Acan Growth Rate

[rentyn79]

Hello,

Once I have my tank up and running I'm trying to figure out corals that I want to put in there. I have T5HO 4x54watt lights. So I guess that kind of leaves me with LPS, softies and maybe a few SPS near the top. I definately want a few acans in there. How fast do acans grow? If I had a acan frag with 2-3 polyps on it, with proper feeding how long would it take to get arounds 4-5". I also want some hammers, brains, mushrooms, zoos. Can someone name a few more corals that are good for a new tank and easy to maintain. Thanks.

Mike

[smp]

From 2 to 3 polyps to 4" to 5" is going to take well over a year IMO.
All the corals you have listed would be fine for your tank.

If you want some SPS look at monti digis and monti caps .. there are some acros that I find pretty "easy" to keep as well. I would start with frags from other people, ones that were easy to grow in their experience. Your equipment list is very good and you should be able to keep these corals no problem once the tank matures.

[rentyn79]

Great, Thanks. Keep the replies coming.

MIke

[StevenQ95]

I don't know if this helps but, during Christmas I am planning a 65 long and short tank (60"Lx12"Tx20"W). I was also thinking of using a 4x80 watt retrofit. When I asked, people siad I should be able to keep SPS. Don't know if that helps or not :bsmile:

[Mikee]

Your tank specs looks good for softies and lps. I'd say your a bit limited on sps
corals maybe a few easier which smp said but I'd stick more to softies and lps corals. Given your tank specs you could setup a very nice softie/lps dominated tank :).

[smp]

Take a look through this thread (http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1083336) and you will get a very good idea of what types of corals you can keep with your setup. Granted, some of those tanks haven't been running long, but others have. Lots of detailed info about bulb choices, number, reflectors etc..

[rentyn79]

I love some of those tanks. And they are only running T5's. I was kind of worried that I was going to end up with a plain looking tank. That just goes to show that it can be done with determination. Thanks guys.

Mike

[smp]

Just remember, water quality and flow are equally as important as lighting. Just make sure to let your tank mature and stabilize before going crazy adding livestock :)

[scholar]

i started out with a colony of acans around 10-12 heads now a year and a half later they are about 25 -30 i spot fead alot and run vho's on them hope that helps you alittle

[rentyn79]

Great to know everyone. Thanks.

Mike

[smp]

Note that if you start with a lot of polyps they will multiply faster. 4 or 5 heads will take a while to get to 12... etc.