What are the best cheap corals for a beginner

[fishywishy]

I want to get some corals but i dont want any expensive corals yet so i can test it out first and see if everything’s good, so I'm wondering what are some really cheap corals that are easy to take care of?

 

[mtraylor]

Zoas and up a notch is one head of frogspawn would be a good start

 

[Mr Cypher]

Duncans yo

 

[TheReefDiary]

I want to get some corals but i dont want any expensive corals yet so i can test it out first and see if everything’s good, so I'm wondering what are some really cheap corals that are easy to take care of?

just depends on your risk tolerance and goals for the tank. I have a ton of alveopora, hammers, and torches in my new tank and they are all growing extremely well.

in my opinion duncan is a great cheap coral that gives you the look of euphyllia without the cost. also they grow quickly so it won't take long to have a decent colony.

 

[Sharkbait19]

I’d start with softies - they will be the most forgiving.
Leathers, Xenia, gsp, and zoas are all extremely hardy and good for newer tanks.

 

[bnord]

Agree with above - Green Star polyp ON AN ISLAND! is a sure fire survivor

For SPS - a pavona or basic stag will hold their own if you have the right lights

 

[RedoubtReef]

Zoas and some LPS. Pink or green Birdsnest for SPS.

 

[TheReefDiary]

Duncans yo

exactly! fast grower, looks awesome, and are hardy.

 

[fishywishy]

What’s the cheapest frogspawn? And are all zoas have poisons because kids will clean the tank sometimes

 

[TheReefDiary]

What’s the cheapest frogspawn? And are all zoas have poisons because kids will clean the tank sometimes

yeah zoas have toxins if they're cut or fragged improperly. you're not going to die from it. some people get sick. honestly I've touched plenty of zoas barehand. I know people who frag them barehand. everyone's fine. however everyones body is also different.

 

[fishywishy]

yeah zoas have toxins if they're cut or fragged improperly. you're not going to die from it. some people get sick. honestly I've touched plenty of zoas barehand. I know people who frag them barehand. everyone's fine. however everyones body is also different.

So there only poisonous if they are cut improper, they dont just have the poison on them at all times

 

[Rp8]

Green star polyp and zoas and mushrooms

 

[steveschuerger]

Leathers (I’ve got a toadstool that I’ve had almost since starting last year) , duncans, zoas or for that matter, most softies. Frogspawn are pretty easy as far as lps go, acans / micromussa are pretty good for beginners. There’s plenty others but let’s start with this.

 

[natew]

Frogspawn duncans zoas leathers.

 

[Sharkbait19]

What’s the cheapest frogspawn? And are all zoas have poisons because kids will clean the tank sometimes

I don’t usually see frogs less than 50-60 by me unless there’s a sale going on.
Only the more wild type zoas/palys are highly toxic, but it’s best to treat them all like they are. You won’t get poisoned by sticking your hand in the tank - they have to be really stressed (like during fragging) for the toxins to be a major issue.

 

[LeannaBanana]

Second all the shouts of Zoa and Duncan!

I'm a little indifferent with Zoa, personally; but they grow fairly quickly, come in many colors, and are super hardy. I avoid palys, because I'm irresponsible and like to put my bare hands in the tank sometimes (don't be me), but as long as you or the kiddos aren't purposely ripping corals apart, I'd err on the side of "you'll be fine, there are worse things that can hitchhike in" personally.

My Duncan took off and grew like a weed! Torches and Frogspawn were great successes early on in my tank, as well, but results can vary there.

 

[glency]

Duncans yo

This is the way.

 

[Trandyd]

Add a hammer to the list.

 

[fishywishy]

Second all the shouts of Zoa and Duncan!

I'm a little indifferent with Zoa, personally; but they grow fairly quickly, come in many colors, and are super hardy. I avoid palys, because I'm irresponsible and like to put my bare hands in the tank sometimes (don't be me), but as long as you or the kiddos aren't purposely ripping corals apart, I'd err on the side of "you'll be fine, there are worse things that can hitchhike in" personally.

My Duncan took off and grew like a weed! Torches and Frogspawn were great successes early on in my tank, as well, but results can vary there.

What’s wrong with palys?

 

[Sharkbait19]

What’s wrong with palys?

Palys tend to be the more toxic (and faster spreading) ones.