Top 5 SPS Corals for Your Aquarium

Ever dreamed of a vibrant, living reef in your home? Our SPS aquarium corals bring that dream to life. These meticulously-cultivated small polyp stony (SPS) corals—like Acropora, Montipora, and Seriatopora—thrive with proper care, adding breathtaking color and intricate branching structures to your saltwater aquarium setup. They're a fantastic centerpiece, transforming your tank into a mesmerizing underwater world, complete with the satisfying challenge of coral husbandry and the joy of watching them flourish. Dive into the beauty!

This curated selection of top-rated items helps consumers navigate the diverse market and make informed purchasing decisions. The choices are based on rigorous criteria, ensuring each item meets high standards of quality, performance, and user satisfaction, ultimately simplifying the selection process.

1. NICREW HyperReef 150 Gen 2: 5-Channel Programmable Reef LED

Bright, versatile, easy setup—a stunning reef aquarium upgrade!

NICREW HyperReef 150 Gen 2: 5-Channel Programmable Reef LED
    Highly rated
  • Brightness
  • Color pop
  • Ease of use
  • Coverage
  • Power level
  • Value for money
  • Size
    Some controversy about
  • Fan noise

The NICREW HyperReef 150 Gen 2 is a 150W LED aquarium light designed for optimal SPS, LPS, and soft coral growth in saltwater tanks. Its enhanced violet and blue spectrum, crucial for photosynthesis and vibrant coral fluorescence, is complemented by a rebalanced red spectrum for visual appeal and overall coral health. The wide-angle lens ensures even PAR distribution across a broad area (nearly 3ft), eliminating hot spots. Advanced heat management, featuring a new fan and redesigned heatsink, minimizes noise. Multiple mounting options (single arm, hanging kits, multi-light systems – sold separately) provide flexibility. Furthermore, the 5-channel fully programmable controller (sold separately) allows for extensive customization. The HyperReef Gen 2, paired with optional accessories like the narrow-angle lens kit, delivers superior performance and versatility for your reef tank.

The Nicrew 200W LED Aquarium Light (Gen 2) is a significant upgrade from its predecessor, offering unparalleled brightness and coverage for even large tanks, like my 49-gallon and 240-gallon setups. Users consistently praise its improved, stronger mounting system, ensuring a secure fit on various tank rims, unlike the Gen 1. The expanded 5-channel control, a vast improvement over the Gen 1's 2 channels, allows for precise customization of color and intensity, resulting in vibrant coral growth. The light's intensity is easily adjustable, preventing issues like coral bleaching; starting at lower percentages (like 20%) is recommended. While some users mention the controller is sold separately and the fan can be a bit noisy, the exceptional light spread, ease of setup (installation and programming can be done within 20 minutes), and substantial cost savings compared to high-end brands like Radions make this a compelling option for reef tank enthusiasts. Many users, including myself, find the improved PAR values and absence of dead spots to be major advantages. The Nicrew light, paired with a Jebao pump, provides a cost-effective yet high-performance solution for achieving stunning results in your aquarium, making it a top recommendation for reef keepers on a budget.

  • Brand: NICREW
  • Color: Black
  • Dimensions: 16.1"L x 10.8"W x 6.8"H
  • Finish Type: Black
  • Manufacturer: NICREW
  • Material: Aluminum, Polycarbonate (PC), Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), Acrylic
  • Power Source: Corded Electric
  • Shape: Rectangular
  • Size: HyperReef 150 Gen 2
  • Style: Modern
  • Weight: 8.03 pounds
  • Rate: 4.7 / 32
Outstanding features:
  • Enhanced violet and blue spectrum for optimal coral growth and fluorescence
  • Wide-angle lens for even light distribution and broad coverage
  • Advanced heat management for quiet and efficient operation
Context of use:
  • SPS and LPS coral reef tanks
  • Saltwater fish tanks requiring high PAR lighting
  • Reef aquariums needing customizable lighting solutions

2. Ahareef 30W LED Reef Light: Dimmable, Full Spectrum, Nano Reef Tank

Ahareef 30W LED Reef Light: Dimmable, Full Spectrum, Nano Reef Tank

The Ahareef A018 30-watt LED aquarium light is a game-changer for nano reef tanks. This full-spectrum marine light boasts five adjustable brightness levels (100%-10%) and a programmable timer (6H, 9H, 12H), perfectly catering to LPS and SPS coral growth needs and various fish species. Its enhanced blue and UV spectrum promotes vibrant coral colors and growth, while a 60-degree lens ensures even illumination across a 20"x20" area. Featuring a quiet, efficient cooling system with a long lifespan (50,000+ hours), the A018's adjustable arm and clamp offer easy installation on tanks up to 1 inch thick. Achieve optimal PAR levels (50-500) for thriving corals with this compact, powerful, and stylish light.

