🌊 Easy Care Tips for Reef Corals

At Reefverse, we believe thriving tanks start with the right care. Whether you’re just starting or a seasoned reefer, here are quick and practical tips for keeping your corals healthy and vibrant.

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🪸 SPS (Small Polyp Stony Corals)

For experienced reefkeepers — they demand precision but reward you with stunning color and growth.

• Lighting: High PAR (200–400). SPS thrive under strong, stable light.

• Flow: Strong, turbulent flow to prevent detritus buildup.

• Water Parameters:

  • Alk: 8–9 dKH

  • Calcium: 420–450 ppm

  • Magnesium: 1350–1450 ppm

  • Nitrates: 2–5 ppm

  • Phosphates: 0.03–0.08 ppm

   

• Tips: Stability is key. Even small swings in alkalinity can stress SPS. Dose consistently and test regularly.

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🌊 LPS (Large Polyp Stony Corals)

Great for intermediate reefers — bold colors, fleshy polyps, and movement.

• Lighting: Moderate (80–200 PAR). Too much light can bleach fleshy tissue.

• Flow: Moderate, indirect. Avoid blasting polyps directly.

• Water Parameters:

  • Alk: 8–9 dKH

  • Calcium: 400–450 ppm

  • Magnesium: 1300–1400 ppm

  • Nitrates: 5–15 ppm

  • Phosphates: 0.05–0.1 ppm

   

• Tips: Target feeding with meaty foods like mysis or reef roids helps growth and color. Watch for aggression — torches, hammers, and frogspawn have long sweeper tentacles.

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🌿 Softies

Perfect for beginners — hardy, fast-growing, and full of motion.

• Lighting: Low to moderate (50–120 PAR).

• Flow: Moderate, varied flow helps polyps sway naturally.

• Water Parameters:

  • Alk: 7–9 dKH

  • Calcium: 380–420 ppm

  • Magnesium: 1250–1350 ppm

  • Nitrates: 5–20 ppm

  • Phosphates: 0.05–0.15 ppm

   

• Tips: Softies are forgiving and thrive in nutrient-rich tanks. Great starter corals like mushrooms, leathers, and zoas add color and movement.

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🌟 Anemones

Stunning centerpiece in a reef, but require stable, mature systems.

• Lighting: Moderate to high (150–250 PAR depending on species).

• Flow: Moderate, indirect — too much flow may cause wandering.

• Water Parameters:

  • Alk: 8–9 dKH

  • Calcium: 400–440 ppm

  • Magnesium: 1300–1400 ppm

  • Nitrates: 2–10 ppm

  • Phosphates: 0.02–0.08 ppm

   

• Tips: Only add anemones to tanks at least 6 months old. Provide space — they can sting neighbors. Bubble tips are beginner-friendly; carpets and maxis are more advanced.

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✅ Final Tip

No matter what coral you keep, consistency is the secret. Stable parameters, good husbandry, and patience always win in reefing.