What is a good beginner coral?

[CrazyDuck959]

So I’m looking to get my first coral, everything I have read and heard said that LPS are the easiest corals to start with is this true and if it is what coral should I start with? My lfs said a good coral to start with is a Duncan Coral, or Candy Cane Coral, And or there was one more but I forgot what it was called. My tank is a Fluval Evo 13.5 and I am stuck with the stock light for now, I do plan to upgrade it this year. The tank is about 6 - 7 months old and it does have coraline algae growing in it.


My tank parameters are -


Phosphate - 0.02 PPM

Alkalinity - 9.8 dKH

Calcium - 440 PPM

Magnesium - 1450 PPM


Are these acceptable parameters for coral? If not please tell me what I need to fix.



Basically I am just trying to figure out the best coral for my tank with my parameters that will not grow to much it takes over the tank and is beginner friendly that can grow in the Fluval stock light.

The picture below is my tank.

 

[FragFarm]

Hello we offer aT Fragfarm a beginner package of coral that are seven easy corals to start with for the low price of $99 These include GPS, Acans , Duncans ,candy cane , Zoas and mushrooms.
we also ship!!

 

[mdb_talon]

Both calcium and mg are a bit elevated. What is your salinity? In a tank with no dosing(i am assuming) those parameters all seem like salinity may be a bit high.

Having said that coral should be fine in those parameters as long as salinity is good.

For coral i consider zoas a good first coral, but cc or duncan is a fine option also. Whatever you put in make sure it is something you really want(ie dont buy it just cause it "easy" or good beginning coral). Other than sps( which generally has higher light and flow requirements) or NPS(which is generally just much more difficult) i think most coral is doable in a new tank.

 

[CrazyDuck959]

Both calcium and mg are a bit elevated. What is your salinity? In a tank with no dosing(i am assuming) those parameters all seem like salinity may be a bit high.

Having said that coral should be fine in those parameters as long as salinity is good.

For coral i consider zoas a good first coral, but cc or duncan is a fine option also. Whatever you put in make sure it is something you really want(ie dont buy it just cause it "easy" or good beginning coral). Other than sps( which generally has higher light and flow requirements) or NPS(which is generally just much more difficult) i think most coral is doable in a new tank.

I will have to check my salinity, the last time I checked it was 1.025, and yeah I am not dosing the tank.

 

[Wasabiroot]

Mag is slightly elevated, but otherwise looks OK.

Duncan, favia, leptoseris, zoas, Leathers of any kind are great starters. Duncan are super fun to feed.

Your clowns may try to be hosted by anything, maybe, maybe not but keep an eye on anything you add for irritation.

Avoid hammers, torches, frogspawn until your alk is more stable.

 

[CrazyDuck959]

I decided to get a Duncan coral, I am currently drip acclimating it! I hope everything works out!

 

[mdb_talon]

I decided to get a Duncan coral, I am currently drip acclimating it! I hope everything works out!

No need to drip it. Float to temp then dip/rinse if you choose and into tank.