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The ReefBum Guide to Keeping an SPS Reef Tank: A Comprehensive Guide for Success

Harvey Hughes

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Published in A ReefBum S Guide To Keeping An SPS Reef Tank: A Blueprint For Success

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SPS (small polyp stony) corals are some of the most beautiful and challenging corals to keep in a reef tank. They require pristine water conditions, high light levels, and strong water flow to thrive. But with proper care, they can be a rewarding addition to any reef aquarium.

This guide will provide you with all the information you need to successfully keep SPS corals in your reef tank. We'll cover everything from choosing the right corals to providing them with the proper care. So whether you're a beginner or an experienced reef keeper, this guide will help you achieve success with SPS corals.

A ReefBum’s Guide To Keeping an SPS Reef Tank: A Blueprint For Success

by Jacky Hyams

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Language	:	English
File size	:	22708 KB
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Choosing SPS Corals

When choosing SPS corals for your reef tank, it's important to consider the following factors:

Light requirements: SPS corals require high light levels to thrive. They should be placed in an area of your tank that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Water flow requirements: SPS corals need strong water flow to remove waste products and prevent them from becoming overgrown with algae. They should be placed in an area of your tank with a high current.
Water quality requirements: SPS corals require pristine water conditions to thrive. They are sensitive to high levels of nitrates, phosphates, and other pollutants. It's important to maintain a regular water change schedule and use a high-quality protein skimmer to remove waste products from the water.

Providing the Proper Care for SPS Corals

Once you've chosen the right SPS corals for your reef tank, it's important to provide them with the proper care to ensure their success. Here are some tips:

Provide high light levels: SPS corals require high light levels to thrive. They should be placed in an area of your tank that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. If you don't have a lot of natural light, you can use artificial lighting to supplement the light levels in your tank.
Provide strong water flow: SPS corals need strong water flow to remove waste products and prevent them from becoming overgrown with algae. They should be placed in an area of your tank with a high current. You can use a powerhead or wavemaker to create a strong current in your tank.
Maintain pristine water quality: SPS corals are sensitive to high levels of nitrates, phosphates, and other pollutants. It's important to maintain a regular water change schedule and use a high-quality protein skimmer to remove waste products from the water.
Feed your SPS corals regularly: SPS corals are filter feeders and they need to be fed regularly to meet their nutritional needs. You can feed them a variety of foods, such as live brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, or frozen foods. You can also use a coral feeder to feed your SPS corals.

Troubleshooting SPS Coral Problems

If you're having problems keeping your SPS corals alive, there are a few things you can check:

Light levels: Make sure your SPS corals are receiving enough light. They should be placed in an area of your tank that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. If you don't have a lot of natural light, you can use artificial lighting to supplement the light levels in your tank.
Water flow: Make sure your SPS corals are getting enough water flow. They should be placed in an area of your tank with a high current. You can use a powerhead or wavemaker to create a strong current in your tank.
Water quality: Make sure your water quality is pristine. SPS corals are sensitive to high levels of nitrates, phosphates, and other pollutants. It's important to maintain a regular water change schedule and use a high-quality protein skimmer to remove waste products from the water.
Feeding: Make sure your SPS corals are getting enough food. They should be fed a variety of foods, such as live brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, or frozen foods. You can also use a coral feeder to feed your SPS corals.

SPS corals can be a rewarding addition to any reef aquarium. But they require pristine water conditions, high light levels, and strong water flow to thrive. By following the tips in this guide, you can provide your SPS corals with the proper care they need to succeed.

Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful: