Choosing the Best Corals for Your Reef Tank
As an aquarium hobbyist, you know the joy of creating a stunning underwater world in your own home. But what are the best corals to populate your reef tank with dazzling colors and textures? In this article, you’ll discover the top coral varieties that are easiest to care for and will transform your aquarium into a mesmerizing microcosm of aquatic life. From fast-growing large polyp stony corals to the swaying tentacles of leather corals, you’ll learn insider tips on selecting corals with varied shapes, growth rates, and colors. With this coral guide, you’ll be able to create a diverse and vibrant reef tank that will captivate both you and your guests. Let’s dive in and explore the wonderful world of reef-safe corals!
Our Top 10 Recommended Corals for Beginner Reef Tanks
When setting up a reef tank, one of the most exciting parts is selecting which corals you want to include. There are countless options available, so do some research on different types to determine what will thrive in your tank conditions. Some of the best beginner corals include:
– Soft corals like mushrooms, xenia, and leathers are easy to care for and come in a variety of bright colors. They do best in low to moderate light and flow.
– Large polyp stony (LPS) corals have fleshy polyps and hard skeletons. Options like blastomussa, euphyllia (hammer), and favia are hardy and colorful. They require moderate lighting and flow.
– Small polyp stony (SPS) corals have tiny polyps and solid calcareous skeletons. Acropora (staghorn) and montipora (plate) corals are popular but more difficult, requiring very strong light, flow, and pristine water conditions. Only attempt these once you have experience.
– Zoanthids, though not technically corals, are easy, colorful, and fascinating. They come in a variety of hues and patterns and do well in most tank conditions.
By choosing a variety of easy, hardy corals to start, you’ll have an enjoyable and successful experience creating your own little reef ecosystem. As your skills improve, you can add more demanding corals to your tank. The key is going slowly, monitoring coral health and water conditions closely, and making small adjustments to ensure all your reef inhabitants thrive to best coral for reef tank.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Coral for Reef Tanks
For those new to the reef tank hobby, some corals are easier to care for than others. We recommend starting with these beginner-friendly options:
1. Mushroom Corals
These colorful discs are very hardy and fast-growing. They come in a variety of colors like green, red and purple and do well in low light. Mushrooms can spread quickly though, so give them adequate space.
2. Zoanthids
Another easy coral, zoanthids form mats of polyps with stunning color variations. They require medium light and flow. Zoanthids release palytoxins so handle them carefully during tank maintenance.
3. Tongue Coral
This coral gets its name from its elongated polyps that resemble tongues. It is relatively hardy, moderately fast growing, and comes in green, yellow and red varieties. Tongue coral needs medium light and flow.
4. Kenya Tree Coral
A popular branching coral, Kenya Tree is hardy, moderately fast growing, and does well in medium light. Its tan branches sprout many small polyps. Provide moderate flow.
5. Candy Cane Coral
Identifiable by its red and white striped polyps, Candy Cane coral is hardy, slow-growing, and best in medium light with moderate flow. It is a great beginner coral that adds color and interest to the reef tank.
