 Coral
There are several types of corals that work well in saltwater and reef style aquariums.
LPS Corals
Large Polyped Stony (LPS) corals are distinguished by their hard skeleton. Many of these corals have long sweeper tentacles and therefore care must be taken in their placement within the aquarium. Most LPS corals require good light and water quality - the maintenance of adequate calcium levels is imperative for their growth. Reproduction of LPS corals is normally by budding or spawning.
SPS Corals
Small Polyped Stony corals (SPS) are characterized by their stony skeleton and very small polyps. They require very high light, good current, and excellent water conditions. The addition of calcium and strontium is essential to their health. SPS corals are reproduced by fragmentation. When kept in good conditions these corals grow quite rapidly.
Soft Corals
There are a large number of corals which fall into the soft coral category. Leather corals are a large part of this group, but they have a much tougher skin. Soft corals are found throughout the reef, so there is a wide range of lighting and current requirements for the individual species. However, there are several species within this group which make excellent beginner corals.
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