SPS vs. LPS Corals — Which Should Beginners Start With?

When starting coral keeping, the common question is: "Should I begin with SPS or LPS?" Let's compare the characteristics and difficulty levels of each.

What Are SPS and LPS?

• SPS (Small Polyp Stony): Acropora, Montipora, etc. Stony corals with small polyps
• LPS (Large Polyp Stony): Favia, Lobophyllia, etc. Stony corals with large polyps

Difficulty Level

• SPS: ★★★★★ (Difficult) — Extremely sensitive to water quality changes
• LPS: ★★★☆☆ (Moderate) — More forgiving than SPS. Accessible for beginners

Beginners should start with LPS for safety.

Required Equipment

SPS - High-performance LED or metal halide lighting (PAR 200+) - Powerful flow pumps (multiple units) - Calcium reactor or dosing pump - Protein skimmer (essential, high-performance) - RO/DI water purifier

LPS - Medium to high-performance LED lighting (PAR 50–150) - Moderate flow pump - Manageable with liquid additives (calcium, KH, etc.) - Protein skimmer (essential)

Equipment costs are significantly higher for SPS.

Water Quality Requirements

• SPS: Calcium 420–450ppm, KH 7–9, Magnesium 1,350–1,500ppm, Nitrate near 0, Phosphate near 0
• LPS: Calcium 380–420ppm, KH 7–11, Nitrate under 10ppm, Small amounts of phosphate are tolerable

SPS has an extremely narrow tolerance range. Even slight deviations can cause bleaching (death).

Lighting

• SPS: Requires strong light. Placed near the top of the tank
• LPS: Moderate light. Too much light can actually cause damage

LPS offers more flexibility in lighting choices.

Water Flow

• SPS: Strong, complex flow required. Random flow patterns are ideal
• LPS: Gentle flow. Too much flow prevents polyp extension

Growth Rate

• SPS: Relatively fast under optimal conditions. Some species grow 5–10cm per year
• LPS: Slow. A patient, long-term growing experience

Price Range

• SPS: Frags 2,000–10,000 yen. Large colonies cost tens of thousands
• LPS: 1,000–15,000 yen. Colorful Favia specimens command high prices

LPS is easier to start with. SPS requires a large initial investment including equipment.

Who Should Choose Which

LPS is recommended if you: - Are new to coral keeping - Want to limit equipment investment - Enjoy watching gentle polyp movements - Are not confident in water quality management

SPS is recommended if you: - Have extensive marine fish keeping experience - Are confident in water quality management - Want to create a colorful Acropora reef-scape - Don't mind investing in equipment

Benefits of Buying on Buri-Choku

On Buri-Choku, you can purchase frags and colonies directly from specialist coral breeders. Care advice and water quality management tips are available, making it safe for beginners to start coral keeping.