question for all SPS lovers and keepers

Discussion in 'SPS Corals' started by oldfishkeeper, Sep 30, 2013.

to remove this notice and enjoy 3reef content with less ads. 3reef membership is free.

  1. oldfishkeeper

    oldfishkeeper Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Aug 13, 2012
    Messages:
    7,660
    Location:
    Cincinnati
    ok, question for you all. What SPS would you say are the hardiest (easiest to keep) and prettiest? Are there any SPS that fit both categories? oh, and also have strong growth? ;)
     
  2. Click Here!

  3. Corailline

    Corailline Super Moderator

    Joined:
    Sep 8, 2010
    Messages:
    19,652
    Location:
    It is a dry heat, yeah right !
    I love Birdsnest Seriatopora hystrix, especially the Ponape Birdsnest.
    Digitatas all come if great colors and a relatively easy SPS and fast grower.
    Mulitple Monitopora qualify.
    If you get the right color Pocillopora, it's an very easy and fast growing sps.

    If you have success with those, Acropora should be the next move.
     
  4. Kevin_E

    Kevin_E Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Apr 30, 2009
    Messages:
    4,551
    Location:
    Florida
    Although I have limited experience, I have to agree. Seriatopra sp. are great starters as are Montipora sp.

    Both can grow very, very fast. I have both ponape and pink birsdnesta s well as Monitpora cap.

    I used to have a Montipora digitata that grew fast. I lost it when I moved my tank.
     
  5. Blue Falcon

    Blue Falcon Fire Goby

    Joined:
    Jun 18, 2009
    Messages:
    1,301
    Location:
    NC
    yup, i find birdsnest and monti to grow pretty easily
     
  6. Pickupman66

    Pickupman66 Tassled File Fish

    Joined:
    Jun 29, 2010
    Messages:
    1,991
    Location:
    Winchester, TN
    Psssshhhhhh.. I wish I could keep Montipora Digitata. I they simply cannot live in my tank. YET, I can keep many others. I havent done well with birdsnest in this tank either. Hmmmm... I think alot of the green milliporas are pretty easy and arent in need of perfect water. Green slimers too.
     
  7. FaceOfDeceit

    FaceOfDeceit Hockey Beard

    Joined:
    Jun 24, 2010
    Messages:
    2,076
    Location:
    Charlotte, NC
    As most have stated, Seriatopora, Stylophora, and certain Montipora species are good for beginners. I am against Pocci's due to the polyp bailout. And like Pickupman, I cannot keep ANY encrusting Montipora in my tank. They all bleach, and RTN within a few weeks, regardless of where I place (high, mid, low, in a %^#&$* cave!, etc.) I have had great success with Digitata, and other Montipora.
     
  8. Click Here!

  9. insanespain

    insanespain Ocellaris Clown

    Joined:
    May 3, 2011
    Messages:
    1,479
    Location:
    Illinois
    Haha I was just wondering about this the other day. Good thread
     
  10. evolved

    evolved Wrasse Freak

    Joined:
    Feb 26, 2010
    Messages:
    4,257
    Location:
    Phoenix, AZ
    Yup, pretty much my thoughts, plus stylo.

    If that ain't the truth. I'm on the verge of a serious pocillopora problem...

    Yes!

    It's certainly a be-careful-what-you-wish-for coral.
     
  11. Pickupman66

    Pickupman66 Tassled File Fish

    Joined:
    Jun 29, 2010
    Messages:
    1,991
    Location:
    Winchester, TN
    Some poci are not bailout types. It's the branching ones that seem to be. I know the knobby one I have has never shown bailout for reproduction and I can trace it back in my tanks at least 8 years.
     
  12. evolved

    evolved Wrasse Freak

    Joined:
    Feb 26, 2010
    Messages:
    4,257
    Location:
    Phoenix, AZ
    Knobby like this?:
    [​IMG]

    Yeah, I literally have that in hundreds of places now. I don't think it's a matter of the species, but rather how much it likes the tank. Or hates you. Your choice.