Suggestions for LPS

[snowrip]

Newbie questions, so please bear with me.

I'm in the planning stages for a 120-150 gal reef tank. I'd like to include a mix of LPS and SPS in my livestock... is there a "best type" of LPS to start with? Also, is it better/easier to start with an SPS mix first, or does it not matter?

Thanks for any advice!

[Twitterbait]

No problem, good questions. If your going to mix the 2 i would caution that you will need to provide plenty of room between corals to avoid mortal combat. You will want to find some of the higher light loving LPS to go in the tank first. Torch, frogspawn, brains, are some good ones to start with and most of them are cheap enough.

[Loralie]

I agree, the frogspawns and Hammers are beautiful. Also Candycanes are lovley. Just be aware of the tentacles. In good flow they will extend greatly, and in current brush against your SPS.

[snowrip]

Thanks for the suggestions. Does it matter which ones I start first (LPS or SPS)? It seems like the SPSs are more difficult to establish/grow... more light requirements and such, but I may be mistaken.

I'll try to find some pics of the corals you mentioned. Thanks again!

[Petunia]

Welcome to TRT!

In my opinion, the LPS are easier corals to start with. Especially since I'm a 5 month old newbie in the reefkeeping and I have kept mine alive.

Good luck and keep us posted. Pics are always nice to see... what ya got?

[Twitterbait]

plus LPS can handle some dirtier water whereas SPS want pristine.

[snowrip]

Sounds like LPS is the way to start!

Petunia - I'm in the planning stages for a 150 gallon reef tank, so nothing now... The information gathering, "figure everything out" stage is fun, but it makes me want to start building my set-up TODAY. Unfortunately, it looks like I'm going to have to wait until summer rolls around.

[afoum12]

I also like echinos or chalices alot. they can deal with alot of lighting variation and are very unique and colorfull!

[goodfortune]

Hey Snowrip:

First off, I'd go with the 120g; the 2' width will give you alot of sandbed real estate to display those brains and plate corals

Adding LPS corals at the begining would be a great way to add some color to your tank while it is maturing and stablizing to point where you can keep SPS corals without the problems typical of a "young" tank. Try some torch, frogspawn, hammer, fox, and wellsophyllia brain corals. Another good choice is Galaxea (not sure if it counts as an LPS). IME, (except for the wellso) they are all colorful, interesting, and quite hardy.

Also IME, LPS corals do better in lower lighting and flow (high flow encourages sweepers) than do SPS, so they would be great for those corners of your tank where flows and light levels are lower.

Let us know how it goes

- Michael

[Twitterbait]

Great advice all around... just remember to post pictures..

[cclayton]

You can't beat Trumpet's, Galaxia, Favia/ Favites, and Euphyllias. Great color, fairly easy care, they actually move unlike colored sticks. (Sorry to the die hard SPS'ers.) I personally steer clear of Torches at first, my experience has been that they are a little more delicate than other Euphyllias.

Good Luck!