This affordable saltwater coral light is a fantastic option for nano reef tanks, particularly for LPS and softies. Users consistently praise its surprisingly bright output and vibrant color rendition, exceeding expectations for its price point. The light's penetration is excellent, effectively illuminating even soft corals in 13.5-gallon tanks. The included small fan is a welcome addition, while the adjustable color settings (white, blue, and mixes thereof) offer customization options. While intensity settings are limited, the overall brightness and ease of use make this a top choice for those seeking a cost-effective solution with excellent light quality for their marine aquarium. Its performance makes it a great primary light or a reliable backup.

  • Brand: Generic
  • Color: Black
  • Country: China
  • Dimensions: 1.3"D x 3.2"W x 17.7"H
  • Finish Type: Polished
  • Manufacturer: Ahareef
  • Material: Aluminum, Glass, Plastic
  • Power Source: Corded Electric
  • Shape: Round
  • Size: 1.3"D x 3.2"W x 17.8"H
  • Style: Modern
  • Wattage: 30 watts
  • Weight: 1.22 pounds
  • Rate: 4.6 / 5
Outstanding features:
  • Full-spectrum LED lighting optimized for coral growth (SPS and LPS)
  • Five adjustable brightness levels and a programmable timer
  • Efficient heat dissipation system with a quiet fan
Context of use:
  • Nano reef tanks
  • Saltwater fish tanks
  • Coral reef tanks (SPS and LPS corals)

3. 100-Watt 5-Channel Reef Aquarium Lights (Sunrise/Sunset/Moonlight, Black)

Powerful, customizable lighting; easy setup, impressive coral growth.

100-Watt 5-Channel Reef Aquarium Lights (Sunrise/Sunset/Moonlight, Black)
    Highly rated
  • Brightness
  • Ease of setup
  • Customization
  • Value for money
  • Build quality
  • Color accuracy
  • Sunrise time
    Some controversy about
  • Functionality

The Hipargero A100 AquaSpace 100-watt LED aquarium light is a powerful and versatile solution for saltwater reef tanks. Featuring five independently controllable channels (14000K cool white, royal blue, violet blue, violet, and warm/neutral white), it allows precise spectrum adjustment for optimal coral growth (SPS and LPS). Programmable coral modes, sunrise/sunset simulation, and moonlight effects create a natural environment. Control is effortless via touch or the included remote, enabling master/slave group control for larger tanks. Its robust all-aluminum construction with a 109-degree lens ensures even coverage (up to 24"x24"), superior water penetration, and long-lasting performance. The built-in OLED display and 48V safe voltage output add to its user-friendliness and safety.

The Hipargaro A100 aquarium LED light delivers exceptional performance and value. Users consistently praise its ease of setup and customization, with five independently adjustable channels allowing for precise control over color temperature and intensity, creating the perfect spectrum for various coral types, from LPS and SPS corals to zoanthids and mushrooms. The light's wide spread ensures even illumination across the tank, promoting healthy coral growth, as evidenced by significant growth reports from users keeping Acropora, Montipora, and other demanding corals. The robust build quality and included mounting hardware are also frequently commended. The integrated sunrise/sunset feature simulates natural light cycles, while the Bluetooth syncing between multiple A100 units simplifies multi-tank setups. While some users noted minor issues with the remote's range and an occasional buzzing sound from one specific channel (easily mitigated by adjusting light channel settings), or minor clock drift requiring occasional re-adjustment, the overwhelmingly positive feedback highlights the A100's superior light output and its ability to cultivate vibrant, thriving coral reefs, making it a top contender amongst aquarium lighting solutions. The impressive PAR readings further substantiate the light's power and efficacy. The A100's ability to closely mimic the spectrum of a much more expensive light makes it a great value for reef tank enthusiasts.

