Are You Ready for SPS Corals?
Small Polyp Stony (SPS) corals like Acropora and Montipora are the crown jewel of reef tanks — vibrant, structured, and visually stunning. But they’re not beginner-friendly. Before you take the plunge, it’s important to understand what makes SPS different — and whether your tank is ready to handle them.
What Makes SPS Corals Challenging?
SPS corals have thinner tissue, faster growth rates, and much less tolerance for instability compared to softies or LPS. They demand precision, consistency, and strong infrastructure.
- Water Parameters: SPS need stable alkalinity, calcium, magnesium, and nutrient levels. Even small swings can cause tissue loss or stunted growth.
- Lighting: High PAR (200–400) with proper spectrum is crucial. Most SPS need strong, even lighting from LED, T5, or hybrid setups.
- Flow: These corals rely on high, chaotic flow to stay clean and oxygenated. Dead spots lead to detritus buildup and tissue recession.
Signs You’re Ready for SPS
- Your tank has been running for at least 6 months with no major issues
- You test water weekly and understand how to correct imbalances gradually
- You’ve successfully kept LPS and softies with strong colour and growth
- Your dosing and filtration systems are dialled in and reliable
Start Smart: SPS Beginner Tips
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Start with Montipora
Montis are generally more forgiving than Acropora and make a great entry point. -
Dip and QT
SPS pests like flatworms and nudibranchs are common. Dip all new pieces and consider quarantining. -
Track Alk Daily at First
Alkalinity is the most volatile parameter — small shifts can crash your colony. Automated testers or daily tests are highly recommended.
The Gear That Helps
- Reliable Dosing System (e.g. Neptune DOS)
- PAR-capable lighting (AI Hydra, Radion, etc.)
- High-flow wavemakers (AI Nero, Ecotech Vortech)
- Stable testing via Neptune Trident or manual kits
The Bottom Line
SPS corals reward patience and discipline. They’re not for every tank — and that’s okay. But if you’re ready to level up, they can take your reef from good to world-class.
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