Livestock : SPS Corals
Small-polyped stony (SPS) corals, some of the most colorful corals in the hobby, are Reef Encounters' specialty. Our main 600g propagation system is designed and maintained around the needs of the scleractinia corals (reef building, hard corals). SPS corals demand optimum water quality and stable conditions. Aquaculture of these corals allows Reef Encounters to provide SPS frags that are significantly hardier than wild-collected colonies.
We use metal halide (MH) and actinic lighting over our SPS corals. In our experience, however, there is not a single universal lighting system optimally suited for all SPS species. We use a range of lighting from 175W to 400W with color temperatures from 6,500K to what is marketed as 20,000K. We typically combine MH lighting with either VHO or power compact actinic/blue fluorescent tubes. Specifics are recommended for each species being cultured.
Calcium and alkalinity levels are maintained with a combination of kalkwasser and a calcium reactor. Calcium is maintained between 400 and 430ppm and alkalinity is maintained around 3 meq/l.
The temperature for SPS corals is seasonally varied between 76F in the winter and 82F in the summer. A daily fluctuation of approximately +/- 3F is allowed not because this is natural but because we believe that it conditions coral to typical aquarium conditions.
Phosphate and nitrate levels are all maintained below commercial test kit detection levels.
SPS Acropora coral species:
SPS Montipora coral species:
Other SPS coral species:
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