Types of corals in a marine aquarium | Blog about aquariums | Resources | Aquaforest

What are the types of corals in a marine aquarium?

Crystal clear, tumbling water surface, a multitude of colors among the underwater life and them, moving according to the prevailing water current – corals. It is a very relaxing and pleasant sight. For most, it is reserved only for vacations in warm countries. However, we can bring these impressions to our home. In the modern world, coral farming has become available at the fingertips of virtually every person. Each of them requires, however, different treatment. In this article, we will introduce the types of corals that we can decide on for home breeding. 

Corals are fascinating creatures that are a key component of coral reef ecosystems. In marine aquariums, they are not only decorative, but also play a very important role in the biological balance. Corals are colonies of polyps, which are small, soft creatures with a hard outer skeleton. It is this skeleton made of calcium carbonate that forms the structures we know as coral reefs. Global warming and ocean pollution are unfortunately effectively reducing their natural populations. Fortunately, there are organizations that are fighting to keep them in the wild and restore the dying reefs.

We can divide corals into two or three groups. In marine aquaristics, the most popular division is between soft corals, long-polyp corals LPS, and short-polyp corals SPS. In reality, however, we can combine the last two groups into one, generalizing them to the category of hard corals. In aquariums, we can choose to breed different types of them – creating a so-called mixed reef, or focus only on one by adjusting the parameters only for its preferences. 

What is the division of corals?

To better understand corals, let’s divide them into two main categories:

Soft corals: they do not have a hard calcium carbonate skeleton, and are usually built of horny substance. They are the easiest corals to grow and are quite resistant to parameter fluctuations and deviations. 

Hard corals: They have a hard calcium carbonate skeleton that forms distinctive reef structures. They are more demanding to breed and need stable water conditions.

Types of soft corals in marine aquarium:

Leathery corals (Leathery corals): They are characterized by soft, leathery polyps and are usually irregularly shaped. Representatives of this group include Sarcopython or Sinularia, for example. 

Sponge corals (Sponge corals): Contrary to their name, these are not corals made of sponges. They have a highly porous structure resembling a sponge, which is what gives them their group name. Representatives of this category include.   

Feather corals (Feather corals): They have long, thin polyps that resemble feathers. Examples include Briareum, Anthelia sp. and Clavularia.

Soft corals are among the easiest to grow. Their requirements include:

Water: They do not require ultra-clean water and do well in conditions with detectable nutrients.

Lighting: They prefer moderate lighting that promotes their growth.

Circulation: They thrive in aquariums with good water circulation, which prevents the accumulation of excess detritus.

Types of hard corals in marine aquaristic:

LPS Corals

LPS corals: are a group of corals characterized by large polyps and usually irregular colony shapes. They are less demanding to keep than SPS corals, needing moderate light and current. Their growth rate is moderate, allowing for gradual colony formation in the aquarium. LPS corals are a popular choice among marine aquarists for their beauty and color diversity. Representatives of this group include, for example, Euphylia glabrescens, Goniopora or Caulastrea. 

LPS corals are more demanding than soft corals. Their needs are:

Lighting: Require medium to strong lighting to grow properly.

Water parameters: They need clean water, and stable parameters such as pH, KH and salinity.

Food: They require regular feeding, especially species such as Scolymia and Acanthastrea.

SPS Corals

SPS (Small Polyp Stony Corals) are characterized by small polyps and usually dense, irregular colony shapes. They are more demanding to keep than LPS corals, needing strong lighting, stable water parameters, low nutrient levels and moderate to strong currents. Their growth rate depends on the specific variety, but is usually not very fast. SPS corals are prized by marine aquarists for their intense colors, diverse shapes and demanding breeding techniques. Representatives of this group are: Acropora, Montipora, Stylophora. 

SPS corals are the most demanding of the three groups. Their requirements include:

Water: They prefer clean water, with low NO3 and PO4. Stability of water parameters is key. Especially key parameters such as KH, calcium and magnesium.

Lighting: They need strong lighting to promote photosynthesis.

Circulation: A moderate to strong water current is essential for their health.

Supplementation: calcium, magnesium supplementation, and KH regulation are required to promote their growth. It is almost mandatory in SPS coral culture to use the Balling method.

How to choose corals for your aquarium:

The choice of corals for your aquarium will be influenced by several factors. Unfortunately, it is not only the visual aspects that are decisive here. Although we may fall in love with SPS corals so their breeding, for a beginner aquarist, will be difficult and expensive. Therefore, we advise you to start your coral breeding adventure with simple varieties such as Sarcopython, Sinularia, Capnella, or Zoanthusy. They forgive a lot of mistakes and will allow you to become proficient in breeding these amazing animals. Gradually, we can increase the level of breeding difficulty by adding more and more challenging LPSs and SPSs to our aquarium.

After all, over time we will begin to understand their requirements better and better and learn how to react to any problems in the aquarium. Aquaristics, like any hobby, requires experience and equipment background. With time and proper commitment, anyone can achieve the reef of their dreams at home.

Immersing yourself in the world of corals can be a fascinating experience. Remember that choosing the right corals for your aquarium is the key to creating a beautiful and healthy ecosystem. Always try to learn as much as possible about the species you choose, their requirements and compatibility with other organisms. Remember that patience and attention to detail are the keys to success in coral keeping.