What are the best species for a beginner / first time reefer?

[Zionas]

Hi, as the title says, I am a first time reefer. I have done a lot more research on fish, but I really don’t know much about corals. Which species would you suggest for a beginner (I know soft corals are the best for beginners) and is there anything special I need to know about caring for corals?

 

[Aqua Man]

What’s your setup? Lights? Tank size?
I like Pulsing Xenia, can be invasive though

 

[Zionas]

85 gallons, 3 foot tank. 36”x24”x24”. For lighting I will be using a Chinese brand, but it’s high lighting.

 

[jeffchapok]

In order of my success with them after 1 year and some rather stupid mishaps on my part:

1) Hairy mushrooms. I started with one, now have 20 or more and have given several away. Bulletproof.

2) Green palys. Likewise started with one, now have 20.

3) Cabbage leather. Has grown at least 5x.

4) Toadstool leather. Increased 4-5x in size. Seen behind the cabbage in the previous picture.

5) Kenya tree. Grows and frags like crazy.

6) Green star polyps. Had a rough start due to getting overrun by GHA. But now doing well.

7) Candy cane. Not a softie but an LPS. 4 small heads are now 10.

Many people recommend zoas as beginner corals. Personally, I had no luck with them for about the first 9 months. They are just now starting to do well for me.

Likewise, I'd wait on any euphyllia (hammers, frogspawn, torches and duncans). I'm just now beginning to have success with them too.

 

[Sabina]

Hi, as the title says, I am a first time reefer. I have done a lot more research on fish, but I really don’t know much about corals. Which species would you suggest for a beginner (I know soft corals are the best for beginners) and is there anything special I need to know about caring for corals?

Short answer softies

long answer