LPS vs. SPS Corals: Which Is Harder to Keep?

One of the most common questions among reef hobbyists is whether LPS (Large Polyp Stony) or SPS (Small Polyp Stony) corals are more difficult to maintain. The short answer: SPS corals are generally harder to keep — but the full picture is a bit more nuanced. Whether you’re a beginner building your first reef tank or an experienced reefer looking to level up, understanding the differences is key to long-term success.

What Are LPS Corals?

LPS corals include popular species like hammer corals, torch corals, frogspawn, acanthophyllia, and goniopora. They’re characterized by large, fleshy polyps that extend dramatically from a calcified skeleton. At TRSC Aquatics, our LPS coral collection features aquacultured specimens grown right here at our Charlotte, NC coral farm — meaning they’re already acclimated to stable tank conditions before they ever reach you.

LPS corals are generally considered beginner-to-intermediate level. They tolerate modest fluctuations in water parameters better than their SPS cousins, and many species will readily accept direct target feeding, which makes it easier to supplement their nutrition alongside what they absorb through photosynthesis.

What Are SPS Corals?

SPS corals — primarily acropora and montipora — are the crown jewel of the reef-keeping hobby. Their intricate branching structures and vivid coloration are unmatched, but they demand a level of precision that separates casual reefers from dedicated ones. Browse our SPS coral selection to see the variety of aquacultured acropora and montipora frags we grow in-house.

SPS corals require extremely stable water parameters. Alkalinity, calcium, magnesium, and salinity must remain consistent — even small swings can cause tissue necrosis or bleaching. They also demand high water flow, intense lighting, and very low nutrient levels (nitrates under 5 ppm, phosphates near zero). They don’t forgive neglect the way LPS corals sometimes will.

The Key Differences at a Glance

Factor	LPS	SPS
Parameter stability	Moderate tolerance	Very high precision required
Lighting	Moderate to high	High to very high
Water flow	Low to moderate	High
Feeding	Target feeding helpful	Primarily photosynthetic
Beginner friendliness	Yes	No
Growth rate	Moderate	Slow to moderate

Which Should You Start With?

If you’re newer to reef keeping or your tank is under 12 months old, LPS corals are the right starting point. They reward good husbandry without punishing every small mistake. Once your system is dialed in — stable parameters, consistent dosing, mature biological filtration — SPS corals become a very achievable next step.

At TRSC Aquatics, we’re a coral farm based in Charlotte, NC, and we stock both LPS and SPS corals that are tank-raised and hardened before sale. Whether you’re keeping your first torch coral or chasing your tenth acropora colony, we carry livestock suited for every experience level.

The hobby grows with you — and so does our inventory.

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Explore our full livestock selection at www.trscaquatics.com