  • Brand: hipargero
  • Color: Black
  • Country: China
  • Dimensions: 8.7"L x 8.7"W x 1"H
  • Finish Type: Polished
  • Manufacturer: Hipargero
  • Material: Aluminum
  • Power Source: Corded Electric
  • Shape: Square
  • Size: 100w
  • Style: Modern
  • Wattage: 100 watts
  • Weight: 4.4 pounds
  • Rate: 4.2 / 195
Outstanding features:
  • Multi-channel programmable lighting with sunrise/sunset simulation
  • Remote and touch control with master/slave group control for large tanks
  • High-power LEDs and optimized lens for deep penetration and wide coverage
Context of use:
  • Large saltwater reef tanks (SPS/LPS corals)
  • High-end home aquariums requiring advanced lighting control
  • Commercial saltwater aquarium displays

4. Continuum Coral Amino: Liquid Amino Acid Complex for Corals & Inverts

Continuum Coral Amino: Liquid Amino Acid Complex for Corals & Inverts

Continuum Aquatics Coral Elements Amino is a revolutionary liquid amino acid complex designed to revitalize your live hard and soft corals (LPS and SPS), and other invertebrates. This free-form amino acid blend promotes vibrant coloration and robust new tissue growth in corals, even those recovering from fragging, shipping damage, grazing, or bleaching. By providing easily absorbable, solubilized proteins, Coral Elements Amino significantly improves nutrient uptake and tissue repair, accelerating the healing process and enhancing overall coral health. It's the perfect supplement for maintaining thriving reefs and achieving spectacular coral growth.

Continuum's commitment to high-quality aquarium additives shines through in this product. Years of using their products have proven their reliability and effectiveness. This particular item met expectations perfectly, offering a seamless and positive user experience. Two thumbs up for Continuum's continued dedication to providing exceptional aquarium care solutions!

  • Brand: Continuum Aquatics
  • Country: USA
  • Item Form: Liquid
  • Manufacturer: Continuum Aquatics
  • Size: 60-ml
  • Weight: 0.14 Kilograms
  • Rate: 4.6 / 2
Outstanding features:
  • Boosts coral growth and vibrant color
  • Enhances nutrient absorption and tissue repair
  • Supports recovery of damaged corals
Context of use:
  • Coral reef aquariums
  • Recovering bleached corals
  • Newly fragmented corals

5. Acropower SPS Coral Amino Acid Formula (1L)

AcroPower boosts coral growth and vibrant colors.

Acropower SPS Coral Amino Acid Formula (1L)
    Highly rated
  • Effectiveness
  • Coral growth
  • Coloration

Boost your SPS coral's vibrant health with the Acropower Amino Acid Formula (22443), a 1-liter solution manufactured in the United States. This easy-to-use formula delivers exceptional value by providing essential amino acids crucial for optimal coral growth and coloration. Weighing in at 2.35 pounds, this convenient package ensures your SPS corals receive the vital nutrients they need for thriving in your aquarium. Experience the difference – achieve spectacular results with Acropower's superior formula.

AcroPower, a fantastic amino acid supplement for corals, has consistently impressed reef tank enthusiasts. Many users report significantly improved coral growth and vibrant coloration within weeks of regular use, with noticeable polyp extension and increased growth rates in SPS corals, like Acropora. Several users utilize automated dosing pumps (like the ones from Red Sea Reefer systems) for consistent application, maximizing the benefits. While some users experienced a slight alkalinity decrease – potentially due to accelerated growth – the overall positive impact on coral health, particularly for SPS-dominant systems, far outweighs this minor concern. The product's rapid shipping is also a plus. Although some users didn't see immediate results (possibly due to inconsistent dosing), the general consensus points to AcroPower as a worthwhile investment for enhancing the health and growth of your valuable corals, justifying its price point considering the long-term benefits and positive feedback.

  • Brand: Two Little Fishies
  • Item Form: Liquid
  • Manufacturer: PS04O
  • Size: 1 L
  • Weight: 1.5 Pounds
  • Rate: 4.7 / 247
Outstanding features:
  • Easy to use
  • Adds great value
  • Manufactured in the United States
Context of use:
  • Marine aquarium hobbyists
  • Coral reef enthusiasts
  • Public aquariums