beginner coral?

[keithntracy]

any suggestions on a beginner coral......wife would like a zenia, heard they're for experts though. any input?

 

[Mariner]

Actually, xenia are normally a good choice for a beginning coral. They don't require a ton of light, although the more light, the better. They also enjoy the slightly dirty/nutrient laden water in newer tanks. Occasionally, xenia will not thrive in some tanks, but most of the time they'll grow like weeds.
I would also recommend mushrooms, zoanthids and possibly leather corals as easy care soft corals for beginners.
Here's a pic of some my xenia and zoanthids.

HTH,
Mariner

 

[Buster4900]

Xenia would be a geat beginner coral. If you were closer I would give a few stalks, suff multiplys like crazy.

 

[drwonga]

Def give zoanthids a try. They are, in my opinion, some of the hardiest types of corals. (Try to steer clear of the really bright ones though, they can be a bit hard-like blues, pinks, and bright orange.)

 

[Sk8r]

Mushrooms are good, too. Discosoma neglecta will survive almost anything. Learn to read their moods: they're a real good alarm system for tank chemistry. When they're funky, test fast.

 

[Andrew]

Try some star polyps.

 

[keithntracy]

wow all great suggestions, and buster if i ever move to indy i'm gonna hold you up on that frag!!!
just went out and got me a gold button coralreally pretty took about half an hour for it to open up but she did. will post pics when wifey gets home.
also got a foxface and koale tang!

 

[keithntracy]

oops sorry mariner thats an awesome xenia!!!

 

[ZoeReef]

I just planted a big chunk of xenia in my 3 week old tank. Seems to be happy so far.