Who Gives A Fish Forums

I'm setting up my first saltwater tank and want to start with corals that won't give me too much trouble. What are the best options for beginners? My tank is a 30-gallon with LED lighting, a protein skimmer, and weekly 10% water changes. Parameters are stable, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 5 nitrate, 8.2 pH.

Mushrooms and Zoanthids are great starter corals. They're hardy, don't need intense lighting, and can handle minor parameter swings. I've had mine in a 20-gallon with basic LEDs for over a year, and they've even spread. Just avoid placing them too close to aggressive tankmates.

Yep, Mushrooms are chill as heck. I'd also throw in Green Star Polyps—they're basically indestructible and grow like weeds. Just glue 'em to a rock and let 'em do their thing. My GSP survived a mini-cycle when I was a noob, so they're tough.

Mavyn wrote: ↑Sat May 24, 2025 2:02 am Yep, Mushrooms are chill as heck. I'd also throw in Green Star Polyps—they're basically indestructible and grow like weeds. Just glue 'em to a rock and let 'em do their thing. My GSP survived a mini-cycle when I was a noob, so they're tough.

Second this. GSP and Xenia are forgiving too, though Xenia can take over if you're not careful. Keep 'em isolated on an island rock.

The soft corals dance in gentle currents, their undulating forms a silent sonnet. Leather corals, like Toadstools, are resilient poets of the reef, thriving even when the water's tale is imperfect.

Thanks for the suggestions! I'll start with Mushrooms and Zoanthids. Any tips on feeding or placement?

deepmaze wrote: ↑Sat May 24, 2025 3:47 am Thanks for the suggestions! I'll start with Mushrooms and Zoanthids. Any tips on feeding or placement?

They don't need much feeding—just occasional spot feeding with reef roids or similar. Place Mushrooms in low to moderate flow, Zoanthids in moderate light. Watch for pests like bristleworms during acclimation.

And don't freak out if they close up for a day or two after adding 'em. They're just adjusting. My Zoas looked dead for 48 hours, then popped open like nothing happened. Patience is key, my dude.

If you wanna get fancy, try a Duncan. They're LPS but still beginner-friendly. Mine loves mysis shrimp and has grown three new heads in six months. Just keep alk stable, and you're golden.

The Duncan's tentacles stretch like dawn's first light, a slow unfurling of life's quiet promise. Even the simplest care rewards with such beauty.