[Complete Comparison] SPS Coral vs LPS Coral | Differences in Care Difficulty, Cost, and Characteristics

What's the Difference Between SPS Corals and LPS Corals?

Anyone starting a coral tank inevitably faces the question: "Should I start with SPS or LPS?" Both are beautiful hard corals, but the required equipment, care difficulty, and maintenance costs differ significantly. This article provides a detailed comparison of both, so you can make the choice that's right for you.

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Corals are broadly divided into "hard corals" (with a skeleton) and "soft corals" (without a skeleton). Hard corals are further divided into two types.

SPS (Small Polyp Stony Coral) is a general term for stony corals with small, densely packed polyps. Representative species include Acropora, Pocillopora, and staghorn coral. They come in diverse forms such as tree-like, plate-like, and branching shapes, and are popular among advanced hobbyists who enjoy color enhancement.

LPS (Large Polyp Stony Coral) is a general term for stony corals with large, fleshy polyps. Representative species include torch corals, favia corals, flowing brain corals, and trumpet corals. Their large, swaying polyps bring movement and elegance to the tank, and they're popular with beginner and intermediate hobbyists due to being relatively easy to maintain.

Both types share the characteristic of forming calcium carbonate skeletons and hosting symbiotic zooxanthellae that provide energy through photosynthesis.

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Comparing Care Difficulty

SPS Corals: ★★★★★ (Advanced Level)

SPS corals rank among the most challenging in saltwater aquarium keeping. The main reason is their "sensitivity to water quality fluctuations."

• Water Quality Management: Calcium (420–440 ppm), KH (alkalinity 8–9 dKH), and magnesium (1280–1350 ppm) must be kept constantly stable. Even slight deviations can cause corals to bleach and, in worst cases, die.
• Nitrate and Phosphate: An ultra-low nutrient environment (nitrate below 5 ppm, phosphate below 0.05 ppm) is ideal.