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4 Ways To Take Proper Care Of SPS Coral

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Frag Garage

Before we talk about SPS coral, we have to know about it in detail. SPS coral refers to a group or type of coral species with the stony calcium carbonate skeleton and tiny coral polyps. These corals are usually the first thing that comes to mind when someone engages in the hobby of a reef aquarium. They are also called "true" corals because they build the backbone of these coral reefs.

However, while SPS coral tanks may be initially the first thing to think of, but they are often the last type of coral species to dominate. You need to effectively take care of these corals in seawater aquariums. You can find specific information on these species, so if you're interested in maintaining SPS Coral in Canada, follow these points below.

Basic aquarium mixture

The small polyp or stony coral has a calcified outer skeleton, so it's necessary to monitor and control alkalinity, then dissolve calcium and magnesium levels. Insufficient calcium levels can lead to erosion and ultimately death of the organism, while low magnesium content leads to low calcium levels. In order to successfully maintain SPS corals, you may need to add calcium supplements during regular water changes; using a high-quality coral salt mixture that is already high in calcium and magnesium will be beneficial. 

Water level

Water flow is an important aspect you have to consider while taking care of SPS corals in Canada. So generally speaking, their thicker branches mean more water flow which is needed for coral growth. Make sure that you have some strong turbulence to keep your corals healthy.

Testing

There may be some exceptions that will allow you to move the corals from their ideal water parameters; if you want to preserve the SPS coral species, it is best to keep the pristine water parameters where the Ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate should be zero. Maintain a calcium level more than 400 ppm and magnesium must be 1,300 ppm. Measure calcium levels regularly at the same time every day between several days of any changes in water. After some days, the calcium content in the aquarium should decrease because the SPS coral in the aquarium will extract calcium from the water to form the skeletons. Over time, tracking this will tell you about their calcium intake rate, which in turn will help you to know how much calcium is needed to add in that tank between water changes.

Feeding

SPS corals are usually photosynthetic, relying on their zooxanthellae that convert light energy into food, such as plants and algae. But unlike the plants and algae, these SPS corals are able to capture and eat small SPS, tang prey, and other tiny polyps. But the size of these polyps determines the size of those foods they can eat. Better you try to feed SPS corals with Cyclops, sea snow, or different small zooplankton.

Ending note

SPS corals need proper temperature. In most cases, SPS corals require strong lights. High-power coral reef LEDs, or metal halide, T5 lamps are commonly used to cultivate these corals, with 12 hours on and 12 hours off is the recommended duration.

Kevin Astle is the author of this article. To know more details about SPS Coral in Canada please visit our website: fraggarage.ca


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