Suggestions for softies in a FOWLR

[NTP66]

For some background, I currently have a 90g FOWLR with a Rectangle Triggerfish, Blue Spotted Toby (c. papua), a One Spot Foxface, and an army of snails (nassarius, nerite, and cerith) and crabs (blue leg hermits and emeralds). In terms of equipment, I'm running an RO NWB-150, Eheim 1260 return, two MP40's (max 100%, various modes throughout the day), Phosban 150 (GFO), and am waiting on my new Build My LED 20000k Reef Spectrum XBs to arrive.

I'm thinking about possibly adding some soft coral to the tank, and was looking for some suggestions on which ones might work out the best in my scenario. I realize that I have a few non-reef safe fish, but I'll likely test the waters with something small/inexpensive to see if they fish leave it alone, and go from there.

Ideally, I'd like to add color to the tank, and would prefer hardier coral. I'm also looking for coral that won't require anymore equipment (kalk, etc.), relying on good husbandry, water changes (I use Reef Crystals), and if required some small dosing by hand. On top of that, I'd really like to avoid something that would just take over the entire tank and become a nuisance (pulsing xenia and GSP comes to mind).

That being said, could anyone offer any suggestions on some soft coral that might work for me? Thanks in advance.

I doubt it helps, but here's a shot of the tank as it stands now:

 

[cloak]

Any of the corals in these two links would be a good choice IMO.

http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=597+2856+3066&pcatid=3066

http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=597+2856+716&pcatid=716

 

[NTP66]

I did check those out the other day, so that'd be nice. I do like the look of that green decil's hand. I know some people seem to dislike them because of how quickly they spread, but I was also thinking that zoas might work, too. I've looked through a lot of photos in this sub forum, and I love some of the zoa gardens that I've seen.

 

[NTP66]

I think I contradicted my original post by asking about zoas. So, I'm assuming that there are two ways of going about this - zoas only, or a mix of other softies that don't include zoas or xenia.

 

[3dees]

my 120 started as a fowlr. got bored quickly and started adding coral. 1.5 years and softies and a few lps doing fine. I do not dose and no sump. leathers, toadstools, mushrooms, hammer, goniopra, and pipe organ. my one spot doesn't bother any coral. not going to win any awards, but it's better than just rock. go for it.

 

[NTP66]

That looks great, 3dees, and is essentially what I was picturing when I started thinking about adding coral. The biggest roadblock is going to be seeing how the trigger and puffer react to the coral, but I won't be able to move forward until my new lights are in.

 

[3dees]

triggers like to move rocks but if your rock are large it shouldn't be a problem. both the trigger and puffer will probably go after cuc but leave corals alone.

 

[NTP66]

My trigger is still relatively small at 3.5", and doesn't really touch any of the live rock. He spends 99% of his day chewing and spitting out sand, though. As for the CUC, 99% of them stay hidden until nighttime, so it's not really an issue.

 

[Tzwizzle]

If it were me I would add some leathers, perhaps a colt coral. Tree corals nepthea are also cool. Some colorful mushrooms (rics are the most finicky. Ive had better luck with Yuma and bullseyes). Disco mushrooms have been known to take over but if you want coverage maybe that's ok? Just pick one you wouldn't mind if it spread since there all some cool color morphs.

on a side note, from what I've read zoas are frequently one of the corals that many non reef safe fish like to snack on. Might limit your stock options. Never heard of any fish eating mushrooms.

 

[NTP66]

Out of curiosity, aren't colt corals considered pests because of how rapidly they spread? Same as most zoas, in that regard, no? My LFS is going to give me some colt coral for free when I'm ready (if I want), and that's basically what he told me. I can get small frags of zoas in the $5-10 range, so I don't mind spending a little money to test the waters.

 

[Tzwizzle]

I think all soft corals can be considered pests if left unchecked hence the reason most are "beginner corals". They can get huge and/or spread if conditions are favorable but isn't that the point of a reef???
Colts grow fast but can be fragged down for $. I would avoid Kenya trees since they drop babies on their own. When corals get too big and start infringing then you frag them. Theres are only a few corals IMO that grow too fast and create too much work (xenia/GPS/anthelia/ blue cloves) then its worth. Zoas don't spread super fast. In ideal conditions maybe a couple new polyps every other week.