My first softie

[Hoity]

If you were getting your first softie, what would it be and if you could have any softie at all what would that be.

 

[TealCobra]

What size tank are you working with and what lights are you using? Some of my first softies were Zoanthids, Leathers, and Gorgonians. Most are reasonably easy to keep. I have found long term that of those three, Zoanthids can be the more difficult at times but that shouldn't prevent you from keeping them. Of those I'd probably lean towards a nice Sinularia Leather coral. I like movement in my tanks.

 

[Hoity]

It is a biggie, 106" x 30" x 26". I like some movement as well, I have 4x6105 tunzes for water movement. Lighting is 4x 120w led fittings from twilight, lots of talk in the lighting, filtration etc thread.

 

[TealCobra]

It is a biggie, 106" x 30" x 26". I like some movement as well, I have 4x6105 tunzes for water movement. Lighting is 4x 120w led fittings from twilight, lots of talk in the lighting, filtration etc thread.

Oh that's good. I have always been impressed with large ruffling Toadstools and Yellow Fiji Leathers. Those are nice!

 

[Hoity]

Thanks Matt, are softies easier to keep than sps and lps?
I will try find some pictures of ruffling toadstools and some fiji leathers.
Cheers
Jon

 

[TealCobra]

Thanks Matt, are softies easier to keep than sps and lps?
I will try find some pictures of ruffling toadstools and some fiji leathers.
Cheers
Jon

Yes, provided they contain zooxanthellate and only require light as their main source for growth. Avoid corals that are considered NPS and require special feedings. Some softies (see: particular species of Gorgonian & Nepthea)

There are some you can see here that are considered Expert level:
http://www.liveaquaria.com/diversden/CatDisplay.cfm?c=2733+10

 

[nepenthes99]

If you are starting with corals in general I would start with mushrooms like rhodactis and discosoma. Ricordeas are more challenging. My first softie was a red palythoas which is still alive and well. Depending on where you are I can even give you a frag or two of it.

 

[TealCobra]

Here is a picture of our Green Nepthea.

 

[Hoity]

If you are starting with corals in general I would start with mushrooms like rhodactis and discosoma. Ricordeas are more challenging. My first softie was a red palythoas which is still alive and well. Depending on where you are I can even give you a frag or two of it.

thanks nepenthes, i am in Australia, a lot of ocean and reef between you and me, lol

 

[Hoity]

Yes, provided they contain zooxanthellate and only require light as their main source for growth. Avoid corals that are considered NPS and require special feedings. Some softies (see: particular species of Gorgonian & Nepthea)

There are some you can see here that are considered Expert level:
http://www.liveaquaria.com/diversden/CatDisplay.cfm?c=2733+10

will do, thanks again. the pretty ones are always the most difficult??

 

[TealCobra]

will do, thanks again. the pretty ones are always the most difficult??

No problem. It seems that way a lot of the time but there are many beautiful corals that are reasonably easy to keep.

 

[FNDsalt]

+1 to tealCobra. My Fiji leather is the centerpiece of my tank.

 

[Yedgy]

the pretty ones are always the most difficult??

Not necessarily. Have a look around this forum (especially the pic & build threads) and you'll see many gorgeous specimens that are relatively easy to keep. And if you're in doubt, just ask the tank owner! Everyone here is eager to help anyone out with things like lighting, flow, feeding, etc.

 

[llewella]

I love the big hairy mushrooms. They are pretty and also fun to feed. Almost like a nem but they dont move all over the place