Corals - (Hard)

Hard Corals - Frequently Asked questions

• Question: "What does SPS & LPS mean?"
  Answer: "SPS" is short for "Small Polyped Stony Coral". These are corals that have extremely small polyps covering a usually always visible skeleton. A common example is Acropora sp. corals. "LPS" is short for "Large Polyped Stony Coral". These corals have large fleshy polyps that usually cover the skeleton. Brain Corals, Bubbles, and Frogspawns are examples of these corals.
  
  
• Question: "What is the difference between corals from Fiji or Tonga and Indonesia?"
  Answer: The main difference is color. Fiji & Tonga corals tend to be much more colorful than Indo corals. Many of the pictures people see in books and magazines are corals from these waters.
  
  
• Question: "Why do corals from Fiji & Tonga cost more?"
  Answer: There are several reasons:
  • Shipping costs. Shipping from the South Pacific costs more than shipping from Southern Asia.
  • Shipping mortality. Although not as high as it was in years past, shipping "DOA's" are higher than that of corals from Indonesia. This is specifically the case with Acropora's, and other SPS corals, which do not ship as well.
  • Colors, and variety. Because the majority of the corals are more vibrant and colorful, collectors are able to charge a premium for these.
    
    
• Question: "Will my Acropora stay "blue"?"
  Answer:Yes and No. It depends on your lighting. Many (all) SPS corals require large amounts of light... the more the better. If you are keeping your Acropora's and other SPS corals under 400 Watt Metal Halides, they in most instances will keep their striking colors. If you are not, chances are there is not enough UV radiation being emited for these corals to keep their color.
  
  
• Question: "How "Yellow" is "Yellow"?"
  Answer: This is where Fiji & Tonga corals vary the most from Indo corals. When a reseller sells a yellow Indo coral, they are usually selling something that has a yellow tint to it. Corals from Fiji & Tonga are strikingly yellow. There is not a tint, but a solid vibrant color.
  
  
• Question: "What colors of Acropora do you have?"
  Answer:Every color under the rainbow. Colors that are commonly seen include: Blue, Yellow, Green, Pink, Purple, & combinations of these colors.

Easy to care for. Beginner animal. Animal has few demands. Wide range of environment.	Experience recommended. Animal has certain requirements. Established tank recommended.	Difficult to care for. Specific requirements. Established tank recommended. Experienced aquarists only.