Help me choose a coral!

Saltwatertaylor · Sep 1, 2012

I want to add a new coral to my tank. I currently have some zoas, a leather coral frag, two mushrooms, and an anemone.
Im wondering if anyone has any suggestions on some cool (not beginner coral but maybe intermediate) coral to try and keep?
I am thinking an acan because I have started to fall in love with their crazy colors.
(I have 10k MH btw)

seth&angelle · Sep 1, 2012

Well, if you love crazy colors, it will be hard to get that with 10k MH. I'm not sure what watt MH you have, but I would recommend Radium 20k bulbs along with some 454 LED supplements. This combo will really make corals POP.

Saltwatertaylor · Sep 1, 2012

I know next time I change my lights (which will be pretty soon) I think i'm going to get the phoenix 14k

seth&angelle · Sep 1, 2012

Ok, so you have double ended bulbs. The phoenix is a good choice, and very similar to the radium from what I read.

Russellaqua · Sep 1, 2012

An Acan would be a good choice. Most LPS with a color combo you like would be good. Just keep in mind their sweeper tentacles that can be 8+ inches and sting whatever they touch. Some Favia and Favites also have nice color patterns and are pretty easy to keep. They will benefit from occasional feedings as well.

ritter6788 · Sep 1, 2012

Favias, Trachyphyllias, Blastomussa, Chalice, Plate corals,

Any interest in SPS?

Saltwatertaylor · Sep 1, 2012

I will eventually have in interest in sps, but not now. My tank isn't mature enough for them yet, and I want to get some experience before I start to try those. Do LPS keep their color even in 10k MH lighting?
Do corals suddenly get there color back when you change bulbs? Because my zoas look brown but at the store they were lime green. If I changed my bulbs would they instantly color up?

solar · Sep 1, 2012

One of my favorites is frogspawn.

Saltwatertaylor · Sep 1, 2012

I was also considering frogspawn. Any of the coral that sway like frogspawn are very appealing to me.

ritter6788 · Sep 1, 2012

Saltwatertaylor said:
Do LPS keep their color even in 10k MH lighting?
Do corals suddenly get there color back when you change bulbs? Because my zoas look brown but at the store they were lime green. If I changed my bulbs would they instantly color up?

Depends on the coral really. Corals can brown or lose color from lighting or water issues but bluer light tends to reflect bright coral colors better. If the color is lost then it will take some time for them to color up again. I do have some corals that look bland under 10k type lighting and if moved to bluer lighting they are instantly more colorful.

Saltwatertaylor · Sep 1, 2012

I've heard of that happening too. The corals i'm getting are usually brown. One of my mushrooms has kept its color, but it's not even close to as blue as it used to be. Can't wait to get some blue lighting/14k halides in my tank!

3Twinklets · Sep 1, 2012

One of my favorite corals is the Aussie Elegance. You can get them with various colored tips.

Saltwatertaylor · Sep 1, 2012

I do like those! That's an LPS correct?

3Twinklets · Sep 1, 2012

Yes and it is and relatively easy. Take your time and you can find some with the tip color that you prefer. (Pink,blue,purple). I find The Australian Elegance ships better). Also smaller ones ship better.

skinz78 · Sep 1, 2012

Pssshhhhh get a clam:tongue:

Saltwatertaylor · Sep 1, 2012

LOL! I am too broke for a Clam! I've heard they are super hard to take care of as well. In time though

. I also like that coral that looks like hair? Anyone know what i'm talking about?

Dixie_reefer · Sep 1, 2012

I like hammers, would much rather have one of those than my frogspawn.

Pierre · Sep 1, 2012

Florida Ricordea are my favorite. Why not try a couple of them. They have great colours.

SeahorseKeeper · Sep 1, 2012

Saltwatertaylor said:
LOL! I am too broke for a Clam! I've heard they are super hard to take care of as well. In time though . I also like that coral that looks like hair? Anyone know what i'm talking about?

Star polyps?

Rics, frogspawn, blastos and brains would all make excellent choices.

Saltwatertaylor · Sep 1, 2012

I do really like ricordeas as well! I may get one of those!
Yes, I like the star polyps as well!
Brain corals have been very high on my coral list but they are pretty expensive