SPS Coral: What Makes Them So Attractive and How to Care For Them

Small Polyp,Stony coral, or SPS coral, is an extraordinary candidate for your reef aquarium, admired for its brilliant colors and fascinating growth forms. They are a common choice for advanced aquarists, as they are both beautiful and can take dedication and know-how to master. SPS coral in Canada comes from nutrient-poor, sun bathed areas so they flourish in stable parameters and high light areas. Their vibrant colors—from neon greens and blues to deep purples and reds—are due to their symbiotic relationship with the zooxanthellae algae that live in their tissues. That partnership needs bright lighting, typically LED or T5 fixtures, that mimics sunlight and promotes plant growth. SPS corals are very particular about their conditions. These corals require a precise balance of calcium, alkalinity and magnesium to create their solid skeletons. Equally important is a strong, steady flow of water, which helps ferry nutrients and whisk away waste. Regular testing and dosing are ...