Too Soon?

[bnord]

I'm a newbie too, and started adding corals at about 5 months. My advice is just enjoy your enthusiasm for getting into it. All the experienced reefers warn about xenia and GSP being invasive, beginner weed corals, but my feeling is bring it on! Both were my first coral additions because I just love how both of them look, and I'm excited to have the problem of them growing too much, lol. That is much preferred to adding livestock and have it struggle. I'll learn for myself and apply the lessons when I upgrade to a bigger tank. I have about 8 corals now, both softies and LSP. So far so good, loving the journey. Get some corals that you like and will work with your tank and enjoy them.

I agree with the Xenia/Clove/GSP concern on the main scape, but just the same you can easily add them to a stand alone small/med rock and allow them to flourish on the rock. I even add them to opposite ends of the same rock and let them grow to meet each other! and then I will bring them in to LFS for trade.
Also can prop the GSP rock on the back to get it to spread up the glass for that look.

Wish someone had warned me about faster growing Zoas on the main scape at the beggining - mine has spread too fast too far and although non-noxious it requires grooming too often

Support that a great early and affordable coral and bell weather is a Duncan polyp or 2. Allows you to practice target feeding and movement around the tank for flow. I have glued the Duncan stalks -pr hammers to oyster shells for stability and tank mobility, then added mushrooms or zoas to the bare part of the shell. oh yeah, then when they grow out you can bring them for trade.

In short, I think you are more than ready and will do great as long as you maintain the patience you have already displayed. Bon Chance y'all

 

[AlyHarper]

Here is a picture from this morning, of one Duncan with multiple heads. They really make new heads fast if you feed them.

That's beautiful! Is the pretty purple one a mushroom?

 

[Idech]

That's beautiful! Is the pretty purple one a mushroom?

Yes, it’s a red Actinodiscus mushroom and it’s actually more orange than red. Funny how light can play tricks on our eyes.

 

[AlyHarper]

Yes, it’s a red Actinodiscus mushroom and it’s actually more orange than red. Funny how light can play tricks on our eyes.

Well it is super pretty! Both of them! Thanks for the share!!