LPS vs SPS classification drives reef tank parameter strategy. LPS examples: hammer (Euphyllia ancora), frogspawn (E. paradivisa), torch (E. glabrescens), Duncan, candy cane, blastomussa, favia, brain coral, plate coral, elegance, sun coral. SPS examples: Acropora (all species), Montipora (capricornis, danae, digitata), Stylophora, Pocillopora, Birdsnest, Seriatopora. LPS care: medium PAR (50-150), low-medium flow, target feed weekly with mysis or pellet, tolerant of nutrient swings. Beginner-intermediate. SPS care: high PAR (150-450), strong chaotic flow, ultra-stable parameters (alk 8-9 dKH ±0.3), low nitrate (<5 ppm) + phosphate (0.02-0.08 ppm). Advanced. Why beginners start LPS: forgiving of parameter swings + less light/flow demanding + dramatic visual presence. Mixed reef: possible but risky - SPS sensitive to LPS sweeper tentacles + soft coral allelopathy. Best to dedicate tanks.
Reviewed by the Fast Aquatics husbandry team · Updated May 2026
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Whatever specific topic brought you here, four fundamentals govern long-term aquarium success: water quality, parameter stability, biological filtration, and species-appropriate husbandry. Skip any one and the others struggle to compensate.
Water quality: ammonia + nitrite at zero, nitrate under 30 ppm freshwater + 10 ppm reef. Test weekly with API or Salifert kits. Use our water parameter checker to score your readings against your tank type.
Parameter stability: stable wrong parameters beat fluctuating ideal parameters. Most fish tolerate a wide pH range if it's stable. Sudden swings of 0.4+ pH or 5+°F kill fish faster than chronic suboptimal values. Use temperature controllers (Inkbird) + automated dosing for consistency.
Biological filtration: the bacterial colony on your filter media + rock + substrate is the engine. Never replace all media at once. Use our filter turnover calculator to size correctly.
Species-appropriate husbandry: research adult size, territoriality, diet, and tankmate compatibility before purchase. Use our tank stocking calculator + compatibility guides.
How long does an aquarium take to set up? 4-6 weeks for full cycling + first stocking. Use our cycle ETA calculator + how long does cycling take.
What's the best aquarium for beginners? 20-gallon long. Big enough for parameter stability, small enough for budget + space. See beginner picks.
How often should I do water changes? 25-30% weekly. See water change frequency Q&A + water change calculator.
Why does my fish keep dying? 5 leading causes: uncycled tank, wrong species pairings, no quarantine, undersized tank, neglected water-change schedule. See full diagnosis.
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