Keeping Large Polyp Stony (LPS) corals thriving at home requires careful attention to water quality, lighting, and flow, as well as some basic husbandry practices. Here are steps to help you maintain healthy LPS corals in your reef aquarium:

• Water Quality:
  • Temperature: Maintain stable temperatures between 75-80°F (24-27°C).
  • Salinity: Keep salinity levels consistent at around 1.026 specific gravity.
  • pH: Aim for a pH range of 8.0-8.4.
  • Alkalinity: Keep alkalinity levels stable between 7-9 dKH.
  • Calcium: Maintain calcium levels in the range of 420-450 ppm.
  • Magnesium: Keep magnesium levels between 1,250-1,350 ppm.
  • Nitrate and Phosphate: Keep nitrate levels between 5-10 ppm and phosphate levels between 0.03-0.10 ppm.
• Lighting:
  • LPS corals typically require moderate to moderate-high lighting. LEDs or T5 fluorescent lights are good options, with a combination of blue and white spectrum to promote photosynthesis and vibrant coloration.
• Water Flow:
  • LPS corals thrive in gentle to moderate water flow. Place them in areas of the aquarium with gentle flow to avoid damaging their fleshy tissues.
• Placement:
  • Find an appropriate location for your LPS corals. Ensure they have enough space to expand and extend their tentacles without touching other corals.
• Feeding:
  • LPS corals are primarily photosynthetic, but they can benefit from supplemental feeding. Offer them zooplankton, brine shrimp, or commercial coral foods 1-2 times per week.
• Water Changes:
  • Although we do water changes rarely due to our CTP (Custom Trace Program), we recommend beginners and novice aquarists regularly perform water changes of 10-20% every 2-4 weeks to replenish trace elements and maintain water quality.
• Monitoring and Testing:
  • Regularly test and monitor water parameters such as temperature, salinity, pH, and alkalinity to ensure stability.
  • Monitor for signs of stress, bleaching, or tissue recession in your LPS corals.
• Coral Health:
  • Quarantine new additions before introducing them to your display tank to prevent the introduction of pests or diseases.
  • Keep a close eye on your LPS corals for signs of disease, and promptly isolate and treat affected specimens if necessary.
• Maintain a Clean Aquarium:
  • Regularly clean the aquarium glass and remove detritus and debris to prevent algae growth and ensure water clarity.
• Acclimation:
  • When introducing new LPS corals, perform proper acclimation to help them adjust to your aquarium’s conditions. Gradually expose them to your lighting and flow.
• Fragging and Pruning:
  • As LPS corals grow, they may need to be pruned or fragged to maintain proper spacing and prevent shading or overgrowth.
• Patience and Observation:
  • LPS corals may take some time to fully acclimate and expand their tentacles. Be patient and watch for changes in their health and appearance.
• Dedication to Maintenance:
  • Regular maintenance and consistent care are essential to keeping LPS corals thriving in your reef aquarium.

By following these guidelines and closely monitoring your LPS corals, you can maintain a thriving and healthy reef aquarium that showcases the beauty of these fascinating corals.