Soft vs. Hard Corals: Which Is Better for Your Aquarium?

When you step into the world of reef aquariums, one of the first and most fascinating decisions you’ll face is choosing between soft corals vs hard corals. Both are stunning in their own way  from the delicate sway of soft coral polyps to the vibrant, rigid structures of hard corals that resemble living sculptures.

But which coral type is better for your aquarium? The answer depends on your experience level, reef tank setup, lighting, and water conditions. Let’s dive deep into the differences between soft vs. hard corals, explore the LPS vs. SPS coral types, and help you build a reef tank that thrives with color and life.

Understanding Coral Basics: What Are Corals, Really?

Corals might look like colorful plants, but they’re actually living animals part of a group known as Cnidarians, which also includes jellyfish and sea anemones.

Each coral is made up of thousands of small creatures called polyps, which have tiny tentacles used to catch food from the surrounding water. Many corals also rely on zooxanthellae, symbiotic algae that live inside them and provide energy through photosynthesis.

In reef aquariums, corals grow on live rock and form the backbone of your reef ecosystem offering beauty, shelter, and balance.

The Two Main Coral Types: Soft vs. Hard Corals

All corals can be classified into two main groups:

1. Soft Corals

Soft corals (also known as Alcyonacea) don’t build hard skeletons. Instead, they have flexible, leathery bodies supported by tiny calcium particles called sclerites.

They move gently with the water flow, creating a stunning, natural motion in aquariums.

Popular Soft Coral Types:

• Xenia – Pulsating coral that sways rhythmically.
• Zoanthids – Bright, colorful colonies ideal for beginners.
• Leather Corals (Sarcophyton) Hardy and tolerant to different water conditions.
• Clove Polyps – Graceful and easy to propagate.
  
  

Soft Coral Traits:

• Flexible, swaying structures.
• Easier to care for and ideal for beginners.
• Grow quickly and tolerate minor water fluctuations.
• Do not require intense lighting or high calcium levels.
  
  

2. Hard Corals

Hard corals, also known as stony corals, have rigid skeletons made from calcium carbonate. These form the very structure of natural coral reefs.

Hard corals are divided into two main subtypes:

• LPS (Large Polyp Stony Corals)
• SPS (Small Polyp Stony Corals)
  
  

Let’s explore both in detail.

LPS vs. SPS Corals: The Key Differences

When discussing coral types in reef tanks, hobbyists often refer to LPS vs SPS corals.

Here’s how they differ:

Feature	LPS Corals	SPS Corals
Polyp Size	Large, fleshy polyps	Small, tight polyps
Skeleton	Thick, heavy structure	Thin, branching skeleton
Lighting Needs	Moderate	High-intensity
Water Flow	Low to moderate	Strong, consistent
Care Difficulty	Intermediate	Advanced
Growth Rate	Moderate	Slow
Examples	Hammer Coral, Torch Coral, Frogspawn	Acropora, Montipora, Stylophora

LPS Corals: The Perfect Middle Ground

LPS (Large Polyp Stony) corals are often the next step for aquarists who’ve mastered soft corals and are ready for something more challenging yet still manageable.

Popular LPS Corals:

• Hammer Coral (Euphyllia ancora)
• Torch Coral (Euphyllia glabrescens)
• Frogspawn Coral (Euphyllia divisa)
• Bubble Coral (Plerogyra sinuosa)
  
  

Why Choose LPS Corals:

• Their large, fleshy polyps move beautifully with water flow.
• They add color and texture to your reef.
• Easier to feed (accept meaty foods like mysis shrimp).
• Can tolerate slight parameter fluctuations better than SPS.
  
  

Best For: Intermediate hobbyists who want vibrant, dynamic coral displays without overly complex maintenance.

SPS Corals: For Advanced Reef Keepers

SPS (Small Polyp Stony) corals are considered the crown jewels of reef aquariums known for their dazzling colors, intricate shapes, and ability to form dense reef structures.

