

Fish poop and light have always been plenty for mine.

Tom- When you are ready for some softies that look nice, let me know. I am sure I have some you will really enjoy.

---------- Post added at 12:40 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:38 AM ----------

Oh-

And Happy Birthday Man!

[Tom Toro]

Thanks for the birthday words, Chris and thanks for the good advice.

[aquariumclown]

I agree with everyone's responses so far. Try out some easy softies and then decide what you'd like more of. softy lps tanks are very rewarding in my opinion.

[jimsflies]

How's your softy/LPS transition coming along?

I've gone almost all softies in my nano tank and it now runs on auto pilot. I'm not dosing anything, and do a couple gallon water change every month. While I wouldn't hold my current reef husbandry up as a gold standard, it is nice to be able to go away for a week and not think twice about my tank. The few LPS I keep are bullet proof as well (hammer, bubble coral, and duncan).

[RedfordReefer]

I don't know if anyone's mentioned it, but you were talking about where to get LPS and softies. There's a store on 5-mile and Middlebelt (one mile north of the middlebelt exit on I-96) called Pet Connection. I go there a LOT. At least once every other day. They get shipments in twice a week, and hand-select corals from their suppliers. They are affordable and the staff is very friendly. One of the people I talk to most is named Ken. Real soft-spoken guy with a real passion for saltwater. Ryan is a good guy as well. If you pop in, Ask them about getting you something specific. They have a few Soft-only tanks and some LPS tanks.

[Tom Toro]

How's your softy/LPS transition coming along?

I've gone almost all softies in my nano tank and it now runs on auto pilot. I'm not dosing anything, and do a couple gallon water change every month. While I wouldn't hold my current reef husbandry up as a gold standard, it is nice to be able to go away for a week and not think twice about my tank. The few LPS I keep are bullet proof as well (hammer, bubble coral, and duncan).

Hey Jim,
Well, I transferred some sps colonies over to the other tank to keep 'em safe and I'm still in an sps decline. I was going to wait until I could give 'em to a buddy, but they're not really giveable since they're in such bad shape. In the new year I plan on removing my top layer of LR, killing all the aips, chipping off what's still alive and doing a real cleaning of both the dt and the sump. Depending on how ambitious I am, I might send the fish over to the big tank and really do a breakdown so I can start over.

It's encouraging to hear your's is doing well. It's exactly the reason I'm doing this. Having two tanks can be a drag sometimes and I'd like one to run on auto pilot too so I can really concentrate on the newer one.




I don't know if anyone's mentioned it, but you were talking about where to get LPS and softies. There's a store on 5-mile and Middlebelt (one mile north of the middlebelt exit on I-96) called Pet Connection. I go there a LOT. At least once every other day. They get shipments in twice a week, and hand-select corals from their suppliers. They are affordable and the staff is very friendly. One of the people I talk to most is named Ken. Real soft-spoken guy with a real passion for saltwater. Ryan is a good guy as well. If you pop in, Ask them about getting you something specific. They have a few Soft-only tanks and some LPS tanks.

I've been going there for years and I agree, they're awesome. I do a sweep of all the wayne county lfs periodically and I always seem to end up there and buy something. Haven't bought corals from them, though and I'll give them a try since I was never looking for softies or lps before. I didn't know they got that many shipments in on a regular basis. They must sell tons! Thanks for the reminder RR.