Do you want to start keeping SPS corals but not sure you're ready to jump into the deep end with them? There are more forgiving SPS corals out there which make a great start point. This blog post lists off some options for you if you find yourself getting the 'SPS bug'.
SPS do come with more demanding care requirements as a whole but there are certainly more forgiving SPS corals to choose from. Easier to keep SPS don't have to be boring either, in fact, I think that some of the old and bold more robust SPS corals are still some of the nicer ones to keep. What I mean to say is that although there is a big demand for rainbow type tenuis which do tend to be difficult, you don't need them to have an awesome SPS reef tank.
Before you get into SPS et large, make sure your system is ready. Even beginner SPS won't survive big swings in parameters or a system that is not yet matured. Check out the blog linked below about Parameters to make sure you've got what you need in check before jumping into the world of SPS.
CLICK HERE FOR THE PARAMETERS BLOGS
STYLOPHORA
Stylophora is a relatively hardy SPS coral which grows branches which then spur off to form new branches. Along the branches are many small polyps which when fully extended give the coral a sort of fluffy look. I particularly like this coral for this reason, it's all about the small details! Stylophora comes in three main colours; purple, green and metallic green/yellow. It is a fast grower in the right conditions too so it's a rewarding coral to keep. They like strong light and strong indirect flow. Weak flow will often make the branches grow outwards whereas strong flow causes the colony to grow more tightly grouped.
MONTIPORA
In this blog there are two types of Montipora, the first we'll look at is Plating Montipora which is roughly grouped and named as Montipora Cap. Exact taxonomy at this point doesn't really matter too much but there are a few different types of plating Monti and their differences are very subtle. Anyway, Plating Montipora is a SPS coral which encrusts onto a rock and then grows outwards in a plate like form. These plates can form spirals in some circumstances and layer on top of each other as they get bigger and bigger. They can be another fast growing type of coral and are one of the main reef building corals you will find if you go scuba diving on the reef. They come in a few different colours, the most well known and relatively hardy ones are the Red and Green and also Purple to an extent. There are also other's such as the Chili Pepper Montipora which has a green base and red polyps but if you want to stick to hardy and easier to keep then the three previously mentioned are a great starting point. They like strong indirect flow to stop detritus settling on them and also good quality lighting. The light doesn't have to be strong per say which is why you often see them at the mid point or lower on many hobbyists rockwork. Beware though that as they grow they will cast a shadow below them and as such, eventually block light to the corals below so consider where you place them.
MONTIPORA DIGITATA
There are a fair few types of Montipora and this one is very different to the Montipora Cap mentioned above. The Montipora Digitata grows in branches rather than plates. Unlike the Pocilipora they tend not to grow tightly clustered branches but rather spread out like branches of a tree. The branches tend to be quite thin and are again lined with small polyps. What is nice about this SPS coral in my opinion is that they are more dainty than Pocilipora and so provide something of a delicateness to the reef. They also provide a great environment for fish to swim in and out of or seek refuge in which small shoaling fish may appreciate. Digitata comes in a fair few colour variations such as Red, Green and Peach. There is another... and that is the famous Forest Fire. A firm favourite of mine and one that falls firmly in the category 'hardier SPS don't have to be boring'. Forest fire has a green base with red polyps and sometimes undertones of Blue which is often called the Bubblegum Digitata. Again, they like strong indirect flow and good quality light. They often do well placed slightly higher than Montipora Cap but not at the top of the rockwork in strong light.
ACROPORA YONGEI AKA BALI SLIMER
The Bali Slimer is a green Acropora so called because it originated from Bali and that it has a strong 'slimey' response to stressors such as being removed from the water. Bali Slimer is one of the original, first successfully kept Acroporas from back in the day (likely due to its strong slimey response to stressors which helps protect it). It has remained a firm favourite amongst reef keepers and you wont often find a reef tank without a bit of Bali Slimer in it. It will grow quickly in the right conditions and it enjoys strong light and flow which is why it is often placed at the top of rockwork.
SERIATAPORA
Also known as Birds Nest Coral due to its small stick like branches which intertwine like a birds nest, this coral is a more delicate coral which can grow quickly into a respectable colony. Its thin branches have straight lines of small polyps, almost like pin stripes along them and the branches grow with needle tips. This coral likes strong flow in order to get nutrients to the coral branches and to flush away waste and detritus. It also favours strong light so will often do well in the upper portions of a reef tank. This coral can grow quickly and take up space quickly so it's always worth placing it somewhere where it has space to expand without clashing or overshadowing any other corals.
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If you fancy keeping SPS then this is a great place to start. Keep these corals for a while, let them settle and get them growing and if you have continued success then you know you can move onto the harder to keep Acroporas and SPS variants. If you fancy looking at some Acropora eye candy then have a look at the blog linked below 'Acropora-galore'.
CLICK HERE FOR ACROPORA-GALORE
All these corals and more are in the store so if you're in the market for SPS come down and have a look. You won't be disappointed i'm sure!