A Thread Synopsis: How to Keep SPS Corals Happy and Healthy

[revhtree]

image via @Epic Aquaculture

A Thread Synopsis: How to Keep SPS Corals Happy and Healthy​

For more details on this topic please visit the full Reef2Reef thread here.

SPS (Small Polyp Stony) corals are some of the most stunning and rewarding corals you can have in your reef tank, but they’re also a bit tricky to care for. Their vibrant colors and intricate structures make them a showstopper, but keeping them healthy requires attention to detail. Here are 10 tips to help your SPS corals thrive, based on advice from seasoned reef keepers:

1. Keep Water Parameters Stable​

SPS corals don’t like change, especially when it comes to water chemistry. Make sure your temperature, pH, alkalinity, calcium, and magnesium levels are always in check. These guys are sensitive!

• Temperature: 75–80°F (24–27°C)
• Salinity: 1.025–1.027
• pH: 7.8–8.5
• Alkalinity: 7–9 dKH
• Calcium: 400–450 ppm
• Magnesium: 1200–1350 ppm

2. Give Them Enough Light​

SPS corals need strong lighting, typically 250–400 PAR. LED lights with adjustable spectrums are a great option because they let you fine-tune the light to meet the needs of your corals. A mix of blue and white light mimics the natural sunlight they’re used to.

3. Ensure Strong Water Flow​

These corals love water movement. A strong, chaotic flow helps deliver nutrients and remove waste. Aim for 20–30 times the tank’s volume per hour with powerheads or wave pumps. Be careful not to create dead spots where debris can accumulate.

4. Feed, But Don’t Overfeed​

While SPS corals get most of their energy from light, they still benefit from supplemental feeding. Offer them some liquid phytoplankton, zooplankton, or amino acids, but don’t overdo it—excess food can mess with your water quality.

5. Do Regular Water Changes​

Water changes help maintain water quality and keep nutrient levels low. Aim for 10–20% every two weeks to keep your water clean and your corals happy.

6. Keep Nitrates and Phosphates Low​

High levels of nitrates and phosphates can cause algae to take over, which is bad news for your SPS corals. Keep nitrates below 5–10 ppm and phosphates under 0.05 ppm. Using a protein skimmer and macroalgae in a refugium can help control nutrient levels.

7. Minimize Stress​

SPS corals are easily stressed by water parameter fluctuations, rough handling, and pests like Aiptasia or flatworms. Keep their environment stable and free of predators to avoid stress.

8. Use a Quality Protein Skimmer​

A good protein skimmer will keep your water clean by removing organic compounds before they break down into nitrates and phosphates. This also keeps the water clear, letting more light reach your corals.

9. Place Them Properly​

SPS corals need high light and strong flow, so position them near the top of the tank where they’ll get the best of both. Be mindful of space—they can be aggressive and harm neighboring corals with their stinging tentacles.

10. Watch for Changes in Growth and Color​

Healthy SPS corals should show steady growth and vibrant colors. If you notice browning, bleaching, or slow growth, it could be a sign that something’s off with your water, lighting, or nutrients.

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This is not an exhaustive list but will give you a great foundation for keeping SPS corals more successfully!

For more details on this topic please visit the full Reef2Reef thread here.

image via @gws3

 

[rtparty]

Number 6 needs a revision. Excess algae growth is from a lack of herbivores, not nutrient levels. There are other reasons to keep N and P under control but limiting algal growth is not one of them

 

[Trevor40]

I agree with this list. I have also learned that pests can be a huge problem for acropora. Dip everything and treat the tank with interceptor from time to time if polyp extension is not looking good.
For advanced hobbyists, ICP tests with some trace element adjustments improves coral health.

 

[Reefer Matt]

My nitrate is 20-25 ppm most of the time. I have to dose phosphate to keep it at .05 ppm. I do keep a lot of cuc, but I attribute the vivid color of my coral to the nitrate, lighting, and flow of my tank. Par is 150-280 on average.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

I'm bookmarking this thread for whenever I decide to get SPS coral!