What is a ‘mixed’ reef

[i cant think]

It seems now the term ‘mixed reef’ is thrown around, I see LPS/SPS reefs classed as Mixed, I’ve seen LPS/Softies classed as Mixed. But a mixed reef, does it mean you’re varying with RSWC fish as well as having all 3 types of coral, is it just having the 3 types of coral or is it only having 2 types of coral?

 

[Cell]

I consider it to be just a coral term.

To me, the classical definition would be a mix of LPS and SPS. I guess you could include softies as a 3rd category, but when i think of a "mixed reef", I think of an increased level of difficulty associated with growing LPS and SPS in the same tank.

 

[MrGisonni]

Sps, lps and soft corals including some anemones. That is what a mixed reef is to me

 

[exnisstech]

Sps, lps and soft corals including some anemones. That is what a mixed reef is to me

^This^ for me. But I guess really if you have more than one type of coral I it's technically a mixture a of sorts

 

[1112-425XL]

My .02 cents!
fowlr- fish only
Reef tank- corals only
Mixed Reef- Corals and Fish, any and all types...

 

[i cant think]

To me, the classical definition would be a mix of LPS and SPS. I think of an increased level of difficulty associated with growing LPS and SPS in the same tank.

Surely the hardest level of difficulty comes with Softies, LPS and SPS growing altogether.

Also, another thing I think we should take into account is that SPS and LPS are usually lumped together as ‘Stony Corals’ and scientifically they are essentially the same type of coral. So does this change it?

 

[kevgib67]

Not to me, they still in their separate category. I’ve always thought of a mixed tank as two or more of the three categories. But as mentioned above I guess anemones count.

 

[Rp8]

mixed reef to me=a mix of spa lps and softies. Fish not included.

 

[Kasrift]

Sps, lps and soft corals including some anemones. That is what a mixed reef is to me

Agree. I have the Pokémon collection attitude and have a “one of everything “ including a BTA and a crocea though I get that clams limit fish stock that may nip at the mantles.

 

[Blopple]

To me it would be a mix of SPS/LPS/softies and in generally equal amounts.

A full tank of sticks with some zoas and candy canes in the corner is not a mixed reef to me.

Hard to define, but I know it when I see it, bahahaha.

 

[Kasrift]

To me it would be a mix of SPS/LPS/softies and in generally equal amounts.

A full tank of sticks with some zoas and candy canes in the corner is not a mixed reef to me.

Hard to define, but I know it when I see it, bahahaha.

That’s actually a good way to look at it, it’s about ratios to visually blend the landscape.

 

[fish farmer]

To me it would be a mix of SPS/LPS/softies and in generally equal amounts.

A full tank of sticks with some zoas and candy canes in the corner is not a mixed reef to me.

Hard to define, but I know it when I see it, bahahaha.

I agree with that.

I have a Psammacora existing in my tank, but it is pretty much 50/50 lps and softies.

 

[shakacuz]

if your tank has more than 1 type of coral, it’s mixed. at least, in my opinion.

there are probably a few nuances or technicalities that change or dictate things based on the individual

 

[Hooz]

Flow and light dictate "mixed reef" to me. SPS, LPS and softies have pretty different flow and light preferences. Even within the "LPS" category, it can vary a lot.

If you can find a way to be successful with multiple types in a single tank, that's something!

 

[Dbichler]

It has always been sps lps and softies.

 

[FishTruck]

It is a high light, low light, high flow, low flow, high nutrient, low nutrient tank

 

[Seansea]

It is a high light, low light, high flow, low flow, high nutrient, low nutrient tank

Hahhahhaha

Mixxed reefs are tough. Having a hammer not to far from an acro and trying to keep them both happy is rough. And mushrooms are even tougher. They like no flow

 

[vetteguy53081]

To me. . . . a mixture/combo of fish, LPS and SPS coral, inverts

 

[randomfishdude]

I say a tank that has a bunch of stuff mixed together that wouldn't be mixed together in the wild.

 

[steveschuerger]

To me. . . . a mixture/combo of fish, LPS and SPS coral, inverts

This answer speaks to me. I don’t feel that my reef, even after 15 months is anywhere near mature but it’s slowly getting there.
Here’s my take on a mixed reef