Understanding Coral Varieties
Some corals are quite hard to keep. You will need to research the corals you want. Overfeeding stimulates algal blooms and nitrate spikes.
Coral Care Tips
- Acclimating corals reduces further shock.
- Many encourage quarantining corals.
- Coral fragging is cutting colonies into smaller ones. Corals should open within a week. Try not to swing salinity much.
Best Corals for Beginners
Green Star Polyps are excellent beginners as they are hardy and fast-growing. Torch coral is a relatively easy-to-keep coral species that is suitable for beginners. It requires stable water parameters to thrive.
Coral Maintenance Tips
- Significant pH and alkalinity swings stress corals.
- No corals to eat – just break teeth.
Recommended Coral Species
- Zoas and Palys are both very hardy soft coral, making them excellent choices for beginners.
- Candy Cane Coral (Caulastrea furcata): This coral has a unique appearance with fleshy polyps resembling candy canes.
- Open Brain Coral (Trachyphyllia geoffroyi): This coral comes in a variety of colors and prefers moderate lighting and water flow.
Corals and Lighting
- Plate corals require low maintenance compared to others.
- Proper lighting is crucial for the photosynthetic processes of corals. They require intense light of specific wavelengths to thrive.
Factors in Coral Health
- Corals are highly sensitive to water movements.
- Maintaining pristine water conditions is crucial for coral health.
Easy-to-Maintain Corals
- LPS corals are a good choice for beginners.
- Mushroom (Actinodiscus) Corals are soft corals, have no exoskeleton, and grow on rocks. They do not grow well in bright lights or heavy currents.
Corals and Tank Size
- If you have a small tank, avoid corals that require a lot of space.