What are the care requirements of corals?
To understand the requirements of corals it helps to look at them in simplified terms. Hobbyists have come up with a non-scientific method of grouping corals, based on their physical structure, into 1 of 3 groups: Small Polyp Stoney (“SPS”), Large Polyp Stoney (“LPS”), and Soft corals (“Softies”). These groups are defined very broadly and you should research specific corals that you plan to add to your tank before adding them. SPS: Usually requires moderate to intense lighting, moderate to intense water movement, and very good to pristine water quality. SPS corals tend to be very sensitive to changes in water chemistry. Typically newbies are steered away from SPS corals and told that SPS can only be kept by elite reefkeepers. As long as you understand the corals needs and are attentive to them you can have success. Corals in the Acropora and Montipora genus are examples of “SPS” corals. LPS: Usually require medium to moderate lighting but will sometimes tolerate low or intense lighting
