Starting a saltwater aquarium with beginner corals for reef aquariums is exciting, but choosing the right corals can feel overwhelming.
As a marine hobbyist, you want corals that are hardy, beautiful, and easy to care for, and perfect for users of Reef2Reef’s ReefAquarium app to track their parameters!
Beginner Corals for Reef Aquariums
1. Zoanthids (Zoas)
Zoanthids are the most colorful, low-maintenance corals that come in vibrant greens, pinks, and blues. They thrive in moderate light and flow, making them ideal beginner corals for reef aquariums.
- Care Tips: Keep salinity at 1.025–1.026 and calcium at 400–450 ppm (use our app to monitor!).
- Why Choose Zoas? They grow quickly and forgive minor parameter swings.
2. Green Star Polyps (GSP)
GSP forms a bright green mat that sways in the current, adding movement to your tank. It’s nearly indestructible and grows fast.
- Care Tips: Place in moderate to high flow; pH should be 8.1–8.4.
- Why Choose GSP? Perfect for covering rocks and spreading naturally.
3. Mushroom Corals
Mushroom corals look like tiny umbrellas and come in red, green, or spotted patterns. They’re super easy to care for and don’t need intense lighting.
- Care Tips: Low to moderate light; keep phosphate below 0.1 ppm.
- Why Choose Mushrooms? They’re forgiving and propagate easily.
4. Candy Cane Coral
This coral has trumpet-shaped polyps in green or purple with white stripes, resembling candy canes. It’s hardy and grows steadily.
- Care Tips: Calcium 400–450 ppm, moderate light, and low flow.
- Why Choose Candy Cane? Adds a pop of color and is budget-friendly.
5. Xenia
Xenia is a pulsing coral that creates a mesmerizing effect as it opens and closes. It’s easy to care for, but it can spread quickly.
- Care Tips: Moderate light and flow; monitor nitrate (<10 ppm).
- Why Choose Xenia? Its pulsing motion is a showstopper.
Get Started with Reef2Reefs
Use our ReefAquarium app to log these corals’ parameters and ensure your tank thrives. Join our community at www.reef2reefs.com to share tips and photos. Happy reefing!