SPS corals, or super-synthetic polyps, are the top of the food chain in your aquarium. You may be wondering how to feed them properly. The truth is that you must follow some basic guidelines, including the amount of light, water movement, and temperature. If you don’t do these things correctly, you will have to start over from scratch. Additionally, SPS corals are susceptible to nitrates and phosphates.
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SPS corals are at the top of the food chain
SPS corals have an external skeleton made up of calcium and magnesium. They are dependent on water flow for respiration, food absorption, and expulsion of waste. Water flow helps them spread their offspring to other parts of the reef. To keep your SPS corals healthy, you should use an aquarium salt mix with consistent calcium, magnesium, and alkalinity levels. Using a calcium reactor is the preferred method of keeping major elements in line.
The SPS corals are the top-tier of the food chain in the aquarium. Their diet primarily consists of dissolved organic materials. These materials are important for corals as they supply a large volume of energy to support their growth. Soft corals, on the other hand, make their food decisions based on size, and LPS corals are more aggressive and less forgiving. As a result, both groups rely on the other for nutrition.
They need a lot of water movement
The health of your SPS corals depends on having adequate water movement. It affects both its excretion and absorption of nutrients. A light breeze is the best metaphor for this type of movement. But beware of too much movement, as this can strip the coral’s tissues. In order to ensure optimal health of your corals, you should maintain a constant alkalinity and calcium level in the tank.
Although the flow of water is crucial for the health of your SPS, a higher flow rate will not necessarily mean a bigger coral. Some SPS are more sensitive to a high flow rate, while others are less sensitive to such fluctuations. The best way to determine the right flow rate for your SPS is to experiment with several settings and see what works for your SPS. Generally, SPS corals prefer a higher flow rate than LPS do.
They need a lot of light
Most of the time, SPS corals do not require a lot of light, but there are some factors to keep in mind when choosing the correct lighting for them. The height of the tank and the overall tank size are the first two factors to consider when deciding on the proper lighting. For instance, a 36-inch tall aquarium will need more light than a 24-inch tank. For 120-gallon tanks, 480-720 watts of light is recommended, but a three-foot tall aquarium will need more than twice as much lighting.
The best way to decide which SPS corals to buy is by researching what their natural conditions are. Corals are surprisingly adaptable creatures. Some of them can survive in low light levels and thrive in full sunlight. However, there are some types that will not thrive in such conditions and will undergo adverse color changes. You can also keep your corals separated by six inches to avoid having them run into each other.
They are susceptible to nitrates and phosphates
When it comes to water quality, SPS corals need very low nitrates and phosphate levels. High levels of nitrates and phosphates will inhibit coral calcification, while low levels will support algae and dinoflagellates. Nitrates and phosphates will also deprive corals of the nutrients they need for growth. A good choice for nutrient levels is a fish food blend. Custom home blends can also be purchased.
Phosphates are produced by bacteria living in anaerobic environments, and the high concentrations found in fish waste will feed algae. Although very low levels are required for optimum coral growth, a high concentration can cause calcification to halt. High levels of phosphate will not only kill off SPS corals, but will also result in algae growth.
They require a lot of trace elements
If you have a low-stocking aquarium, a regular 8% water change will be sufficient to provide a high level of trace elements for SPS corals. For high-quality aquariums, the amount of calcium and magnesium should be kept constant. Fast-growing SPS corals may need more frequent water changes, however. The most reliable source of trace elements is a high-quality sea salt mix.
Many experienced aquarists claim that adding trace elements to the water changes the colour of corals, but the evidence for this is limited. The most accurate way to judge the effect of trace elements on corals is to observe them closely. ICP analyses are a good way to monitor the effects of trace elements. If you don’t notice any noticeable changes in colour immediately, start with half the recommended amount and watch your animals closely.
