What's the Difference Between LPS, SPS, and Soft Corals?
Quick Answer
LPS (Large Polyp Stony), SPS (Small Polyp Stony), and soft corals differ in their skeletal structure and care requirements. Soft corals lack hard skeletons and are easiest to keep, LPS have large fleshy polyps with moderate care needs, and SPS require pristine conditions with high light and flow.
The three main coral categories—LPS, SPS, and soft corals—differ primarily in their skeletal structure, polyp size, and care requirements. Understanding these differences helps you choose the right corals for your tank's conditions and your experience level.
Soft Corals
Soft corals lack a hard calcium carbonate skeleton, making them flexible and resilient. They're the most beginner-friendly option.
- Examples: Mushrooms, Leather corals, Xenia, Toadstools
- Care level: Easy - tolerates imperfect conditions
- Lighting: Low to moderate (50-150 PAR)
- Flow: Low to moderate
- Growth: Often fast, may need controlling
LPS (Large Polyp Stony) Corals
LPS corals have a calcium carbonate skeleton with large, fleshy polyps. They're moderately demanding and offer stunning visual appeal.
- Examples: Torch corals, Hammer corals, Frogspawn, Brain corals
- Care level: Moderate - needs stable parameters
- Lighting: Moderate (100-200 PAR)
- Flow: Moderate, indirect
- Feeding: Benefits from target feeding
SPS (Small Polyp Stony) Corals
SPS corals have dense calcium skeletons with tiny polyps. They're the most demanding but offer incredible colors and growth patterns.
- Examples: Acropora, Montipora, Chalice
- Care level: Advanced - requires pristine, stable water
- Lighting: High (250-400+ PAR)
- Flow: High, random turbulent flow
- Demands: Precise calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium levels
Which Should You Start With?
For beginners, start with soft corals and gradually progress to LPS as your tank matures and your skills develop. SPS should wait until you have 6-12+ months of stable reefkeeping experience and excellent parameter control.
Browse all coral types on the ReefBay marketplace and track your water parameters with the ReefBay app to ensure your tank is ready for each coral category.
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