Hello all. Was wanting to get some input from you all on some good corals for a beginner. Have a small (38g) FOWLR that has been set up for about 4-5 months now and would like to slowly build it to a reef. Any suggestions on good beginning corals that will do well under current orbit PC light. Thanks for the help!
Good Corals for a newbie???
- Thread starter rnhrtfan
- Start date
Do not let green star touch any structural rock: they overgrow before you know it and become a plague. They're pretty, but too tough.
I'd recommend euphyllia corals: frogspawn and hammer, plus candy cane. Forgiving and fast growing if happy.
You'll need to start a program of supplementation by some means, plus tests: I use Kent Alk Buffer [8.3 dkh is my reading]; and Kent Turbo Calcium [400-450 is ideal]. Salifert tests. If you can't get the readings to stay 'up', you need the third test---magnesium.
You also need 0 ammonia, nitrate, nitrite and as low phosphate as possible. Phosphate is easiest detected not by test, but by the presence of film algae on your glass.
I'd recommend euphyllia corals: frogspawn and hammer, plus candy cane. Forgiving and fast growing if happy.
You'll need to start a program of supplementation by some means, plus tests: I use Kent Alk Buffer [8.3 dkh is my reading]; and Kent Turbo Calcium [400-450 is ideal]. Salifert tests. If you can't get the readings to stay 'up', you need the third test---magnesium.
You also need 0 ammonia, nitrate, nitrite and as low phosphate as possible. Phosphate is easiest detected not by test, but by the presence of film algae on your glass.
firefish2020
New member
Zoas are nice but like Xenia and green star they can overcrowd there neighbors in time especially if those neighbors are stony in nature. Try some leathers or a sarcophyton about mid way up, as it gorws it will provide a lower light fall-off zone perfect for some palys and zoas or mshrooms. Phljess has some nice green tank raised palys that would go fine there I think. Maybe some LPS torch, frog spawn etc in the higher zones. Go around and look at peoples tanks and ask lots of questions that will give you an idea of what to get for your reef. Also I might add if you do not own it yet get the book "Aquarium Corals : Selection, Husbandry, and Natural History" by Borneman. It will provide you with the basic knowledge needed to select and keep your animals happy and healthy.
OH and one more thing <b>NEVER EVER BUY A FLOWER POT CORAL (Goniopora/Alveopora)NO MATTER HOW PRETTY OR CHEAP IT MAY BE</b> Im realy tired of finding homes for these guys when newbies inevitably bring them to me to try to save
phljess
New member
I would suggest leathers, they are easy and grow well under lower lighting. I still have some frags left from the last swap and would be happy to set you up with some that are easy to keep.
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1017230
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1017230
Last edited:
firefish2020
New member
Brains LPS in general are easy to keep IMO, but you need to keep on top of the tank water chemistry and feed them regularly to insure good health.
phljess
New member
I have been working with my photobucket album and probably got the links messed up. Send me an e-mail and I will send you pics back. My e-mail is phljess@suddenlink.net
firefish2020
New member
<b>
rnhrtfan:
</b>
Their are many many corals that would be good for a basic system, you will find most of your best corals from fellow reefers and most LFS will carry a good selection it is based on timing it when shipments arrive. We used to hang out for hours at our favorite shop waiting for shipment when we were getting started in the hobby. We also met many individuals who would one day make up the CVRC, your community is a great place to help you reach your goal.
Where ever you may get your coral remember to research and understand the animals you are planning to keep and avoid any IMPULSE buys. I can tell you many stories about people buying a coral at there LFS taking it home only to find out that there was no chance they could keep it alive. Do your research and learn when you are being told the truth or being sold on something. If you are unsure have them to hold it for you for a day. Most good LFS will hold items for you if you ask nicely. Ask questions about return and replacement policies, etc. Remember it's up to you the consumer to ask about particular policies.
Aside from LFSs we also have many many good coral frags available at our swaps, the next will probably be in March but there is no definite date just yet. Remember take your time with coral(s), make sure the tank is 100% cycled and you are ready for them before placing any in your tank. These are generally sensitive animals much more sensitive at times than most fish. Some will need feeding others will need only light and some both. Anemones and coral will generally not mix as anemones can move quickly. You don't want a $30 anemone walking over a $100 rare coral (trust me on that).
This should help you out a bit.
<b>
My best advice to you is continue to ask lots of questions of your fellow reefers, that's what we all do thats how we learn and teach each other.
</b>
rnhrtfan:
</b>
Their are many many corals that would be good for a basic system, you will find most of your best corals from fellow reefers and most LFS will carry a good selection it is based on timing it when shipments arrive. We used to hang out for hours at our favorite shop waiting for shipment when we were getting started in the hobby. We also met many individuals who would one day make up the CVRC, your community is a great place to help you reach your goal.
Where ever you may get your coral remember to research and understand the animals you are planning to keep and avoid any IMPULSE buys. I can tell you many stories about people buying a coral at there LFS taking it home only to find out that there was no chance they could keep it alive. Do your research and learn when you are being told the truth or being sold on something. If you are unsure have them to hold it for you for a day. Most good LFS will hold items for you if you ask nicely. Ask questions about return and replacement policies, etc. Remember it's up to you the consumer to ask about particular policies.
Aside from LFSs we also have many many good coral frags available at our swaps, the next will probably be in March but there is no definite date just yet. Remember take your time with coral(s), make sure the tank is 100% cycled and you are ready for them before placing any in your tank. These are generally sensitive animals much more sensitive at times than most fish. Some will need feeding others will need only light and some both. Anemones and coral will generally not mix as anemones can move quickly. You don't want a $30 anemone walking over a $100 rare coral (trust me on that).
This should help you out a bit.
<b>
My best advice to you is continue to ask lots of questions of your fellow reefers, that's what we all do thats how we learn and teach each other.
</b>
Last edited:
Similar threads
