Lps Reef Tank – Mastery
Do you ever find yourself staring at those high-end reef displays, mesmerized by the swaying movement of colorful tentacles?
If you have ever felt that keeping a stunning reef is too difficult or expensive, you are not alone.
In this guide, we are going to show you why an lps reef tank is actually the perfect “sweet spot” for most hobbyists.
We will cover everything from water chemistry and lighting to the best coral species for beginners and advanced keepers alike.
By the time you finish reading, you will have a clear, actionable roadmap to building a thriving underwater ecosystem.
Let’s dive into the world of Large Polyp Stony corals and transform your aquarium into a living work of art!
Understanding the Appeal of Large Polyp Stony Corals
If you are looking for a balance between the ease of soft corals and the prestige of “SPS” (Small Polyp Stony) corals, you have found it.
An lps reef tank provides incredible visual movement, a wide array of neon colors, and a much more forgiving nature than many people realize.
These corals are characterized by their hard, calcium-based skeletons and large, fleshy polyps that extend into the water column.
Unlike their SPS cousins, which often look like static “sticks,” LPS corals sway beautifully in the current, adding a sense of life to the room.
Whether it is the rhythmic pulsing of a Xenia or the long, flowing arms of a Torch coral, the motion is truly therapeutic.
The Foundation: Setting Up Your LPS Reef Tank
Before you go out and buy your first coral frag, you need a solid foundation to ensure your inhabitants thrive.
A successful lps reef tank relies on stability rather than perfection, which is great news for those of us with busy schedules.
While you can start with a small “nano” tank, a larger volume (30-50 gallons) provides a much better buffer against chemistry swings.
Choosing the Right Lighting
Lighting is the primary energy source for your corals through their symbiotic relationship with zooxanthellae algae.
For most LPS species, you want to aim for “moderate” lighting, typically measured as 75 to 150 PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation).
High-end LED fixtures are popular because they allow you to customize the blue spectrum, which makes your corals “pop” or fluoresce.
If your light is too intense, you might see the coral’s flesh retract or even bleach white as it expels its algae.
Conversely, if the light is too dim, the coral will stretch out its polyps or turn brown to maximize light absorption.
Mastering Water Flow
Flow is often overlooked, but it is critical for transporting nutrients to the coral and carrying away metabolic waste.
In an lps reef tank, you want “turbulent” or “random” flow rather than a direct, constant blast from a powerhead.
Imagine a gentle breeze blowing through a field of tall grass; that is the exact effect you want for your corals.
If the flow is too strong, the delicate tissue of the coral can be pushed against its own sharp skeleton, causing tears or infections.
Aim for enough movement so that the polyps sway gently, ensuring no detritus (waste) settles on the coral’s surface.
Water Chemistry: The “Big Three” and Beyond
To build those beautiful stony skeletons, your corals need specific minerals from the water column.
Maintaining stable levels of Calcium, Alkalinity, and Magnesium is the secret sauce to a healthy reef.
Alkalinity (dKH)
Alkalinity is arguably the most important parameter in any reef aquarium because it buffers the pH and provides carbonates for growth.
Most hobbyists find success keeping their alkalinity between 8 and 9 dKH (Degrees of Carbonate Hardness).
The key is to avoid “swings”; a sudden jump or drop in alkalinity is one of the fastest ways to stress or kill LPS corals.
Calcium and Magnesium
Calcium should ideally be maintained between 420 and 450 ppm (parts per million) to support skeletal development.
Magnesium acts as a stabilizer, preventing the Calcium and Alkalinity from chemically “crashing” out of the water.
Keep your Magnesium around 1350 ppm, and you will find that your other levels stay much more consistent.
Nutrients: Nitrates and Phosphates
In the past, reefers tried to keep their water “ultra-low nutrient,” but we now know that LPS corals actually prefer “dirtier” water.
They thrive when there are measurable amounts of Nitrate (5–10 ppm) and Phosphate (0.03–0.1 ppm) available.
Think of these nutrients as “coral food” that helps them maintain their vibrant colors and fleshy appearance.
If your water is too clean, your corals may look “thin” or lose their color, appearing pale and translucent.
Essential Equipment for Success
While you don’t need every gadget on the market, a few key pieces of equipment will make your life much easier.
Protein Skimmer: This helps remove organic waste before it breaks down into harmful nitrates.
Auto Top-Off (ATO): This is vital for maintaining salinity; it replaces evaporated water with fresh RO/DI water automatically.
Refractometer: Skip the cheap plastic hydrometers and get a calibrated refractometer to ensure your salinity stays at 1.025–1.026.
Reliable Heater: Use a heater controller to prevent a “stuck” heater from cooking your expensive coral collection.
Top 5 LPS Corals for Beginners
If you are just starting your lps reef tank, you want corals that are hardy and rewarding.
1. Duncan Corals (Duncanopsammia)
Duncans are perhaps the friendliest LPS corals available; they grow quickly and are very peaceful.
