Easy SPS (Newbie)

[FEEDERFISH]

I have 2-250 W DE 14K halides so far with no actinic supplement, what are some very hardy easy SPS corals and how far should the MH be off the water and how far under the surface of the water does each need to sit, i have no idea where to start with SPS and i would like to start, i currently have leathers and LPS under these lights in my 75Gal.

Thanks, I would like to get some frags if anyone has any of these easier SPS that would work under my current lighting

[tileman]

My very first one was a tri-color acro, It likes the light and seems to be very hardy for me, so I say the higher up, the better the color.

[Reptoreef]

All of the montipora (digitata, capricornicus...plating, and encrusting) seem to do well, the ability to hold their colors or morph into more brilliant colors is encouraged by lighting as well as proper water quality. BTW, what brand of halides??? Are they way blue???

[davejnz]

I've found Pavona to be real hardy too

[pfloyd19732003]

i think that you could be fine with any choice, best beginers are caps, montis and miliis.

peace

[ereefic]

Montipora Digitata and Caps are good starters. Milliporas as well.

I would keep the lights at least 6" off the top of the water.

Depending on where you get your SPS from (LFS, on-line shipped, etc.) and what lighting they are coming from can depend on where there placed. A general rule is start them low and move them up over a period of time as to not blast them with to much light, but to slowly acclimate them.

I'd stay away from 'wild' stuff for now. Aquacultured stuff tends to have a much higher success rate than wild. Frags from fellow reefers are great IMO. (Hint..Hint..) Wait till your doing really well before trying wild stuff IMO, and even then it can be a crap shoot.

[condiman]

I've found Pavona to be real hardy too

That was also my first sps and I agree it is quite hardy.