Best Corals for High Flow Reef Tanks: SPS Species That Thrive in Strong Currents

If you've invested in powerful powerheads or wavemakers and want corals that won't just tolerate strong flow but actually thrive in it, you're in the right place. While many corals prefer calmer water, certain species have evolved in high-energy reef zones where they're battered by waves and currents. These are the corals that will flourish in your high-flow tank.

Why Some Corals Love High Flow

In their natural habitat, many SPS corals grow on exposed reef crests and shallow areas where wave action is intense. This environment shapes their growth patterns - they develop thicker, more robust skeletons and shorter, sturdier branches than their deeper-water cousins.

High flow benefits these corals by:

• Delivering more food particles and nutrients
• Increasing gas exchange for photosynthesis
• Preventing waste and mucus buildup
• Strengthening skeletal development

Top SPS Corals for High Flow

1. Acropora Species

Acropora are the kings of high flow. These branching SPS corals come from wave-exposed reef zones and actually require strong, turbulent water movement to thrive. In insufficient flow, Acros develop weak, spindly branches prone to breakage.

• Recommended flow: 50-100x tank turnover or higher
• Flow type: Random, turbulent patterns work best
• Popular varieties: Millepora, Tenuis, Staghorn, Table corals

2. Montipora

Montipora corals handle strong flow nearly as well as Acropora while being more forgiving overall. Both plating and branching varieties appreciate good water movement.

• Recommended flow: 40-80x turnover
• Popular varieties: Digitata, Capricornis, Setosa

3. Pocillopora

Pocillopora (often called Cauliflower corals) thrive in high flow environments. They're faster growing than Acros and equally flow-tolerant, making them excellent choices for high-energy tanks.

• Recommended flow: 50-80x turnover
• Bonus: Often hosts pistol shrimp and gobies

4. Stylophora

Another excellent high-flow SPS, Stylophora develops dense, compact growth in strong currents. They're hardier than Acropora while still appreciating serious water movement.

• Recommended flow: 40-70x turnover
• Great beginner SPS for high-flow tanks

5. Seriatopora (Birdsnest)

Birdsnest corals grow into dense thickets and handle high flow well. Their fine branches move beautifully in strong current while staying firmly attached.

• Recommended flow: 40-60x turnover
• Fast growing and relatively hardy

LPS That Handle High Flow

Most LPS prefer moderate to low flow, but a few exceptions exist:

Goniopora

Unlike other LPS, many Goniopora actually prefer moderate-high flow that keeps their long polyps moving and fed. Place them where they catch current without being blasted directly.

Alveopora

Similar to Goniopora, Alveopora does well in flowing water that keeps polyps waving naturally.

Setting Up a High-Flow Tank

Equipment Recommendations

• Multiple powerheads: Create crossing patterns for random turbulence
• Gyre pumps: Excellent for generating tank-wide flow
• Controllable wavemakers: Vary intensity throughout the day

Placement Strategy

• Place high-flow SPS at the top of rock structures
• Position pumps to create chaotic intersection patterns
• Leave calmer zones at the bottom for any lower-flow corals

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Direct Blasting

Even flow-loving corals don't want a powerhead pointed directly at them 24/7. Aim for indirect, random flow patterns rather than constant laminar streams.

Ignoring Feeding

High flow means food particles pass quickly. Some direct feeding may help SPS corals even in well-fed systems. Turn flow down briefly during feeding.

Starting Too Strong

New corals need time to acclimate. Start with moderate flow and increase gradually as corals settle in.

Conclusion

High-flow reef tanks open up exciting possibilities for SPS-dominated systems with stunning Acropora forests and Montipora gardens. The key is choosing species that evolved for these conditions rather than forcing flow-sensitive corals into unsuitable environments.

Browse Acropora, Montipora, and other high-flow corals on the ReefBay marketplace, and track your coral's response to flow changes with the ReefBay app.