Good SPS Reference

[Patrick Cox]

Hi
I am looking for a good online reference for selecting SPS Corals based on care criteria. So maybe a list of the easiest to care for SPS corals. Or maybe those that don't require super low nutrient water...etc.

Thanks for your help.

Pat

 

[Nano sapiens]

Hi
I am looking for a good online reference for selecting SPS Corals based on care criteria. So maybe a list of the easiest to care for SPS corals. Or maybe those that don't require super low nutrient water...etc.

Thanks for your help.

Pat

I haven't seen anything like what you are asking for.

Part of the problem is that a particular SPS coral that one person finds easy another may find hard. One species from one location may need higher lighting/temps/lower nutrients than the same variety collected in a different location (Pavona maldivensis is a good example). Just so many variables...

One very important caveat with SPS is that too high of a nutrient level (PO4, especially) will inhibit skeletal formation and promote nuisance algae.

If you are looking for generally 'tolerant' SPS corals, then the Pavona family has many species that are quite tolerant of varying light intensities and nutrients. Pavona varians is one I've had for many years and it takes lower light and somewhat higher nutrients well. Many Monitipora can also adapt well, but generally need a decent amount of light to flourish. I have a 'Sunset Moniti' that I have growing in various different tank locations. It is known to do well in a wide range of light intensities. Ditto for many varieties of M. setosa.