SPS-Dominant Tank

Small Polyp Stony Corals

Deep Dive

Species data

🟣 SPS-Dominant Tank (Small Polyp Stony Corals)
Common Corals: Acropora, Montipora, Birdsnest, Stylophora
Tank Type: High-flow, low-nutrient, high-light system
Reef Safe: ✅ Yes (requires delicate balance)
Temperament: Sensitive to waste, flow changes, and grazers that disturb coral
Nutrient Behavior: Low nitrate/phosphate; heavy export systems
Tank Role: Demands clean, stable environment with gentle grazers

Description

🔍 Description:
SPS tanks are among the most demanding reef systems. These corals require ultra-clean water, high light, and high flow, making them sensitive to disturbance, waste buildup, and unstable conditions. The clean-up crew must be reef-safe, precise, and minimal-impact, avoiding any animals that may knock over fragile frags or disturb tissue with clumsy movements.

What The Crew Focus On

✅ What This Crew Focuses On:

Rock & Glass Grazing: Light film algae and detritus

Low Bioload: Avoid excess waste from large scavengers

Stability First: Crew must not disrupt corals or aquascape

Best Predator

🧽 Best Cleanup Crew for SPS Tanks:
Trochus Snails – fast-moving grazers, reef safe
Cerith Snails – great for sand and crevices
Scarlet Hermit Crabs – small, peaceful shell-cleaners
Tuxedo Urchin (optional) – excellent for rock polishing
Cleaner Shrimp – non-invasive detritus removal

Notes

⚠️ Notes for Success:

Avoid Turbos or Large Hermits: They can knock over SPS frags

Provide Extra Shells: Prevent shell fights

Feed Lightly: SPS systems don’t tolerate leftover food well

Watch Nutrients: Crew helps maintain ultra-low nutrient goals

Pro tip

🧠 Pro Tip:
Your SPS tank depends on stability and precision. Choose a crew that blends in and quietly keeps things clean — not one that stirs up chaos.