Getting my first coral

[Vanquishxxxx]

Ok i wanna get my first coral jsut got my lights(tek t5 4 bulb/54watts each) and it is on a 55g. My parameters are

PH=8.0(how could i get it a little higher)
DKH=10.4
Nitrate=5-10ppm (working on that)
Specific grav=1.025
temp=79-81 degrees

what is a good begginner coral? the tank ius now about 7 months old.

 

[kiknchikn]

I'd go with a corallimorph (mushroom coral). Most discosomas are practically indestructable. You have to try pretty hard to kill it. You could also try a Ricordea florida or two, as they are easy to propagate and they can be traded or sold easily.

Zoanthids are another good starter coral. Just make sure you FW dip these and inspect them for strings of eggs before adding them if you don't have a QT tank set up. There are a lot of nasty pests that can come with them.

I started with both of those myself.

 

[kzoo]

I would do some kind of soft coral, with nitrates you would have problems with hard coral. Try zenia or star polips. If you want higher ph you need to make sure you have good flow and if you have a top on the tank open it up so there is good air flow. Also need to check cal if you want to start a reef.

 

[stereomandan]

Frogspawn are very hardy LPS.

Whatever you do, buy something that you will want in your tank forever. Don't settle on buying something just because you want your first coral. IMO, get something with nice coloration.

BTW, you should be able to raise your PH with a healthy water change.

Dan

 

[Vanquishxxxx]

yeah i just took my top off cuase i finally got lights so now it is a open top and i faced a powerhead toward the surface so ther is pretty good agitation.

 

[Brenden]

A fan blowing on the water will also help.

 

[JRPhd]

5-10ppm No3 would not stop me from getting LPS.