The reef you build depends as much on your maintenance style and budget as the corals you love. Here is how the three most popular archetypes — Mixed, SPS, and LPS — compare across the dimensions that actually matter.

Lighting

SPS demands PAR 300–500 at substrate. LPS thrives at PAR 100–200. Mixed compromises around PAR 150–250 with shaded zones for low-light corals.

Flow

SPS wants 30–50x turnover with chaotic gyre flow. LPS prefers 10–20x with gentle pulsing. Mixed sits at 20–30x with zoned flow.

Parameter discipline

SPS reefs need rock-stable alkalinity (±0.2 dKH/day), which usually means a calcium reactor or two-part doser. LPS tolerates wider swings. Mixed reefs sit in between.

Take the Reef Tank Match Quiz for a personalized recommendation, then plan equipment with the Reef Equipment Planner.

Related reef reading

Reef tools mentioned in this article

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Reef Tank Match Quiz

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Reef Equipment Planner

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Water Parameter Tracker

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