LPS vs SPS vs Soft Corals: What Is the Difference?

If you're just getting started with your reef aquarium, you've probably heard the terms LPS, SPS, and soft corals thrown around. But what do they actually mean, and more importantly, which ones should you be keeping in your tank? Don't worry – we're here to break it down for you in a way that makes sense. Whether you're a complete beginner or someone looking to expand your coral collection, understanding the differences between these types of reef corals is absolutely essential for success.

Understanding the Three Main Types of Reef Corals

When it comes to building a thriving reef aquarium, knowledge is power. The coral hobby can seem overwhelming at first, but once you understand the basic categories, everything becomes much clearer. Let's dive into the world of LPS, SPS, and soft corals and explore what makes each one unique.

What Are Soft Corals?

Soft corals are often the gateway drug into the reef aquarium hobby, and for good reason. These corals lack a hard skeleton, which means they're generally more forgiving and easier to care for compared to their stony counterparts. Soft corals include species like leather corals, mushroom corals, zoanthids, and palythoas.

One of the biggest advantages of soft corals is their resilience. They're incredibly adaptable and can tolerate a wider range of water conditions than LPS or SPS corals. This makes them perfect for beginners who are still dialing in their aquarium parameters. Soft corals also tend to be more affordable, so you can build an impressive collection without breaking the bank.

However, there's a catch. Many soft corals produce allelopathic compounds – basically chemical warfare against other corals. This means you need to be strategic about placement and spacing. Some soft corals can also grow quite aggressively and take over your tank if you're not careful. But with proper management, soft corals can create a beautiful, flowing display that's absolutely mesmerizing to watch.

What Are LPS Corals?

LPS stands for Large Polyp Stony corals, and they're the middle ground between soft corals and SPS. These corals have larger polyps – the little tentacle-like structures that extend from the coral – and they're supported by a calcium carbonate skeleton. Popular LPS corals include Euphyllias (torch corals, frogspawn, hammer corals), Blastomussa, Acanthophyllia, and various brain corals.

Beginner LPS corals are fantastic because they're more forgiving than SPS but still offer that rewarding stony coral experience. They typically require moderate lighting and flow, making them easier to place in your tank compared to their pickier SPS cousins. LPS corals are also known for their movement and personality – watching a torch coral sway in the current or a frogspawn coral extend its polyps is genuinely captivating.

The care requirements for LPS corals fall somewhere in the middle. They need stable water parameters, but they're not as sensitive as SPS corals. They appreciate good calcium and alkalinity levels, but they're more forgiving if your numbers aren't absolutely perfect. This makes them ideal for aquarists who are moving beyond the beginner stage but aren't quite ready for the precision required by SPS corals.

What Are SPS Corals?

SPS stands for Small Polyp Stony corals, and these are the high-performance athletes of the coral world. Species like Acropora, Montipora, Stylophora, and Pocillopora fall into this category. These corals have tiny polyps and are supported by a dense calcium carbonate skeleton, which gives them their characteristic branching or plating growth forms.

SPS corals are the crown jewels of reef aquariums, but they demand respect. They require strong, consistent lighting and water flow to thrive. They're also incredibly sensitive to water parameter fluctuations, which means you need to maintain stable calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium levels. Even small changes in pH or temperature can cause SPS corals to bleach or die.

That said, SPS corals are absolutely worth the effort if you're willing to put in the work. They grow relatively quickly, display stunning colors, and create that iconic branching appearance that makes reef tanks so visually impressive. Many experienced aquarists become obsessed with SPS coral care because the challenge and reward are so satisfying.

Key Differences Between These Types of Reef Corals

Now that we've covered the basics, let's look at the specific differences that set these corals apart.

Lighting Requirements

Soft corals are the most forgiving when it comes to lighting. Many soft corals can thrive under moderate lighting conditions, and some species actually prefer lower light. This gives you flexibility in tank placement and means you don't need to invest in the most expensive lighting systems.

LPS corals typically need moderate to strong lighting, depending on the species. Most beginner LPS corals do well with standard reef lighting, though they'll appreciate more intense light if you have it available.

SPS corals are the light hogs. They evolved in shallow reef environments where light is intense, and they need that intensity to develop their vibrant colors and grow properly. If you're planning to keep SPS corals, you'll want to invest in quality LED lighting or metal halide systems.

Water Flow

Soft corals generally prefer gentle to moderate flow. Too much flow can stress them out and cause them to retract, while too little flow can lead to detritus accumulation and poor nutrient delivery.

LPS corals appreciate moderate flow. They like movement but don't need the intense currents that SPS corals crave. Placement in areas with moderate flow usually works well for soft corals vs LPS corals comparison.

SPS corals need strong, consistent water flow. This flow serves multiple purposes: it delivers nutrients, removes waste products, and helps prevent algae from settling on the coral. Many SPS coral enthusiasts use multiple powerheads to create turbulent flow patterns throughout their tanks.

Feeding and Nutrition

Here's where things get interesting. Soft corals are primarily photosynthetic, meaning they get most of their energy from the zooxanthellae (symbiotic algae) living in their tissues. However, they can also benefit from occasional feeding with small food particles.

LPS corals are a bit more carnivorous. While they still rely on photosynthesis, many LPS corals actively feed on small organisms and benefit from regular feeding. This is one of the fun aspects of keeping LPS corals – you get to watch them eat!

SPS corals are primarily photosynthetic and rely heavily on their zooxanthellae. While they can benefit from feeding, it's not as critical as it is for LPS corals. The key to keeping SPS corals healthy is providing excellent lighting so their zooxanthellae can photosynthesize efficiently.

Hardiness and Beginner-Friendliness

If you're a complete beginner, soft corals are your best bet. They're forgiving, affordable, and can tolerate a range of conditions. Soft corals vs LPS corals – soft corals win for beginners every time.

Beginner LPS corals are a great next step once you've got some experience under your belt. Species like torch corals and hammer corals are relatively hardy and can handle minor parameter fluctuations.

SPS corals are for experienced aquarists who have dialed in their systems and understand the nuances of reef keeping. They're not impossible for beginners, but they're definitely more challenging.

Building Your Reef Tank with All Three Types

The beauty of reef aquariums is that you don't have to choose just one type of coral. Many successful reef tanks feature a mix of soft corals, LPS corals, and SPS corals, each occupying their ideal space in the tank.

Start with soft corals to build your confidence and learn the basics. Add some beginner LPS corals once you're comfortable with water parameters and maintenance. Finally, when you're ready for the challenge, introduce some SPS corals to complete your reef.

The key is understanding each coral's needs and providing the right conditions. With proper lighting, flow, feeding, and water quality, you can create a stunning reef tank that showcases the incredible diversity of coral species available through retailers like Aquamarine Aquaristic.

Conclusion

Understanding the differences between soft corals, LPS corals, and SPS corals is fundamental to success in the reef hobby. Each type has its own charm, challenges, and rewards. Whether you're drawn to the resilience of soft corals, the personality of LPS corals, or the stunning beauty of SPS corals, there's a place for all of them in the reef aquarium hobby. Start with what appeals to you, learn as much as you can, and don't be afraid to expand your collection as your skills and confidence grow. Happy reefing!