coral placement density... LPS vs SPS

[jandree22]

Whenever I see a mixed or LPS reef, it seems that the corals are usually separated by at least an inch or two, but whenever I see an established SPS tank, it seems like the corals are basically touching or at least extending their branches on top of one another… in other words, fuller density. Is this due to the sweeper tentacles of LPS stinging one another?

I really haven’t researched deeply into specific corals yet, but I’m just trying to make a decision of where I want to take my tank between LPS and SPS mixed, or more of a SPS dominated tank. I like the fluorescence and uniqueness to some LPS… and I get the impression that their care is not as finicky for a first time reefer, but OTOH, nothing looks better to me than a full, established SPS tank. Decisions, decisions...

 

[blackcloudmedia]

Yes LPS have a tendency to sting nearby corals more than SPS. I have a video from Blue PLanet Seas of Life that shows a time enhanced clip of one LPS literally CONSUMING another. It accomplished this by taking in water to expand its size in the direction of the other coral. SPS corals do not appear to have this abiblity of expanding their size so they would have to litterally grow into each other for there to be a problem.

I recently made the switch to an all SPS tank two weeks ago and Im just waiting for the SPS frags to grow and for the coralling to spread. I did place the SPS far apart but thats because I only have like 9 frags in a 75.

 

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't take an SPS tank's density as a sign that they can be put next to one another, while you will be hard pressed to find sps that have the ability kill another coral in a very short order (they do exist btw), what you see with "Tank of the Month" shots, usually is a mixture of fighting that has already occured and usually lead to a stalemate, or sometimes they just don't care.

All that being said however, you are more or less correct, LPS tend to fight one another a little more drastically, a little more potent of a sting, and a little more leeway is given.

 

[jandree22]

what you see with "Tank of the Month" shots...

lol, talk about hitting the nail on the head :lol:

thanks guys...