For many reefers, LPS corals are the next step after their first soft corals. Their large, fleshy polyps are eye-catching, many species can be target fed, and their light and flow requirements are usually more moderate than those of SPS corals. But not every LPS is automatically suitable for beginners. In this guide we present seven LPS groups that are good for getting started and tell you honestly where the pitfalls are.
What makes an LPS suitable for beginners?
LPS stands for âlarge polyp stony coralsâ. Species that are particularly suitable for beginners have the following characteristics:
- They cope with moderate light and moderate flow.
- They tolerate minor fluctuations in water parameters.
- They accept food well and can therefore be given additional nutrition.
- They show early when something is wrong, for example by retracting their polyps.
One basic requirement remains for all LPS, however: an established tank with stable KH, calcium and magnesium supply.
1. Duncan coral (Duncanopsammia axifuga)
Difficulty: easy
The Duncan is considered one of the hardiest LPS of all. Its long polyps with short tentacles sit on tube-shaped skeletons, and with good care the colony regularly forms new heads. It tolerates moderate light and moderate flow and readily takes small pieces of food. You can find Duncans and other hardy species under Other LPS corals.
2. Favia and chalice
Difficulty: easy (Favia) to moderate (chalice)
Favia corals (now usually listed as Dipsastraea) are compact, hardy encrusting corals that cope well with varying conditions. Note, however, that they develop long sweeper tentacles at night and can sting neighbours.
Chalice corals, for example from the genera Echinophyllia or Mycedium, are popular for their colours. They grow slowly, prefer subdued light and are more sensitive to rapid changes. For beginners with a stable tank, they are nevertheless a good choice. You can also find both groups under Other LPS corals.
3. Acanthastrea
Difficulty: easy to moderate
Acanthastrea, often called âacansâ in the hobby, are encrusting corals with fleshy polyps and sometimes very high-contrast colours. They manage with low to moderate light and are well suited to the lower area of the tank. Regular feeding with fine food visibly promotes growth. Acanthastrea also form sweeper tentacles at night, so keep some distance. You can find a selection in the Acanthastrea category.
4. Euphyllia: torch, hammer and frogspawn
Difficulty: easy to moderate
Euphyllia are among the most popular LPS. They grow well under suitable conditions and bring lots of movement to the tank with their swaying polyps. To be honest, though, they are not the most uncomplicated beginner corals: they are sensitive to KH fluctuations and excessive flow, and need a lot of space because of their sweeper tentacles. With stable parameters, however, they are easy enough to keep. You can find more in the Euphyllia category.
5. Lobophyllia and Symphyllia
Difficulty: easy to moderate
Lobophyllia are fleshy corals with large, often multicoloured polyps. They are quite hardy, cope with moderate light and readily accept food. They feel most at home in the lower area of the tank with moderate flow. As they can reach considerable sizes over time, you should plan enough space. You can find suitable pieces under Lobophyllia/Symphyllia.
6. Cynarina and Scolymia
Difficulty: easy to moderate (Cynarina), moderate (Scolymia)
These large single-polyp corals are among the eye-catchers in an LPS tank. Cynarina is considered relatively uncomplicated when it sits on the bottom or in the lower area with little light and low flow. Scolymia are somewhat more demanding: they are more sensitive to too much light and to being pestered by fish or shrimp. Both benefit from target feeding. Take a look in the Acantho/Cynarina/Scolymia category.
7. Trachyphyllia
Difficulty: easy to moderate
Trachyphyllia, also known as the brain coral, lives on soft substrate in the wild. In the aquarium it should therefore sit on the sand bed, not in the rockwork. It tolerates moderate light and low to moderate flow and inflates noticeably during the day. It readily accepts occasional feeding. Make sure the tissue is not injured on rocks or edges. You can find further large polyp stony corals under LPS corals.
General tips for LPS beginners
Stability over perfection
For LPS, consistent parameters are more important than hitting exact target values. Common guidelines are KH of 7 to 9 dKH, calcium of 400 to 450 mg/l and magnesium of 1,250 to 1,400 mg/l. Nitrate and phosphate should be measurable but stay low.
Not too much light
Most LPS are happy with moderate light. Place new corals lower at first and gradually acclimatise them to brighter positions.
Distance and space
Many LPS form sweeper tentacles. Allow enough distance between corals and remember that the polyps expand considerably when open.
Feed in moderation
Small amounts once or twice a week are usually enough. Excess food burdens water quality.
Conclusion
The best beginner LPS are hardy, eager feeders and cope with moderate light. Duncan, Favia, Acanthastrea and Lobophyllia are the most forgiving, while Euphyllia, chalice and Scolymia especially reward stable conditions. Choose your first LPS to suit your tank, and you will enjoy these corals for a long time.