lps and sps

[luscien]

hello, i have been in the hobby for a little les than a year. one thing i am still confused about is the differences between lps and sps corals.

so my questions are:
1. whats the difference?
2. what are the diferences in there husbandry?

thanks,
luscien

 

[marduc]

1) the difference is of polyp size.. Lps = large polyp scleratin; Sps = small polyp sceratin

2) this question is too broad.. both Lps and Sps categorize an extremely diverse range of organisms; all of which have their own individualized set of ideal conditions.

 

[Frick-n-Frags]

I used to argue that there was a continuum and things like galaxia and pagoda turbinaria were "MPS" medium polyp stonies.

BUT, just like last week, someone said something that, to me, makes the LPS vs SPS definition better than just a coarse polyp size grading.
this makes a turbinaria more of an SPS even though its polyps are larger than lets say a blassto, which is more of an LPS.

and here it is:

The LPS tend to have larger fleshier/slower flow setups with the ability to create large/long/massive sweepers and secondary feeding tentacles (ie at night, there is no mistaking a candycane for a cousin to an anemone). this now quickly puts mr galaxia in with the LPS, even though by quick glance, it seems more SPSish

the SPS tend to be more thin fleshed, higher current liking, and yes, the polyp size naturally has to follow flow rates. the sps fight with filaments. which BTW, even though it has pretty large polyps, to me, Hydnophora goes into SPS because it is "King Philament"

so, anyway, that's how I'm going to roll from now on.
The polyp size gradiation is definitely the primary sort parameter, but it isn't the whole story in many cases.

I think, once the coral can be categorized, then the physical tank conditions can be adjusted more towards their specific preferences more accurately.

yeah, duh, some are no brainers, like:
froggy in the PH jetstream = no-no

 

[drummereef]

Eric Borneman's book Aquarium Corals describes in detail the different classifications of Softies, LPS, and SPS. I'd pick one up. This is also a good site.

http://www.asira.org/caresheets

 

[stanlalee]

SPS skeletal structure is internal of the flesh while LPS corals stony structure is external. thats the very basic difference and as always there may be a few exceptions to the rule.

generalizing SPS are more light demanding, require more water flow and cleaner water conditions. less potent defenses.

 

[papagimp]

While everythign mentioned already is true, I also like to add that there really sin't a difference. the terms LPS and SPS are a hobbyist labled terminology. They are all stoney corals and have similar requirments. Differences in lighting and flow requirments is due to polyps size, that's about it.

I do agreew ith frick n frags here, we should have a MPS category as well, lol. I have some galaxia that I've seen labeled as SPS and LPS before, but I'd personall call it right in the middle of those two.

 

[corbett_n]

which is harder to keep LPS or SPS

 

[Bmgrocks]

sps, good water quality, more intense lighting, and heavier flow,
everyone has their preference of what is prettier.

I favor LPS, due to its fleshy nature, ablility to sway and move in a current,

Some favor the rare forms of SPS, their branching growth, and intresting skeletal structure.

 

[papagimp]

In general, LPS tend to be a little more forgiving than SPS, Not all of em, but many.

 

[SARBoy]

neither are hard providing you have very good water quality, high flow and good lighting (i'd recomend MH but i have been successful with T5's). good luck.

 

[Sk8r]

You can mix lps and sps without too many problems [sweeper tentacles travel downstream and annoy the neighbors] compared to trying to mix softies [mushrooms/zooanthids/leathers] with any stony coral. Softies spit chemicals stonies don't like, and neither does as well together as independently, I suspect. Outside of that caveat, just get an easy keeper like candycane or frogspawn on the lps side, or a montipora digitata on the sps side and have fun. They don't put a bioload on a tank---they actually help relieve it; and they're pretty besides.

 

[Henry Bowman]

Simply put, using the terms provided. SPS is more difficult to keep, require higher light and flow parameters and a much better grasp of tank chemistry (Calcium, Alk and pH) and how to keep it very consistent.

LPS as stated above are more forgiving of variations in water chemistry.

Successful SPS tanks tend to be more automated i.e. Calcium reactors, Kalk Reactors, Auto Top off's etc.. NOT to say SPS must have these items on a successful tank, it would take a very diligent reefkeeper to keep the water chem as consistent as it needs to be for these corals to thrive without these tools.

LPS on the other hand are much more tolerant of the variances that a non automated tank can or could produce.

 

[SARBoy]

I'm sorry but i must disagree to some extent. To be successful with SPS requires nothing more than normal daily maintenance (water top up Ca and Alk requirements) I have no dought that an automated system would be easy-er but not sure if you would get better results. If one takes care and is diligent there is no reason not to be very successful with SPS.