If you’re diving into the fabulous world of reef aquariums, you’ve probably encountered the terms LPS and SPS corals and wondered what on earth they mean!

Don’t worry – we’re breaking down everything you need to know about these gorgeous marine creatures in the most straightforward way possible.

Understanding Coral Classifications: The Basics

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s start with the fundamentals.

Corals are classified based on their polyp size and skeletal structure, which affects everything from their care requirements to their appearance in your tank. The two most popular types you’ll hear about are LPS and SPS corals, and knowing the difference is absolutely essential for reef keeping success!

What Does LPS Mean? Large Polyp Stony Corals Explained

LPS stands for Large Polyp Stony Corals, and honestly, they’re some of the most beginner friendly corals you can add to your reef tank! These corals have a hard calcium carbonate skeleton (that’s the “stony” part) and feature large fleshy polyps that extend from their base.

Characteristics of LPS Corals

LPS corals are total showstoppers with their dramatic flowing tentacles and vibrant colors. Here’s what makes them special:

Physical Features: LPS corals have polyps that are typically larger than 2mm in diameter, and some can extend several inches! Their fleshy tissue gives them that gorgeous pillowy appearance that makes them look almost like underwater flowers.

Growth Rate: These corals grow at a moderate pace, which is perfect if you’re looking for something that won’t require constant fragging or maintenance.

Popular LPS Coral Species:

• Hammer corals (Euphyllia ancora)
• Torch corals (Euphyllia glabrescens)
• Frogspawn corals (Euphyllia divisa)
• Brain corals (Trachyphyllia geoffroyi)
• Blastomussa
• Acanthastrea
• Chalice corals

LPS Coral Care Requirements

The wonderful thing about LPS corals is that they’re generally more forgiving than their SPS cousins. Here’s what they need to thrive:

• Lighting: Moderate lighting is typically perfect for LPS corals. They don’t require the intense illumination that SPS corals demand, which makes them more energy efficient and budget friendly!

• Water Flow: LPS corals prefer low to moderate water flow. Too much current can damage their delicate tissue, so aim for gentle indirect flow that keeps them gently swaying.

• Water Parameters: While they appreciate stable water conditions, LPS corals are more tolerant of minor fluctuations. Maintain calcium levels around 400 to 450 ppm, alkalinity between 8 to 11 dKH, and magnesium at 1250 to 1350 ppm.

• Feeding: Here’s a major plus – many LPS corals are fantastic eaters! They benefit from target feeding with meaty foods like mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, or specialized coral foods a few times per week.

What Does SPS Mean? Small Polyp Stony Corals Decoded

SPS stands for Small Polyp Stony Corals, and these are the supermodels of the coral world – they’re absolutely gorgeous but requiring a bit more attention! Like LPS corals, they have calcium carbonate skeletons, but their polyps are much tinier.

Characteristics of SPS Corals

SPS corals are known for their intricate branching structures and incredible color variations. Here’s what sets them apart:

Physical Features: SPS corals have tiny polyps (less than 2mm in diameter) that give their surface a fuzzy or velvety appearance when extended. Their hard calcified structures create those stunning reef formations you see in nature documentaries!

Growth Rate: These corals can grow quickly under optimal conditions, creating beautiful branching or plating formations that add serious dimension to your aquascape.

Popular SPS Coral Species: The most sought after varieties include

• Acropora (the crown jewel of SPS corals!)
• Montipora
• Stylophora
• Pocillopora
• Seriatopora
• Birdsnest corals

SPS Coral Care Requirements

SPS corals are definitely more demanding, but the payoff is so worth it! Here’s what they need:

• Lighting: High intensity lighting is essential for SPS corals. They’re typically placed in the upper portions of the tank where light is strongest. Many reef keepers use powerful LED systems or T5 fixtures to keep them happy.

• Water Flow: Strong turbulent water flow is crucial! SPS corals need excellent flow to remove waste, deliver nutrients, and prevent tissue recession.

• Water Parameters: SPS corals are total perfectionists about water quality. They require pristine conditions with stable parameters: calcium 420 to 450 ppm, alkalinity 8 to 9.5 dKH, magnesium 1300 to 1400 ppm, nitrates below 10 ppm, and phosphates near zero (0.03 to 0.05 ppm).

• Feeding: While SPS corals primarily rely on photosynthesis through their zooxanthellae (symbiotic algae), they also benefit from amino acids and coral foods designed for small polyp corals.

LPS vs SPS Corals: Which Should You Choose?

Choosing between LPS and SPS corals really depends on your experience level, equipment, and what kind of reef aesthetic you’re going for!

Best for Beginners: LPS Corals

If you’re just starting your reef keeping journey, LPS corals are absolutely the way to go! They’re more forgiving, require less intense lighting, and will reward you with gorgeous movement and color without breaking the bank on equipment.

Best for Advanced Reef Keepers: SPS Corals

Once you’ve mastered water chemistry and invested in high quality equipment, SPS corals offer an incredible challenge and stunning results. The color variations and growth patterns you can achieve are truly spectacular!

Can You Keep Both?

Absolutely! Many successful reef tanks feature both LPS and SPS corals. The key is careful placement – SPS corals go higher in the tank under intense light, while LPS corals thrive in the lower to middle sections with moderate lighting and flow.

Essential Equipment Differences

The equipment you’ll need varies significantly between LPS and SPS dominant tanks:

For LPS Focused Tanks: Moderate lighting (PAR 75 to 150), gentler circulation pumps, and slightly more relaxed maintenance schedules.

For SPS Focused Tanks: High output lighting (PAR 200 to 400+), powerful circulation pumps, protein skimmers, calcium reactors or dosing systems, and very consistent water changes are essential.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Whether you’re keeping LPS or SPS corals, watch out for these pitfalls:

For LPS: Overfeeding (which leads to poor water quality), placing them in too much flow, insufficient spacing between corals (those sweeper tentacles can be aggressive!), and dramatic parameter swings.

For SPS: Inadequate lighting, poor water flow, unstable parameters, introducing them too early to a new tank (patience is key!), and not testing regularly.

Making Your Coral Choice: Final Thoughts

Understanding what LPS and SPS corals mean is your first step toward creating an absolutely fabulous reef aquarium! LPS corals offer that perfect combination of beauty and beginner friendliness, while SPS corals provide the ultimate challenge for experienced hobbyists ready to take their tank to the next level.

The most important thing is to choose corals that match your current setup and experience level. There’s no shame in starting with gorgeous LPS corals and working your way up to SPS as your skills and equipment improve!

Remember, successful reef keeping is all about patience, consistency, and learning from the amazing reef community. Whether you choose LPS, SPS, or a stunning combination of both, you’re embarking on one of the most rewarding hobbies out there!

Ready to add some corals to your tank? Start with proper research, test your water parameters, and choose species that match your current setup. Your dream reef is closer than you think!