SPS Corals (Small Polyp Stony)

Small Polyped Stony Corals (SPS) are the foundation of the ocean's reefs. The calcium-rich skeletons of SPS corals lend their structure, stability and protection to thousands of other reef life forms including fish, invertebrates and more fragile coral species.They are usually either branching or plated. For the most part they enjoy bright light and strong currents. They are often fragile and are propagated by breaking off pieces.

SPS corals used to be considered very challenging. A few discoveries in the last decade or so have brought them into the realm of the average aquarist. Today it is not uncommon to see various species of acropora, montipora, and other species of SPS corals growing and thriving.

Since SPS corals usually occupy the reef flats in turbulent water, they require high light levels produced by power compact fluorescent or metal halide and strong water currents or turbulence. They also require very stable temperatures and excellent water quality to thrive. Levels of calcium, strontium, and trace elements must be maintained with frequent water changes and additions. Calcium levels should be maintained at about 450ppm to 480ppm to achieve good growth. Feeding should constist of microplankton once a week.

A thriving SPS reef tank is an amazing thing to behold. The variety of colors and growth patterns are what keep reef aquarium hobbyists constantly searching for new ways to improve their ability to care for and raise these delicate creatures. Regular improvements in coral farming ( referred to as "aquaculture") have provided the hobby with new and exciting species that were never before available, without harming the fragile ecosystem of the coral reefs. Aquacultured corals also tend to be hardier than wild harvested SPS corals.

There is perhaps no greater single pleasure for the reef aquarium hobbyist than to grow tiny coral frags into premium SPS colonies. "Fragging" is the term used by reef hobbyists to describe the practice of coral propagation, performed by breaking or cutting small living pieces from healthy SPS colonies and giving, trading or selling them to friends, acquaintances and even strangers. The recipient of these SPS frags, as they are called, will typically use an epoxy or superglue to affix them to a piece of live rock, provide them with the key critical elements (light, flow and filtration) and watch them eventually turn into beautiful coral colonies themselves- to be fragged again.