SPS in stock 32gal Biocube LED?

Zoa_Fanatic · Dec 20, 2020

Hey guys, can I grow SPS in a 32 biocube LED? If so what is a good beginner sps that won’t hurt anything else? I have candy canes, blasto, hammer, and zoas (and some crazy paly grandis) all growing like weeds in my tank.

joseserrano · Dec 20, 2020

Yes you can. Stability and consistency as a reefer will give you success

Galliente · Jan 9, 2021

I also have a led biocube 32. Haven't tried to grow any SPS in it yet. But while researching I found this post.

The original poster measured par using their stock led hood.

This is different than what coralife states on their site.

Average output at 12-inches

PAR* 53
Peak PAR* 81

The original poster mentions that they averaged all 12 inch depth from center to edge, that's why is seems lower than his readings.

Closer to the middle of the tank (directly below all lights) and higher in the tank will equate to the higher par rating. I think the rockwork will factor highly into the successful nature of keeping certain SPS.

BPCGuy · Feb 10, 2021

Zoa_Fanatic said:
Hey guys, can I grow SPS in a 32 biocube LED? If so what is a good beginner sps that won’t hurt anything else? I have candy canes, blasto, hammer, and zoas (and some crazy paly grandis) all growing like weeds in my tank.

I have a Biocube 32 With some “beginner” SPS. I have a birds nest and a pocillopora that are growing quickly. I also have a Montipora Setosa that is just keeping on. All are positioned in the top of the water column.

Be sure to run all of the channels simultaneously at peak. this will get you thr highest possible PAR (above the published amount).

Zoa_Fanatic · Feb 10, 2021

I think I’m gonna stay away from SPS they seem way too complicated for what I want to do. Everything else is growing like a weed.

SamMule · Feb 10, 2021

Zoa_Fanatic said:
I think I’m gonna stay away from SPS they seem way too complicated for what I want to do. Everything else is growing like a weed.

Don't be discouraged by what you read. Some really great SPS corals are very hardy. If you're growing hammers, you shouldn't have any problem with Montiporas. M. Spongodes, Digitata, or Cap all seem to be tough as nails and don't need a lot of light. Also, pocillopora is very easy.

Galliente · Feb 25, 2021

I agree with SamMule. Its def doable and you shouldn't get discouraged. I was growing birdsnest digi monti toadstool chalice and other LPS, softies.

The par is able to grow and "burn" most corals. Burned my toadstool and I almost lost him. My complaint about the light is how it effects the corals and their color.

After buying corals ( from tanks with better lights) I would see the color in the coral go more pastel over time. Very noticable. I didnt really like that so I recently upgraded to Steves.

There does seem to be a slower growth with the stock lights but that wasn't the reason i switched.

Dosing aminos helped me keep color better. Or so it seemed, but the new light is night and day different .