Stepping into the world of SPS (Small Polyp Stony) corals is one of the most rewarding milestones in the saltwater aquarium hobby. Their vivid colors and intricate growth patterns can turn a reef tank into a living piece of art. This guide to beginner SPS coral care will walk you through the basics so you can keep your first sticks thriving, not just surviving.
Getting Your Tank Ready for Beginner SPS
SPS corals demand stability more than anything else. Before adding your first frag, make sure your system is mature and your parameters are consistent from day to day.
Key Water Parameters
- Temperature: 77–79°F (25–26°C)
- Salinity: 1.025–1.026 specific gravity
- Alkalinity: 8–9 dKH (keep daily swings under 0.5 dKH)
- Calcium: 400–450 ppm
- Magnesium: 1300–1400 ppm
- Nitrate: 5–15 ppm
- Phosphate: 0.03–0.1 ppm
For a deeper dive into dialing in these numbers, see our guide on reef tank water parameters.
Lighting and Flow for SPS
SPS corals love bright light and strong, random flow. Most beginner-friendly SPS (like Montipora and some Acropora) do well under:
- Lighting: Moderate to high PAR (200–350), using quality LEDs, T5s, or hybrids.
- Flow: Strong, turbulent flow that keeps polyps gently waving but not blasting off tissue.
Tip: Start new SPS frags a bit lower in the tank and gradually move them up over 2–3 weeks to avoid light shock.
Choosing and Placing Beginner SPS Corals
Not all SPS are equally demanding. Some are much more forgiving and perfect for your first attempt.
Good Starter SPS Options
- Montipora digitata & Montipora capricornis: Fast-growing, colorful, and relatively tolerant.
- Birdsnest (Seriatopora): Bright colors and interesting structure, but avoid extreme swings.
- Stylophora: Chunky branches and good polyp extension, great visual feedback on health.
Place these corals where they will receive:
- Moderate to high light, depending on the species.
- Cross-flow from multiple powerheads rather than a single direct jet.
- Room to grow, away from aggressive LPS with long sweeper tentacles.
If you’re unsure how to mount your first frags, check out our step-by-step article on how to frag and mount corals.
Daily and Weekly Care Routines
Consistent routines make SPS care much easier and prevent problems before they start.
Simple Maintenance Checklist
- Daily: Check temperature, equipment, and coral polyp extension. Top off with fresh RO/DI water.
- 2–3 Times per Week: Test alkalinity; adjust dosing if needed.
- Weekly: Test nitrate, phosphate, calcium, and magnesium. Perform a 10–15% water change if needed.
- Monthly: Clean pumps and inspect for pests like flatworms or nudibranchs.
Feeding can help coloration and growth, but it’s easy to overdo. Lightly feed SPS with fine particulate foods once or twice per week, and always monitor nutrients. Our beginner reef tank setup guide covers filtration options that help manage this extra load.
Tip: When something looks off, test first and change slowly. Rapid swings in alkalinity, nutrients, or light intensity are far more dangerous to SPS than slightly “imperfect” numbers.
With a mature tank, stable parameters, and a few hardy species, beginner SPS coral care is absolutely within reach. Start with forgiving varieties, go slowly with changes, and let your corals “tell” you how they’re doing through color and polyp extension. Over time, you’ll gain the confidence and experience to keep even the most demanding SPS showpieces thriving in your reef.
Sources
- Borneman, E. H. Aquarium Corals: Selection, Husbandry, and Natural History.
- Sprung, J. Corals: A Quick Reference Guide.
- Randy Holmes-Farley, “Reef Aquarium Water Parameters” – Advanced Aquarist archives.
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