LPS or Large Polyp Stony corals are the next step up from soft corals in their demands. These species come in a variety of forms, colors, and growth patterns. LPS tend to prefer slightly more flow and light than soft corals, but not nearly as much as SPS corals. LPS may be the most diverse family of corals, so you will likely find a selection of species and colorations that you will want to add to your reef. Below is just a small sampling of the types of starter LPS corals that make a great selection for a beginner reef tank.
Acanthastrea (Acans)
Acans are available in numerous colors and growth patterns and are some of the best starter LPS corals. Most acans prefer moderate to low light and minimal flow. For the best results, place them in a location mimicking their previous environment as they can be sensitive to light intensity changes. Acans will significantly benefit from weekly spot-feeding.
- Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
- Temperature: 72-78 degrees
- Salinity: 1.023-1.025
- Nitrates: 1-10 ppm
- Phosphates: 0.01-0.04 ppm
- Recommended Lighting: Moderate
- Recommended Flow: Low
- Recommended Tank Placement: Low to mid areas
- Direct Feeding: Strongly recommend
- Available Colors: Available in a wide variety of colors
- Estimated Cost: $30-$300+ per head
| Pros of Keeping Acans | Cons of Keeping Acans |
| Available in many different sizes, colors, and varieties | Sensitive to changes in light intensity and should be acclimated to higher light levels slowly |
| Do not require large amounts of light or flow to keep them happy | Consistent maintenance is vital for Acans as they can be susceptible to excess nutrients |
| Acan’s will not sting each other | Some species can be costly depending on their coloration |
| Easily spot-fed | |
| Short sweeper (stinging) tentacles that are not able to reach very far |
Blastomussa (Blasto’s)
Blastomussa is similar in its care requirements to Acans. Blasto’s prefer to be at the bottom of your aquarium in medium to low-light environments with minimal flow. Blastomussa’s also enjoy weekly spot-feeding.
- Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
- Temperature: 72-78 degrees
- Salinity: 1.023-1.025
- Nitrates: 1-10 ppm
- Phosphates: 0.01-0.04 ppm
- Recommended Lighting: Low to Moderate
- Recommended Flow: Low
- Recommended Tank Placement: Low areas
- Direct Feeding: Recommend, but not required
- Available Colors: Available in a wide variety of colors
- Estimated Cost: $35 and up depending on the size of the frag
| Pros of Keeping Blastomussa | Cons of Keeping Blastomussa |
| Not demanding when it comes to light or flow | Relatively slow-growing |
| Come in a variety of colors that pop under actinic blue light | Difficult to frag |
| Easy to feed | More colorful varieties are expensive |
| Easy to find | |
| Short sweeper (stinging) tentacles that are not able to reach very far |
Duncans
Duncans are another one of the starter LPS corals that prefer to be towards the bottom half of the aquarium as they like both low light and low flow. Unlike many other LPS species, Duncans do not have stinging sweeper tentacles, so they will not attack other corals. Duncans greatly appreciate an occasional squirt of food when you’re feeding your fish.
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Temperature: 72-80 degrees
- Salinity: 1.023-1.025 ppm
- Nitrates: 1-10 ppm
- Phosphates: 0.01-0.04 ppm
- Recommended Lighting: Moderate
- Recommended Flow: Moderate
- Recommended Tank Placement: Low to mid areas
- Direct Feeding: Required
- Available Colors: Green, purple, pink, and cream
- Estimated Cost: $35-$50 per head
| Pros of Keeping Duncans | Cons of Keeping Duncans |
| Do not require large amounts of light or flow | Little color diversity |
| Unique looking without being challenging to keep | Grow slowly |
| Have short sweeper tentacles, so it is difficult for them to sting other corals | Essential to feed them at least once per week |
Choosing Starter LPS Corals for Your Tank
We hope this guide has opened your eyes to just a tiny portion of the LPS corals that make an excellent choice for beginner reef aquariums. Check back again for future additions to our “For Beginner’s” series.
If you have any questions about how to proceed with your reef aquarium, or if you are on the hunt for an LPS recommendation, feel free to contact our reefing experts here at Simplicity Aquatics.