How to Take Proper Care of SPS Coral?

SPS coral is a specific coral species group, includes a stony skeleton composed of calcium carbonate and has small coral polyps. They are also known as true corals as they are the reef's backbone. The most common species of SPS Coral in Canada is poras. 

Different types of species require specific care, and you cannot generalize them in this way. But we have tried to direct you with the ways to take proper care of the coral SPS. When you become a professional, you can start caring about a specific species you are intrigued to know. 

Water Environment

Since the small stony corals consist of an external calcium skeleton, it is necessary to control and monitor the alkalinity, dissolved magnesium, and calcium levels of the water. Lack of calcium will lead to the destruction of the skeleton and ultimately the death of the corals. To maintain the calcium and magnesium level, you have to add a calcium supplement and a high standard reef salt mixture from outside. 

Water flow is another significant factor that you have to keep in mind. The sturdy and thicker the branches become, the corals will require more water flow for growing successfully. You have to ensure that your tank has a turbulent water flow for keeping the SPS corals healthy.

Light

These types of corals require strong light in the tank. T5, highly powered reef LEDs, and metal halide lights help grow coral SPS species. You should keep your light straight for 12 hours on and off for the healthy growth of the corals.

Testing

If you want to grow SPS successfully in your aquarium, you have to maintain water parameters. There should be a total absence of ammonia, nitrates, and nitrites. You have to control the magnesium levels at 1300 PPM and calcium levels over 400 PPM. To determine the correct calcium level, you can measure it at the same time every day. 

After a few days, the level will come down. The corals present in the water will absorb calcium from it to form their skeletons. Thus regular tracking will indicate the depletion rate of the calcium. It will also give you an idea about the quantity of calcium you will require whenever you change the aquarium water.

Feeding

These coral are photosynthetic and can convert light into food with their zooxanthellae. Besides this, they can also capture small prey through their polyps. The polyps size indicates the amount of food they can consume. You can also target to feed the corals with tiny zooplankton, marine snow, or Cyclops.

Conclusion

So follow the above tips and take the SPS corals to grow them inside a tank. 

Kevin Astle is the author of this article. To know more details about Online Corals Store in Canada please visit our website: fraggarage.ca