Convince me SPS dominant tanks are prettier than LPS and or softie dominant

[Paleozoic_reefer]

As a softie addict I will concur with my SPS reef brothers that a healthy and diverse SPS tank is a marvel to look at, no question about it. But, a diverse mixed reef or softie tank with good flow is so relaxing to watch despite the lack of eye popping colors that I don’t think I’ll ever make the transition to a full SPS tank…

 

[landlubber]

This has definatly not been the case for me. Many LPS especially open brain type meaty corals like lobos, trachy, acanthophyllia, cynarina etc have been more finicky for me than the acros I have. I just threw a $500 acanthophyllia over the hill last week that withered away for unknown reasons after thriving for almost 2 years.

For the benefit of newer hobbyists, on average, SPS corals are more challenging, require more specialized equipment and are considered expert level corals.
It definitely doesn't mean every SPS is always tougher. But, in general, they are.
Your ability to keep water in the right spot is the difference maker, the margins are just wider when concerning LPS especially regarding higher nutrients.
My guess is you're probably just tighter with your maintenance habits and might be just more consistently delivering cleaner water which benefits an SPS coral more, again... on average, more than an LPS.

 

[corosato]

I think they can be gorgeous but I like my LPS movement. I do have some Birds nest and Stylophora that I enjoy but I just don't think I could do an all stick tank.

 

[NewbieC123]

I’ve always loved the movement that LPS and some softies provide, post some pics of your SPS dominant tank or just some of your favorite SPS. I want to be convinced to start an SPS dominant tank next!

Here’s a short of my current 40g. softies, LPS, and 2 nems. - don’t mind the nuisance algae-it’s being worked on lol

I really like your rock scape. Do
you have any pictures of it when you first set it up

 

[exnisstech]

For the benefit of newer hobbyists, on average, SPS corals are more challenging, require more specialized equipment and are considered expert level corals.
It definitely doesn't mean every SPS is always tougher. But, in general, they are.
Your ability to keep water in the right spot is the difference maker, the margins are just wider when concerning LPS especially regarding higher nutrients.
My guess is you're probably just tighter with your maintenance habits and might be just more consistently delivering cleaner water which benefits an SPS coral more, again... on average, more than an LPS.

Not sure what more specialized equipment is required? I don't even run skimmers on any of my tanks. I just have dosers for 2 part on one and AFR on another and hand dose the third which is mixed reef. I have to dose for LPS also. I think it can be as complicated or simple as someone wants to make it. But I also don't have a tank packed wall to wall acros either so more of a newb.

 

[eliaslikesfish]

I really like your rock scape. Do
you have any pictures of it when you first set it up

this is before I added all my corals, that dead coral on the left I had is gone, gave it away with Dory

 

[landlubber]

Not sure what more specialized equipment is required? I don't even run skimmers on any of my tanks. I just have dosers for 2 part on one and AFR on another and hand dose the third which is mixed reef. I have to dose for LPS also. I think it can be as complicated or simple as someone wants to make it. But I also don't have a tank packed wall to wall acros either so more of a newb.

dosers and strong lighting are both far less important for LPS than they are for SPS.
This isn't my opinion as none of this is contentious information, its just how it is.
Its great that you're able to get by using your methods. You do you bro.

 

[Solo McReefer]

I’ve always loved the movement that LPS and some softies provide, post some pics of your SPS dominant tank or just some of your favorite SPS. I want to be convinced to start an SPS dominant tank next!

Here’s a short of my current 40g. softies, LPS, and 2 nems. - don’t mind the nuisance algae-it’s being worked on lol

Probably can't

A main draw to SPS is the difficulty level

Honestly, an all bubble tip anemone tank is beautiful. And an easy tank to keep

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Probably can't

A main draw to SPS is the difficulty level

Honestly, an all bubble tip anemone tank is beautiful. And an easy tank to keep

I love seeing all the anemone tanks. My wife and I have considered dong one before.

 

[exnisstech]

dosers and strong lighting are both far less important for LPS than they are for SPS.
This isn't my opinion as none of this is contentious information, its just how it is.
Its great that you're able to get by using your methods. You do you bro.

Sorry I didn't realize dosers and lights were considered specialized equipment. My bad

 

[GARRIGA]

Convince me The Mona Lisa is pretty

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and what another thinks rather irrelevant..

 

[eliaslikesfish]

let’s see some more pics, beauty is indeed in the eye of the beholder and I think just seeing more SPS tanks and the different set ups people have could fully convince me, I would be doing it for the challenge but I’d like to see some beautiful SPS tanks from fellow members of the forum before i dive in.

 

[eliaslikesfish]

In my experience with a mixed reef (why not have both, if you have the reefing skills?!!) you have to sort of lean in one direction for success. I love LPS, but my system and I tend toward SPS dominant mixed reef. So, go with the flow and make the reef that you love.

As far as movement, I sometimes wonder if so many of the beautiful stills we see are SPS, because it's all about color and coral structure rather than motion. Just a thought.

just wow.

 

[eliaslikesfish]

I really like your rock scape. Do
you have any pictures of it when you first set it up

actually found some from the first day. brings back memories haha

 

[eliaslikesfish]

It just depends on what you like. I am actually in the process of switching from a very successful SPS tank to a full Euphyllia tank strictly to do something different.

yeah, that does look pretty dang awesome..

 

[landlubber]

actually found some from the first day. brings back memories haha

what's crazy is i remember back to when my tank looked like that and just having liverock and a functioning tank and it was plenty entertaining enough to merit hours of enjoyment.
The excitement this hobby brings when its fresh and new is a great feeling.

 

[eliaslikesfish]

what's crazy is i remember back to when my tank looked like that and just having liverock and a functioning tank and it was plenty entertaining enough to merit hours of enjoyment.
The excitement this hobby brings when its fresh and new is a great feeling.

yes!! I remember the first month when I was just cycling I would just stare at that empty tank for what accumulated to hours hahaha, and now… hours in a day.

That beginning excitement you mention, diving into something new and challenging, that is what i’m looking to have again

 

[billyocean]

I'm dominant acro but mixed reef. The challenge and color change is what draws me to it. It is rather boring for most people outside of reefing. Truth be told...xenia is IMO one of the coolest corals there is for movement. A tank with Xenia, a torch, an anemone with a clownish would cover 99% of what most non reefers would care to look at..lol.

 

[KevinC]

Wait until they said "I like those wavy thing more" or "I don't like those, they don't move"

Breaks my heart every time

 

[Miami Reef]

Acropora tanks look like bonsai trees. They are stunning.

In my opinion, the nicest tanks have a mixture of SPS, LPS, and Soft corals.