what is a nice corals for starters

[Unitylover]

zoas? toadstools? others?

 

[Miami Reef]

This is a good starting point/goal but by no means do you need these exact parameters. However, it’s easier to start and keep good parameters than trying to fix later.

True. Many people have had success with some variation in the parameters, for example, people can keep alk from 7-12dkh, but generally speaking, this is the ideal. How many times have you seen someone with an alk of 11 and having problems and everyone telling that person to lower it? Too many to count.

 

[Sharkbait19]

As another coral newbie, I'd ask which soft corals do NOT require any target feeding, in case that's of interest. (I know I don't spot feed my zoas)

EDIT -- just mentioning because there are some photosynthetic soft corals that people seem to recommended feeding also,,, beyond just what they get from your normal fish feeding.

Leathers, xenia types, and zoas don’t need any feedings. Many more don’t as well.

 

[SlugSnorter]

As another coral newbie, I'd ask which soft corals do NOT require any target feeding, in case that's of interest. (I know I don't spot feed my zoas)

EDIT -- just mentioning because there are some photosynthetic soft corals that people seem to recommended feeding also,,, beyond just what they get from your normal fish feeding.

ric #1

 

[TnFishwater98]

Easy corals but you should research before you put in your tank.
-GSP
-Xenias
-Leathers
-Kenya Trees (leather)
-Blue Sarcothelia
-Yellow Polyps
-Pocillopora
-I’m sure there are more

 

[SlugSnorter]

Easy corals but you should research before you put in your tank.
-GSP
-Xenias
-Leathers
-Kenya Trees (leather)
-Blue Sarcothelia
-Yellow Polyps
-Pocillopora
-I’m sure there are more

RICS!

 

[TnFishwater98]

ric #1

Can’t go wrong

 

[SlugSnorter]

Can’t go wrong

Ric cult #1

 

[mingc]

Before you buy your corals, you need good water parameters.

Salinity: 1.025-1.026
Temperature:77-80F
Alkalinity: 7-8dkh
Calcium: 420-480
Magnesium: 1250-1350
Nitrates: 2-10ppm
Phosphates: 0.03-0.12ppm

You need a decent light to grow corals. Please do not buy any corals until your parameters matches above. These parameters are my recommendations based on the general consensus in the reefing hobby. You can keep pretty much any coral with these parameters.

this water parameters was perfect for all types of corals including softys, lps and sps. for keeping easy starter soft corals, he don't need to make his water perfect as yours, something close to this parameters will be good enough for keeping them

 

[TnFishwater98]

this water parameters was perfect for all types of corals including softys, lps and sps. for keeping easy starter soft corals, he don't need to make his water perfect as yours, something close to this parameters will be good enough for keeping them

Definitely ideal parameters

 

[EricR]

Ric cult #1

Ricordea is the only kind of shroom I've seen at my LFS that I (and my daughter) like the looks of.

Good to know that you don't feel need to target feed (if that's what you suggested).
Thought I've read people recommend feeding 2-3x per week. (Nice for me if that's not a necessity)

 

[Mr Cypher]

Maby I missed it but no love for Duncans lol love them was my 1st

 

[TnFishwater98]

Ricordea is the only kind of shroom I've seen at my LFS that I (and my daughter) like the looks of.

Good to know that you don't feel need to target feed (if that's what you suggested).
Thought I've read people recommend feeding 2-3x per week. (Nice for me if that's not a necessity)

Eats up the light

 

[Titleist1964]

This is an excellent post. Pretty much all the coral info I'm looking for in one spot.

 

[Unitylover]

What tests do I need? Is just having these fine:
Calcium
Alk
Phosphate
Kh

 

[Unitylover]

Also is alk needed?

 

[Unitylover]

I'm only asking because salifert and Hannah are very pricy. Api gives an approximate amount, so I am thinking of getting it. It doesn't have alk tho, idk If alk is needed either.

 

[mindme]

I would get pulsating xenias. They provide nice movement with their hands pulsating all the time, and that also gives them their own flow. They also take in nutrients which helps with your bio load.

As for taking over your tank, they will grow everywhere, so you just need to find other softies like leathers that won't be bothered. I keep them in my tank that has some anemones in them. But I'm about to transfer them to my 25g cube and them I'm going to turn the current 29g into a softie tank.

My 2nd choice would be a leather like a toadstool or finger leather, maybe both.

3rd choice would be a duncan.

Kenya trees are good if you like those, personally I do not.

You do not need to worry about Calcium or alk with these corals.

 

[Unitylover]

Is.magnesium needed either

 

[Unitylover]

I would get pulsating xenias. They provide nice movement with their hands pulsating all the time, and that also gives them their own flow. They also take in nutrients which helps with your bio load.

As for taking over your tank, they will grow everywhere, so you just need to find other softies like leathers that won't be bothered. I keep them in my tank that has some anemones in them. But I'm about to transfer them to my 25g cube and them I'm going to turn the current 29g into a softie tank.

My 2nd choice would be a leather like a toadstool or finger leather, maybe both.

3rd choice would be a duncan.

Kenya trees are good if you like those, personally I do not.

You do not need to worry about Calcium or alk with these corals.

How about magnesium

 

[Unitylover]

Bump