starting corals

[moose897]

was wondering what corals and how many I should get to start? I have a 55gal take with 4 fish, 2 clowns, a blue tang and bi-color angel. weekly water changes gfo and carbon reactor along with a protein skimmer. Always use ro/di water and have about 35 lbs of live rock and a vortex mp10 powerhead and led reef light. Also, should I isolate the corals or put them anywhere? All help and advise will be greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

[ForeverNoob]

Leathers are easy to keep early on and are peaceful once you fill out the tank.

 

[thegrun]

I think what Forever is implying is that your tank is too small for both the Tang and the Angel. Both will become very aggressive and stressed from being kept in too small a tank.
As far as the corals go you can start with as many easy to care for corals as you like since they do not increase your bio-load. Placement depends upon the type of corals.
Here is a good website listing easy to care for corals:
http://saltaquarium.about.com/od/coralcare/ig/15-Easy-Corals/index.htm

This website lists many of the common corals found in the hobby and their lighting and water flow requirements:
https://sites.google.com/a/asira.org/www2/caresheets

 

[Sapelo]

What type of lighting you have and your water parameters will have a lot to do with what kind of coral you can keep.

 

[moose897]

I was wondering if the tank was too small. I was thinking of going to at least a 90 gl. But then I'd have to upgrade all my equipment and a spot to put the tank.

 

[joshua_00030]

There's plenty of fish that do fine in small tanks. I'd swap the tang for something else. Your fish shouldn't disturb the corals but you need to consider what coral you have before you think position. If your corals want high flow high light you may need to adjust your power head to push to the top more. As for how many you should probably start with just one, maybe two. Not because of the tank size, but because you will always want to buy new ones. Start with less so you can keep getting more.

 

[moose897]

just to add a note, the blue tang has been in the tank almost 3 years. It hasn't grown and I'm sure the tank size has to do with that but she swims a lot and enjoys her rock. She has not attacked anyone and is a pig at feeding time. The bi color is almost 2 years old and same thing. I still would like to go bigger but not working doesn't allow me to grow. I hope to be back to work soon. Been out all but 2 months for the last 2 years do to an injury from work and the tank has kept me from going nuts. I really do appreciate all the advise. It is a value. Thank You for taking the time.

 

[anthonys51]

the tang police car is too funny. if its working for you keep it until you can get bigger

but as far as corals soft corals are the easiest as far as lighting and water condition and tolerate fluctuations in water chemistry the most. so you can start with them xenia, gsp, kenya tree coral and so on

i like lps the best hammer, torches, open brains they dont like as much flow and arent that hard to keep in my opinion

good luck

 

[TatorTaco]

You'll want to focus on soft corals since you'll find they're more forgiving in regards to flow, light, and nutrient level. As a beginner myself, I've had great success with zoas, button polyps, and mushrooms. Plus...they're cheap.

 

[anthonys51]

Plus you kept fish for 3 years. Your not a newbie. You might be with corals. But don't be scared or nervous . Most corals are just as easy go keep as the fish.

 

[evan47]

Plus you kept fish for 3 years. Your not a newbie. You might be with corals. But don't be scared or nervous . Most corals are just as easy go keep as the fish.

I would check the nitrate and phosphate levels and make sure that they are ok before getting too carried away adding corals.
I would also do a bit of research on which corals the bi colour angel is likely to nip.

 

[anthonys51]

On top of what Evan said I would also test alk and calcium and mg before you added any. Good luck