ONLINE NEWSLETTER - 6th Edition
Articles by Tammy J. Keiffer
Coral Care Research Before Purchase | February 2011
Corals are classified as SPS Hard Corals, LPS Hard Corals, Soft Corals, Seafans, Mushrooms, and Polyps. Some are suitable for beginners and the difficult to keep variety are only recommended for advanced aquarists. Several are not recommended to anyone due to low success rates. The three types of lighting different corals require are: moderate, high, or intense. Place low light corals near the bottom and light loving corals at the top of the rockwork. Corals have behaviors that range from aggressive to peaceful. As always research before purchase and plan prior to set up. Many start with a fish only system. Once water parameters, lighting, filtration, and additional equipment are learned slowly begin to add corals.
LPS Hard | Large Polyp Stony Corals
Most of these have tentacles that sweep in the current. Torch, Frogspawn, Hammer, Bubble, Plate, Tube, and Elegance are popular. Plenty of space should be provided as these are aggressive corals. These are easy to care for and are often placed on the bottom of the aquarium depending on light intensity.
SPS Hard | Small Polyp Stony Corals
SPS corals are recommended to experienced aquarist. They have a hard skeleton and include species of Montipora, Acropora, Stylopora, and many more. Moderate to high lighting. Most range in the moderate to difficult to keep range. Water flow should be Medium to High depending on the species. Some are aggressive toward other corals. Placement varies with the majority requiring middle to high.
Mushrooms
Easy to keep and will multiply quickly given the correct conditions. Green Florescent, Red, Green Striped, Spotted, Lavender, and Ricordia varieties are common in reef keeping. Mushrooms can be placed anywhere in the aquarium; however, some do need to be placed on the bottom. They are semi aggressive to aggressive in behavior. Give them room. They prefer low - medium water flow and moderate - high lighting.
Soft Corals
Soft corals are recommended for those new to the hobby of reef keeping. They include all Leathers, Pipe Organ, Kenya Tree, Carnation Tree, Cauliflower Colt, etc. Most of these can be placed basically anywhere within the tank with moderate - high lighting and medium - strong water flow. The soft corals that require low lighting are Carnation Tree, Christmas Tree,and Orange Cauliflower Corals.
Polyps
Zooanthids, Button Polyps, Colony Polyps, Star Polyps, Glove Polyps, etc.
Polyps are semi aggressive - aggressive. High lighting and medium water flow are efficient for most. Can be positioned center or bottom.
Seafans
Seafans/ Gorgonian's are not easy to care for as most need special requirements that are often overlooked.
Many Gorgonian's require a deep sand bed. They are moderate to difficult to take care of. Lighting and water flow vary by type.
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