| Reef aquariums containing an assortment of live coral | | | | pristine water conditions, high calcium levels and |
| and saltwater fish are becoming more popular today | | | | generally expensive bright metal halide lighting. It is |
| more then ever before. It used to be that these | | | | recommended that these corals be left to advanced |
| aquariums were reserved for only the most | | | | reef keeper with a few years experience. |
| experienced aquarists with the deepest pockets, but | | | | Large Polyp Stony Corals: Large polyps corals or LPS |
| today many in the hobby are enjoying affordable | | | | as they are commonly referred to in the hobby are |
| successful reef aquariums. | | | | considered the middle of the road in terms of care |
| The focal point for any reef tank is the live coral. | | | | and difficulty to maintain. They are also very colorful |
| Coral comes in a few different forms and they are | | | | and many people love the movement they add to |
| normally broken down into three different categories | | | | the their tanks. Although they are relatively hardy this |
| amongst reef keepers and fish stores alike. | | | | type the live coral in this group require a wide range |
| Soft Coral: Soft corals are corals that have no hard | | | | of lighting and water flow so the right advice from a |
| skeleton and are considered by many hobbiests to | | | | reputable coral dealer should be sought out before |
| be beginners corals. These corals are extremely | | | | purchasing this type of animal. |
| hardy and most do not require expensive lighting to | | | | Although they may seem exotic and difficult to care |
| grow and thrive in your tank. | | | | for live coral in the reef aquarium are some of the |
| Stony Corals:Stony corals are SPS as they are often | | | | most enjoyable and easy to care for aquarium |
| referred to are the brightest most colorful corals that | | | | inhabitants. And by purchasing healthy animals from a |
| the hobbiest can acquire. Colors range from bright | | | | reputable dealer your mini reef will be thriving for |
| pink to deep blue. However along with the beauty | | | | many years. |
| comes increased care levels. These live corals require | | | | |