SPS vs LPS -Why are SPS harder to keep?

Discussion in 'Corals' started by sen5241b, Sep 9, 2010.

  1. sen5241b

    sen5241b

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    I'm trying to figure out why my first foray into SPS did not go well. My Monti just turned brown and died off while my LPS look just great. Do SPS have different water requirements than LPS? Do SPS have an even lower tolerance for phosphates and temp spikes than LPS?
     
    sen5241b, Sep 9, 2010
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  2. sen5241b

    bjohanson1234 .........

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    SPS tend to need more light than LPS. Also, from what I understand, most LPS come from lagoon type areas with a slightly higher nutrient content than where SPS are. I could be completely wrong on that someone else should be able to verify it if it is true.
     
    bjohanson1234, Sep 9, 2010
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  3. sen5241b

    fastrd400 It wasn't me! Moderator

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    I would say to ask ccCapt. He has alot of knowledge and great success with SPS.
     
    fastrd400, Sep 9, 2010
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  4. sen5241b

    yote Ceritfied Mantis Hunter Moderator

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    It takes extremely stable parameters along with extremely low nutrients to support SPS.The also require a lot more flow than LPS.To the point that it would beat most LPS to death.
     
    yote, Sep 9, 2010
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  5. sen5241b

    dcantucson

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    OscarsDad also seems to have the talent to keep them.
     
    dcantucson, Sep 9, 2010
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  6. sen5241b

    BL1 ............. Moderator

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    So, does that mean you can't keep a lot of both in the tank?
     
    BL1, Sep 9, 2010
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  7. sen5241b

    Hiker4twenty

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    Not at all. You just have to pay attention to where you flow is the hardest and keep the SPS in that area. Then you put the LPS in the low to moderate flow areas which are usually near the lower 1/2 of the tank as most powerheads are no where near the bottom so they don't create a sandstorm.
     
    Hiker4twenty, Sep 9, 2010
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  8. sen5241b

    BL1 ............. Moderator

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    I meant more about the fact that LPS like nutrient rich water, and SPS like lower nutrients
     
    BL1, Sep 9, 2010
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  9. sen5241b

    ccCapt Reef Hacker Moderator

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    I agree with everything that's been posted already. :)
    In general, SPS need more light, more flow, more stable water parameters, less nutrients. Like Dave said, you can keep SPS and LPS together but they have to be properly placed depending on flow and light.
     
    ccCapt, Sep 9, 2010
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  10. sen5241b

    Hiker4twenty

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    The LPS are perfectly fine in an environment that is suited for SPS. I have my tank at SPS quality params and have numerous LPS that are all growing and doing well. That works for me, but I'm not expert by any means. Just my :twocents:
     
    Hiker4twenty, Sep 9, 2010
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  11. sen5241b

    yote Ceritfied Mantis Hunter Moderator

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    Its not that LPS like more nutrient rich water.They really dont,but can handle more nutrients.Plus LPS are more active feeders,accepting things like zooplankton,small shrimp and copepods.
    All corals have their nich on the reefs and can be kept together in our tanks.You just have keep each corals needs in mind when placing them.
     
    yote, Sep 9, 2010
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  12. sen5241b

    sen5241b

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    That is the impression I am getting. LPS will withstand a small 'trate spike much better than SPS.
     
    sen5241b, Sep 10, 2010
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  13. sen5241b

    Ulta REEFER

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    Last edited: Sep 10, 2010
    Ulta, Sep 10, 2010
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  14. sen5241b

    the reef kid hi

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    porcillaporas and montiporas are the easiest SPS, montis grow REALLY fast too.
     
    the reef kid, Sep 10, 2010
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  15. sen5241b

    sen5241b

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    then why is my monti dying??
     
    sen5241b, Sep 10, 2010
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  16. sen5241b

    Hiker4twenty

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    Do you have the need to dose your tank for Calc, Alk and Mag? Do you test for them as well? That could be an issue. How are your phosphates?
     
    Hiker4twenty, Sep 10, 2010
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  17. sen5241b

    Bifferwine I am a girl

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    God hates you. :mrgreen:
     
    Bifferwine, Sep 10, 2010
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  18. sen5241b

    dcantucson

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    It could be that it wasn't as healthy as it should have been when you got it. Sometimes I think we get unhealthy specimens from the LFS or on-line, that may be on a slow decline. They die on us and we think we are at fault. Also some are hardier than others.
     
    dcantucson, Sep 10, 2010
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  19. sen5241b

    yote Ceritfied Mantis Hunter Moderator

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    We can always see or test for things that might be wrong with our livestock.
     
    yote, Sep 10, 2010
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  20. sen5241b

    sen5241b

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    alright, alright maybe he doesn't exist.
     
    sen5241b, Sep 10, 2010
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