They feature a central skeleton with multiple “heads” that look like miniature anemones.
They are great indicators of water quality—if they are open and happy, your tank is likely doing well.
2. Hammer Corals (Euphyllia)
Hammers are a staple in the hobby because of their iconic anchor-shaped tips and swaying motion.
They come in various colors, including green, gold, and purple, and can create a stunning “forest” effect.
Be careful with placement, as they can sting neighboring corals that aren’t in the same Euphyllia family.
3. Acan Lords (Micromussa lordhowensis)
If you love bright, “rainbow” colors, Acans are the corals for you.
They grow in “mats” along the rockwork and respond incredibly well to supplemental feeding.
They are relatively slow growers but are very hardy and can tolerate a wide range of lighting conditions.
4. Candy Cane Corals (Caulastraea furcata)
These are fantastic for beginners because they are easy to frag (split) and very resilient.
They have a distinct trumpet shape and usually glow bright neon green under blue actinic lights.
At night, they extend “feeder tentacles,” which is a great time to give them a little snack of mysis shrimp.
5. Blastomussa
Blastos are slow-growing but offer some of the most intense reds and greens you will ever see.
They prefer lower light and lower flow, making them perfect for the bottom corners of your aquarium.
They are very peaceful and won’t bother their neighbors, which is a rare trait in the LPS world.
How to Maintain a Thriving LPS Reef Tank
Consistency is the hallmark of a master aquarist, and it doesn’t have to take hours of your day.
The best way to maintain a thriving lps reef tank is to establish a simple weekly routine.
Perform a 10-15% water change every week or two to replenish trace elements and export waste.
Clean your glass, empty your skimmer cup, and do a quick visual check of all your corals.
The Importance of Target Feeding
While LPS corals get most of their energy from light, they are also active hunters.
Giving them “meaty” foods once or twice a week will significantly increase their growth rate and coloration.
You can use a pipette or a “turkey baster” to gently puff some mysis shrimp or specialized coral pellets onto their mouths.
Watching a coral “fold” over a piece of food is one of the most fascinating parts of the hobby!
Just be careful not to overfeed, as excess food can rot and cause a spike in your nutrient levels.
Managing Aggression and Sweeper Tentacles
One thing many new hobbyists forget is that corals are animals, and they can be quite competitive.
Some LPS corals, especially Galaxea or certain Brain corals, can extend long “sweeper tentacles” at night.
These tentacles can reach several inches and will sting any neighbor that gets too close.
When placing your corals, always give them 2-3 inches of “breathing room” to account for future growth and aggression.
If you see a coral looking “burnt” or receding on one side, check for a nearby neighbor that might be bullying it.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Even with the best care, you might run into a few speed bumps along the way.
Brown Jelly Disease: This is a bacterial infection that looks like a brown sludge on the coral’s tissue.
If you see this, immediately siphon away the sludge and consider a coral “dip” in a specialized antiseptic solution.
Tissue Recession: If the flesh is pulling away from the skeleton, check your alkalinity levels immediately.
Instability in dKH is the number one cause of tissue recession in stony corals.
Pests: Flatworms or nudibranchs can sometimes hitchhike into your tank on new corals.
Always “dip” your corals in a pest-control solution before adding them to your main display.
FAQ Section
How long should I leave my lights on?
Most reefers find that an 8 to 10-hour light cycle is ideal for coral health and preventing excessive algae growth.
Do I need to dose chemicals daily?
In a lightly stocked tank, regular water changes might be enough to keep up with mineral consumption.
However, as your corals grow, you may need to “dose” Calcium and Alkalinity using a dedicated dosing pump.
Can I keep fish in an lps reef tank?
Absolutely! Most reef-safe fish like Clownfish, Blennies, and Gobies are perfect companions.
Just avoid “nippers” like certain Angelfish or Butterflyfish that might view your expensive corals as a snack.
Why are my corals not opening?
Check your salinity and temperature first, as these are the easiest things to fix.
If those are fine, check for pests or look for a nearby coral that might be stinging it with sweeper tentacles.
Is a protein skimmer mandatory?
It isn’t mandatory, but it acts as a “safety net” by removing waste and oxygenating the water.
For a beginner, a skimmer makes the hobby much more forgiving and reduces the frequency of water changes.
Conclusion
Building your own lps reef tank is one of the most rewarding journeys you can take in the aquarium hobby.
It offers a perfect blend of biology, chemistry, and artistry that few other hobbies can match.
By focusing on stability, providing moderate light and flow, and choosing hardy species, you are setting yourself up for success.
Don’t be afraid to start slow—one or two frags at a time is the best way to learn how your specific tank reacts.
Remember, the best reef tanks are grown with patience, not just a credit card!
We hope this guide has given you the confidence to start your own vibrant coral garden today.
Happy reefing, and welcome to the wonderful world of Aquifarm!
