Mixed Reef Tanks?

[MizTanks]

Just want to know how many out here besides me are keeping a mixed reef system? By mixed I mean, lps/sps/zoa's and softies.

I've read good and bad about being able to have a happy healthy tank filled with mixed corals. What do you all think?

[Heidi]

I have a mixed reef. I push for very clean water and so far everything is doing well. I have 180 gallons in my system total. In a smaller tank like yours I am interested to hear about "mixed" reefs being to successful. Seems like it would be a lot harder in less water. Since everything can change so quickly in a nano it is harder to keep it stable. Stability is most likely the keep to keeping a "mixed reef".

[Tom@HaslettMI]

I've run a mixed reef for many years. For me it is been difficult to keep all coral types happy at the same time. Sometimes the softies are rocking while the SPS are so-so, other times the opposite, and still other time everyone is happy.

Tom

[Sir Patrick]

I am also running a mixed reef- zoa/paly dominated, with a few choice sps and lps pieces. So far, other than a few small hitchikers, no softies/leathers.

[rulost2001]

yeah ...me by accident.....i better get it together. lol

[larryandlaura]

Great job Jamie. We had a mixed reef prior to the crash.

[Fordris]

I also have a mixed reef tank 85 Display and i have the same results as tom seems different species are happy at different times.

[vega15]

I have had mine for about 5-6 years now. I have noticed that as it grows in the difficulties increase. Water condition is a struggle for sure. It has good days and bad days but sometimes I just have to remind myself that no reef is perfect and that I am fortunate to have what I do. I often chalk it up to "Life and death on the Reef"

[MizTanks]

Ok Vega15 you mentioned: *I have noticed that as it grows in the difficulties increase.* can you possibly share some of the difficulties that you've encountered?

[vega15]

Ok Vega15 you mentioned: *I have noticed that as it grows in the difficulties increase.* can you possibly share some of the difficulties that you've encountered?

I have an issue maintaining my KH and Calc. Even though I am dosing via Kalkwasser I still have to dose Buffer from time to time. For some reason my system hovers around 7-8 KH. Not a real issue but I would like to see it closer to the 8-9 range.

As mentioned by others, it seams that once I get my softies happy then my SPS takes a hit and visa versa.

Now I do have a well established "Grown In" looking Reef so I often wonder as the corals get closer together what kind of chemical exchanges are happening? I have upped my usage of Carbon to aid in the removal of toxins but I am beginning to wonder if I am slowly falling behind I currently am using 2 cups of Lignite Aquarium Carbon (BRS) in a 200 gallon system and I change it out every 2 months. Thoughts on using more or changing it out more often?

Anyone have any thoughts about our softie/leathers chemically fighting for space? How are you going about countering this....Carbon, water changes, etc....

Great thread!