Popular SPS Corals:

• Acropora
• Montipora
• Stylophora
• Pocillopora
  
  

SPS Coral Traits:

• Require stable water parameters (pH, calcium, alkalinity).
• Thrive under strong lighting (metal halide, LED, or T5s).
• Need high water flow to prevent algae buildup.
• Sensitive to sudden changes making them ideal for experienced aquarists.
  
  

Best For: Advanced reefers with automated systems (controllers, dosers, testing kits) and consistent maintenance routines.

Soft vs. Hard Corals: Which Should You Choose?

Your decision should depend on three main factors:

1. Experience Level

• Beginners: Soft corals are best  forgiving and easy to grow.
• Intermediate: LPS corals offer a rewarding step up.
• Advanced: SPS corals provide the ultimate challenge and beauty.
  
  

2. Reef Tank Setup

• Soft Coral Tanks: Moderate lighting, low water flow, minimal equipment.
• LPS Tanks: Medium lighting, moderate flow, consistent calcium dosing.
• SPS Tanks: High-end LED lighting, strong flow pumps, advanced filtration & dosing systems.
  
  

3. Aesthetic Goals

• Want a natural, flowing look → choose soft corals.
• Prefer bold color and structure → go for LPS or SPS.
• Love vibrant, branching reefs → SPS is the way to go.

Setting Up Your Reef Tank for Corals

Regardless of your coral type, a stable reef tank setup is the foundation of success.

Essential Equipment:

• Protein Skimmer: Removes organic waste.
• LED Lighting: Full spectrum for coral growth and color.
• Wave Makers: Ensure even water circulation.
• RO/DI Unit: Provides pure water for mixing salt.
• Heater & Thermometer: Keep temperature between 24–26°C.
  
  

Water Parameters for Healthy Corals:

Parameter	Ideal Range
Temperature	24–26°C
Salinity	1.024–1.026 SG
pH	8.1–8.4
Alkalinity	8–12 dKH
Calcium	400–450 ppm
Magnesium	1250–1350 ppm

Feeding Corals the Right Way

While corals receive much of their energy from light (through zooxanthellae), they also benefit from target feeding.

Soft Corals:

• Absorb nutrients from the water.
  
• Occasional coral foods or amino acids can boost growth.
  
  

LPS Corals:

• Enjoy meaty foods like mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, or coral pellets.
  
  

SPS Corals:

• Prefer fine coral foods or planktonic feed.
• Stable water parameters are more crucial than heavy feeding.
  
  

Conclusion: Finding the Right Coral for Your Aquarium

Both soft and hard corals can make your aquarium beautiful, it just depends on what you want and how much care you can give. Soft corals are best for beginners because they’re easy to grow and don’t need strict water conditions. Hard corals, like LPS and SPS, look stunning and come in many shapes and colors, but they need more attention and a stable tank setup. Start with soft corals if you’re new, and move to hard corals as you gain experience. With proper lighting, clean water, and regular care, your reef tank can become a colorful and healthy underwater world.

FAQs on Coral Types and Reef Tank Setup

1. What is easier to maintain, soft or hard corals?

Soft corals are much easier to maintain. They adapt to moderate lighting and flow, making them ideal for beginners.

2. What is the main difference between LPS and SPS corals?

LPS corals have large, fleshy polyps and moderate care needs, while SPS corals have small, rigid polyps and require stable, high-quality water.

3. Can I mix soft and hard corals in one aquarium?

Yes, but space them out and use carbon filtration to prevent chemical interference between species.

4. How much light do corals need?

Soft corals prefer moderate lighting; LPS need medium to high intensity, and SPS require the strongest lighting.

5. Which coral grows fastest?

Soft corals like Xenia and Zoanthids grow quickly, covering rocks and adding movement to your tank.

6. Are LPS corals suitable for beginners?

Yes, LPS corals are a great step-up for beginners who’ve mastered soft corals. They’re colorful and moderately easy to maintain.