Starter Corals

Dub V Dolamite · Apr 24, 2011

Im pretty new and have got a few zoa frags what else is a good starter coral? I have a 29 gal tank with a 2 bulb T5 lights.

Thanks

fsu1dolfan · Apr 24, 2011

There are quite a few softies that are really good - like leathers, mushrooms, xenia, green star polyps...it all depends what you would like to have later as some of these can grow and spread rather fast.

xmetalfan99 · Apr 24, 2011

fsu1dolfan said:
There are quite a few softies that are really good - like leathers, mushrooms, xenia, green star polyps...it all depends what you would like to have later as some of these can grow and spread rather fast.

Most people regret adding xenia and GSP to their tanks. I would start with zoas, palys, and leathers. All are very forgiving and frags of them are cheap.

Troylee · Apr 24, 2011

Any soft coral or Lps will work only sticks get real finicky....

fergi138 · Apr 25, 2011

When I started acans and zoas were my best friend. Chalices were not too bad either. And still to this day ricordea are still one of my personal favorites super easy and give a lot of color to the tank

Akwarius · Apr 25, 2011

fergi138 said:
When I started acans and zoas were my best friend. Chalices were not too bad either. And still to this day ricordea are still one of my personal favorites super easy and give a lot of color to the tank

I agree with florida ricordea, they are very resilient. Yumas, not so much. Also zoas are thought to be easy, but some color morphs can be tricky.

fsu1dolfan · Apr 25, 2011

fergi138 said:
When I started acans and zoas were my best friend. Chalices were not too bad either. And still to this day ricordea are still one of my personal favorites super easy and give a lot of color to the tank

+1 on some chalices too - The cheaper ones that you can get a decent size are really hearty.

Tab28 · Apr 25, 2011

There are some started corals I had, but wish I did not get. One that comes to mind is Kenya tree. Granted it is not ugly or aggresive but can they multiply. Another would be Anthellia which looks very pretty when it sways in the current but it can't be killed and multiplies faster then the kenya tree. there are several easy first time corals but not all are ones you will want to keep when you progress into other types. The two I mentioned will drop there babies and float around until they anchor onto something which is generally liverock.

fsu1dolfan · Apr 25, 2011

Tab28 said:
There are some started corals I had, but wish I did not get. One that comes to mind is Kenya tree. Granted it is not ugly or aggresive but can they multiply. Another would be Anthellia which looks very pretty when it sways in the current but it can't be killed and multiplies faster then the kenya tree. there are several easy first time corals but not all are ones you will want to keep when you progress into other types. The two I mentioned will drop there babies and float around until they anchor onto something which is generally liverock.

I had the same thing happen with my Leather - It was a great beginner coral though - last year i finally gave it to a friend.

Akwarius · Apr 25, 2011

Dont be afraid to try some sps. Most montis can tolerate medium light, have great color, and are very tolerant.

fsu1dolfan · Apr 25, 2011

Akwarius said:
Dont be afraid to try some sps. Most montis can tolerate medium light, have great color, and are very tolerant.

Hate to disagree but depending on the tank and how constant the parameters are and his flow...it might not be a good starter.

cdness · Apr 25, 2011

Stick with the softies... I haven't seen anyone ask yet, but what light do you have? If you are just using a standard tank light you will need to look into an upgrade. If it's a good quality T-5 light you'll be safe.

Akwarius · Apr 25, 2011

fsu1dolfan said:
Hate to disagree but depending on the tank and how constant the parameters are and his flow...it might not be a good starter.

Really?! A piece of monti cap would be perfect for him. Its also a good coral to have as a "barometer". A coral that you look at to quickly assess the health of your tank.

Tab28 · Apr 25, 2011

Akwarius said:
Really?! A piece of monti cap would be perfect for him. Its also a good coral to have as a "barometer". A coral that you look at to quickly assess the health of your tank.

What would you look for and a barometer? I received one about the size of a postage stamp it is now layer and layer a swirls.

Akwarius · Apr 25, 2011

Tab28 said:
What would you look for and a barometer? I received one about the size of a postage stamp it is now layer and layer a swirls.

If it stops calcifying then test calcium, if it bleaches then test alkalinity, mag, or potassium. Sometimes a simple water change is all thats needed.

Tab28 · Apr 25, 2011

Akwarius said:
If it stops calcifying then test calcium, if it bleaches then test alkalinity, mag, or potassium. Sometimes a simple water change is all thats needed.

Thanks did not know that about Monti caps. I know xenia and birds nest will suddenly dies off if Alk or PH swing. You can loose a decent size bird nest overnight with a PH swing. But Monti Caps are so large you would probably notice the change faster and it would recover.

fsu1dolfan · Apr 25, 2011

Akwarius said:
Really?! A piece of monti cap would be perfect for him. Its also a good coral to have as a "barometer". A coral that you look at to quickly assess the health of your tank.

We both know that SPS is not a good start...yes caps are heartly in a tank that has good flow and parameters...but in a new tank it shouldnt be in the top 10