Is good polyp extension necessary if you want to have success with SPS corals? Not necessarily. However, if you dig fuzzy sticks then there are a few things you can do to fulfill this desire. Here are my Top 5 Tips to Maximize SPS Polyp Extension:

Avoid Fish with a Hankering for SPS – Perhaps this is a no brainer, but you should bypass fish with a tendency to snack on SPS. Certain angelfish can be problematic. For example, the Centropyge species, commonly called dwarf or pygmy angels, are known to nip and are high risk. Angels in the Genicanthus species such as Swallow Tail or Bellus Angels are considered reef safe.

Maintain Good Water Conditions – This is really two parts, but I am wrapping them into MORE