Acropora
WYSIWYG
SPS CORALS
Small Polyp Stony (SPS) corals are a great addition to any reef aquarium, celebrated for their striking colors, intricate skeletal structures, and essential role in maintaining healthy marine ecosystems. Unlike their larger polyp counterparts, SPS corals have tiny feeding polyps that retract into their hard skeletons, creating a unique and captivating display.
Key Requirements for Successful SPS Coral Care
Lighting:
SPS corals thrive in bright lighting conditions, requiring high levels of PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation) to support their growth and vibrant coloration. Ideal PAR levels range between 200 and 500 µmol/m²/s, depending on the specific species and placement within the aquarium. Ensure that your lighting system—whether LED, T5, or metal halide—is capable of providing consistent, high-intensity light. Proper acclimation is also crucial, as sudden increases in light intensity can cause stress or damage to these sensitive corals.
Water Flow:
Flow is another critical aspect of SPS coral health. These corals prefer moderate to high water flow, which helps deliver essential nutrients and oxygen while removing waste and detritus. A flow rate of 10 to 30x the volume of your tank per hour is often recommended, with turbulent water movement ideal for encouraging strong growth and preventing sediment buildup on their surfaces. Utilize wavemakers or adjustable pumps to create dynamic water flow patterns, ensuring that all areas of your coral are adequately nourished.
Water Parameters:
Maintaining stable water parameters is essential for the successful growth of SPS corals. Key parameters to monitor include:
- Temperature: 75-80°F (24-27°C)
- Salinity: 1.024-1.026 SG
- pH: 7.8-8.4
- Alkalinity: 8-12 dKH
- Calcium: 400-450 ppm
- Magnesium: 1250-1350 ppm
WYSIWYG
SPS CORALS
Small Polyp Stony (SPS) corals are a great addition to any reef aquarium, celebrated for their striking colors, intricate skeletal structures, and essential role in maintaining healthy marine ecosystems. Unlike their larger polyp counterparts, SPS corals have tiny feeding polyps that retract into their hard skeletons, creating a unique and captivating display.
Key Requirements for Successful SPS Coral Care
Lighting:
SPS corals thrive in bright lighting conditions, requiring high levels of PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation) to support their growth and vibrant coloration. Ideal PAR levels range between 200 and 500 µmol/m²/s, depending on the specific species and placement within the aquarium. Ensure that your lighting system—whether LED, T5, or metal halide—is capable of providing consistent, high-intensity light. Proper acclimation is also crucial, as sudden increases in light intensity can cause stress or damage to these sensitive corals.
Water Flow:
Flow is another critical aspect of SPS coral health. These corals prefer moderate to high water flow, which helps deliver essential nutrients and oxygen while removing waste and detritus. A flow rate of 10 to 30x the volume of your tank per hour is often recommended, with turbulent water movement ideal for encouraging strong growth and preventing sediment buildup on their surfaces. Utilize wavemakers or adjustable pumps to create dynamic water flow patterns, ensuring that all areas of your coral are adequately nourished.
Water Parameters:
Maintaining stable water parameters is essential for the successful growth of SPS corals. Key parameters to monitor include:
- Temperature: 75-80°F (24-27°C)
- Salinity: 1.024-1.026 SG
- pH: 7.8-8.4
- Alkalinity: 8-12 dKH
- Calcium: 400-450 ppm
- Magnesium: 1250-1350 ppm
WYSIWYG
SPS CORALS
Small Polyp Stony (SPS) corals are a great addition to any reef aquarium, celebrated for their striking colors, intricate skeletal structures, and essential role in maintaining healthy marine ecosystems. Unlike their larger polyp counterparts, SPS corals have tiny feeding polyps that retract into their hard skeletons, creating a unique and captivating display.
Key Requirements for Successful SPS Coral Care
Lighting:
SPS corals thrive in bright lighting conditions, requiring high levels of PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation) to support their growth and vibrant coloration. Ideal PAR levels range between 200 and 500 µmol/m²/s, depending on the specific species and placement within the aquarium. Ensure that your lighting system—whether LED, T5, or metal halide—is capable of providing consistent, high-intensity light. Proper acclimation is also crucial, as sudden increases in light intensity can cause stress or damage to these sensitive corals.
Water Flow:
Flow is another critical aspect of SPS coral health. These corals prefer moderate to high water flow, which helps deliver essential nutrients and oxygen while removing waste and detritus. A flow rate of 10 to 30x the volume of your tank per hour is often recommended, with turbulent water movement ideal for encouraging strong growth and preventing sediment buildup on their surfaces. Utilize wavemakers or adjustable pumps to create dynamic water flow patterns, ensuring that all areas of your coral are adequately nourished.
Water Parameters:
Maintaining stable water parameters is essential for the successful growth of SPS corals. Key parameters to monitor include:
- Temperature: 75-80°F (24-27°C)
- Salinity: 1.024-1.026 SG
- pH: 7.8-8.4
- Alkalinity: 8-12 dKH
- Calcium: 400-450 ppm
- Magnesium: 1250-1350 ppm
