Beginner corals
The best first coral is one that survives the mistakes every new reef keeper makes. That means hardy soft corals first, then forgiving LPS corals, and SPS only once the tank is stable. This guide explains what makes a coral beginner-friendly and how to choose one.
What makes a coral beginner-friendly
- Tolerance of change. A hardy coral keeps its colour and opens up even when the water is not perfect.
- Modest light and flow needs. Corals that do not demand the strongest lighting or the most turbulent flow are easier to place.
- Easy feeding. Corals that get most of what they need from their internal algae, with no special target-feeding, are simpler to keep.
- Availability and price. A coral that is commonly captive-grown and fairly inexpensive is a good one to learn on.
Soft corals to start with
Soft corals have flexible bodies rather than a rigid skeleton, and many are the most forgiving animals in the reef hobby.
- Mushroom corals. Disc-shaped and very hardy. They spread readily, which some keepers love and others manage carefully.
- Zoanthids and palythoa. Mat-forming polyps in a wide range of colours. Handle them with care and follow the seller's safety guidance, since some produce a toxin.
- Leather corals. Tough, adaptable soft corals such as toadstool and finger leathers.
- Green star polyps. A fast-growing mat that is easy to keep but best kept on rock it can spread across without overgrowing other corals.
Easy stony corals for later
Once your tank is stable, many LPS corals are within reach. Candy cane, brain and duncan corals are common firsts, and their care is covered in the LPS coral guide. Branched SPS corals such as those in the SPS coral guide are best left until the tank has run steadily for a good while.
One hardy coral thriving is worth more than five struggling. Buy slowly, watch how the first coral responds, and let that teach you about your own tank before you add more.
Buying corals near you
The condition a coral is kept in before you buy it matters as much as the species. Look for full colour, extended polyps and no obvious pests, and ask how long the coral has been in the store's tank. Captive-grown coral is often hardier in captivity and better for wild reefs, so ask whether it is aquacultured.
- Aquarium stores in British Columbia
- Aquarium stores in Ontario
- Aquarium stores in Manitoba
- Search the whole Canadian directory
Beginner corals: common questions
What are the best corals for a beginner?
Hardy soft corals are the usual first choice, such as leathers, mushrooms and zoanthids. Among stony corals, many LPS types like candy cane and brain corals are more forgiving than SPS. Start with one or two hardy pieces as your tank matures.
How many corals should I add at once?
Start with one or two and give the tank time to adjust. Adding a lot of coral at once changes the demand on the system and can upset water quality before the tank and its bacteria have caught up.
Do beginner corals need special light?
They need appropriate, consistent light, but many hardy soft corals and LPS corals manage with less intensity than SPS corals. Match the coral to its placement rather than turning the light up to the maximum.
Can beginner corals be kept in a new tank?
Wait until the tank has cycled and settled. A mature, stable tank is far more forgiving of a new coral than a brand-new one, and it gives you a better chance of success with your first purchase.
Where do I find beginner corals near me?
Look for a store that stocks corals and keeps them in healthy conditions. Browse the Rainforest Reef directory by province and city, and check the saltwater and coral label on a store.
Keep reading
General information only. Confirm livestock availability and care needs with a local reef store.