LPS CORAL FOR BEGINNERS

LPS corals refer to the group of large polyp stony corals. In contrast, there are small polyp stony corals (SPS corals).

Compared to SPS corals, LPS corals are as easier to care for. They tolerate higher nutrient concentrations and cope well with slight fluctuations in water parameters. When using a lighting system with a high proportion of blue, LPS corals also reveal their true beauty and provide you with a firework display of colors.

LPS corals are therefore ideal for getting started with keeping tropical stony corals.

Below we present five LPS corals that are particularly easy to care for:

#1 Caulastrea furcata

Caulastrea is a bud-like coral that is bicolored, bright green or mint-silver. It generally does well with slightly elevated nutrient levels. However, too much phosphate can cause its polyps to stop opening overnight - so it is also a good nutrient indicator for you. Choose a location for Caulastrea with moderate lighting and current and it will feel right at home in your aquarium. The big advantage of this genus: compared to many other LPS corals, it has very short tentacles and can therefore be placed next to other corals in the aquarium without a large safety distance.

Caulastrea furcata does not form long fighting tentacles and is therefore also well suited for nano aquariums

#2 Echinopora lamellosa

Beautiful plate-shaped LPS coral. Larger colonies form many overlapping levels up to large tube structures. The color of the Echinopora depends greatly on the water values ​​and the lighting. The purple base color with bright green corallites is considered particularly attractive. This variant is also sold as "Hollywood Stunner Chalice". In the aquarium, you should place Echinopora with sufficient safety distance from neighboring corals, because their fighting tentacles can reach a considerable length.

Echinopora lamellosa forms beautifully curved plates in the aquarium

#3 Galaxea fascicularis

Galaxea are one of the few stony corals that bring movement into the aquarium with their long tentacles. They may look so cuddly - but don't be fooled, because these tentacles are really something! Galaxea can be described as a lone fighter that doesn't let any other coral get too close to them. 20 cm of safety distance is the absolute minimum when placing this coral in the aquarium. Also pay attention to the direction and strength of the current. Unfortunately, this is not a suitable coral for small nano aquariums, but rather for tanks that can offer them enough space.

#4 Turbinaria sylvestris

The growth form of Turbinaria is strongly dependent on the current and lighting, but is usually plate- or funnel-shaped. Turbinaria should not be exposed to too much light. Otherwise, it is a very grateful coral that is well suited for beginners. Make sure that no deposits of sediment or sludge collect on the coral or remove them regularly using a feeding pipette.

A grateful pet in the saltwater aquarium: Turbinaria peltata

#5 Fayvia

This LPS coral copes well with increased nutrient concentrations and forgives small fluctuations in water values, which can happen to any aquarist at the beginning. Very colorful Favia corals can certainly tolerate a little more light. A moderate current, on the other hand, is sufficient. This LPS coral is also able to develop long fighting tentacles. Make sure there is a sufficiently large safety distance from neighboring corals.

Brightly colored Favia , like this one, can definitely tolerate a little more light.

These were our top 5 easy-care LPS corals. These are not only suitable for beginners in saltwater aquariums, but generally for young aquariums or aquariums with increased nutrient levels. By the way, "increased nutrient levels" means phosphate levels between 0.05 and 0.1 mg/l and nitrate levels between 5 and 15 mg/l.

We hope we were able to give you some inspiration for your first LPS corals and wish you lots of fun stocking your aquarium!