Coral suggestion

[propane4heatHRH]

Hi all. I have a 15 gallon fluvial flex that I’ve been running for 2 years, I am looking for corals that are very easy to keep that do not require much light. Ideally want one coral that will spread like crazy.

Stock
2 blue leg hermits
1 lantern basslet
1 stripped blenny

 

[propane4heatHRH]

Ignore the zoas in the picture, they died a year ago still haunts my thoughts and they will be remembered…

 

[propane4heatHRH]

Also this picture is form October 2023 idk if that helps

 

[crazyfishmom]

Well, there are many softies that fit that bill. Do you like movement? If so, pulsing Xenia is very hardy and spreads quickly. Do you prefer bright green? GSP is the what I go then. Palys will easily take over the tank if you let them but sounds like you’re not necessarily interested in zoas/palys. A toadstool les to we might be a great addition. Will not necessarily take over but will grow quickly and become a centerpiece in that size tank. Many options. Why don’t you tell us what kind of look you’re into? Might help with being able to provide appropriate recommendations.

 

[propane4heatHRH]

Thank you for the reply! I do like zoas but have my doubts since the ones I had last year seemingly melted away. I’m looking for a soft coral that I wouldn’t have to additionally feed since I have such a small tank. Also I don’t want to run my lights all day because when I do the GHA seems to ramp up. My tank has been looking pretty clean for a year tho

 

[propane4heatHRH]

Thank you for the reply! I do like zoas but have my doubts since the ones I had last year seemingly melted away. I’m looking for a soft coral that I wouldn’t have to additionally feed since I have such a small tank. Also I don’t want to run my lights all day because when I do the GHA seems to ramp up. My tank has been looking pretty clean for a year tho

I’m looking into Xenia specifically and maybe even GSP. Idk if it would be easier to pick one or have a mixed reef

 

[propane4heatHRH]

Here’s recent pics and gear

 

[crazyfishmom]

I think if those are the requirements then Xenia, GSP, or daisy close polyps would be what I would consider. They all grow quickly and provide great coverage. That said, they will definitely still the lights on for a good amount of time since they get most of their energy from their zooanthellae.

I think it would be pretty to have a mix of all three. That way you get different colors and textures in the tank.

 

[propane4heatHRH]

I think if those are the requirements then Xenia, GSP, or daisy close polyps would be what I would consider. They all grow quickly and provide great coverage. That said, they will definitely still the lights on for a good amount of time since they get most of their energy from their zooanthellae.

I think it would be pretty to have a mix of all three. That way you get different colors and textures in the tank.

Excellent! Do you have recommendations for how long I should leave the lights on for per day? I’m a beginner at corals xD

 

[crazyfishmom]

Excellent! Do you have recommendations for how long I should leave the lights on for per day? I’m a beginner at corals xD

8-12 hrs is recommended with a 1 hr ramp up and down included in that time. I highly recommend the controller for the Nicrew, you can set the timers on it allowing you lots of flexibility. With the light you have, I would recommend 60-70% blue and 5% white light for a nice blend.

 

[kyreefville]

gsp would be my thought. But I’d go with gsp and at least one other, a variety, opportunity to fill different spaces not putting all eggs in one basket.

 

[propane4heatHRH]

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[propane4heatHRH]

8-12 hrs is recommended with a 1 hr ramp up and down included in that time. I highly recommend the controller for the Nicrew, you can set the timers on it allowing you lots of flexibility. With the light you have, I would recommend 60-70% blue and 5% white light for a nice blend.

Thank you this is very helpful! My last question is, I have my light clamped to the back of my tank. Some of it touches the water when full all the way. Do you think this would run the risk of mental leeching into my tank?

 

[propane4heatHRH]

gsp would be my thought. But I’d go with gsp and at least one other, a variety, opportunity to fill different spaces not putting all eggs in one basket.

Thank you! I think that’s where I went wrong last time I tried corals!

 

[vetteguy53081]

Hi all. I have a 15 gallon fluvial flex that I’ve been running for 2 years, I am looking for corals that are very easy to keep that do not require much light. Ideally want one coral that will spread like crazy.

Stock
2 blue leg hermits
1 lantern basslet
1 stripped blenny

Some hardy and low light corals are:
Mushrooms
leathers
Candy canes
Yes - zoas
Xenia
Green star polyps
Kenyii Tree (caution - will drop shoots and keep spreading)

 

[propane4heatHRH]

Some hardy and low light corals are:
Mushrooms
leathers
Candy canes
Yes - zoas
Xenia
Green star polyps
Kenyii Tree (caution - will drop shoots and keep spreading)

Thank you!! I am leaving heavy twords GSP and pulsing Xenia to start

 

[steveschuerger]

Thank you!! I am leaving heavy twords GSP and pulsing Xenia to start

Toadstool leathers are really nice. I’ve got one with shorter polyps at the moment but in the past I had one with semi long ones. This the one I had until late last year

This the one have right now