What are some simple corals for a newbie?

N

nspiro88

I have experience with saltwater fish but no experience with corals. I know there are limitless factors to take into consideration when choosing corals for an aquarium, i.e. water flow, lighting, feeding, etc. What are 4-5 basic corals that are easy to maintain, work under power compacts and are relatively hardy?
 
The problem with what most folks consider 'starter corals' is that while they're hardy and good growers, switching from these starter corals to more advanced ones can be difficult. Many of these produce noxious substances to inhibit other corals, or they're very invasive.

That being said, here's what I consider the 'starter' corals:

- zoanthids / palythoa
- green star polyps (GSP)
- mushrooms
- xenia
- anthelia

Then a little more advanced:

- leathers (toadstool, cabbage, finger, devil's hand)

Then the easiest LPS:

- frogspawn
- hammer
- torch

And then the easiest stony corals:

- montipora cap
- montipora digitata
- birdsnest
 
Thanks Scott. I am right around the corner from you in Coppell. I appreciate the advice. Corals are one of those things you really pride in and can be beautiful if taken care of. I just wanted to make sure I went slow and picked the right items for my reef.
 
Duncans are easy LPS. Might be worth investing in too considering the way things are going with collection bans lately.
 
Well there was a recent flood of Australian corals coming in and now apparently that has come to an end. Duncanopsammia being an Australian coral probably won't be available after all the pieces are snatched up from the stores. Of course as many people as there were buying them, you can probably get a frag from someone.
 
The Duncans are beautiful corals. I think I found a picture of one and tag it below. However, you all are the experts and will be able to reconfirm my findings. I will try to find one of those after the tank is up and running.
 
I got mine from http://www.ultimatefrags.com/coralinfo.php?ID=522#coral

Pampee usually has a group buy every month that includes 20% off and free shipping. I purchased two heads which are about a silver dollar size expanded and already have two new heads growing out of them and i've had them for 2 months.

If you feed your fish the food will usually fall onto their tentecles and it's pretty amazing watching them grab the mysis and put it in their mouth.
 
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