When it comes to aquariums, there's no shortage of choices. You can keep your tank simple with a few rocks and some fake corals, or you can go all out with an elaborate reef-style setup. The first step to setting up any aquarium is choosing the right fish and coral for your tank - it's important to know what kind of conditions each species needs so you don't accidentally put two things together that don't work well in cohabitation (or at all). Luckily, there are plenty of options that are easy to keep alive and can create a beautiful start to your tank. Below are five types of corals that we recommend for beginners in the hobby.
Zoa
Zoa are a great coral to start out with because they're easy to care for, propagate and grow. Zoa are also a favourite among new hobbyists because they come in so many colours and patterns that you can find one that perfectly fits your taste.
If you're looking for an easy-to-care-for coral that will help you build up your tank's biodiversity, consider adding some Zoas!
Leather corals
Leather corals are a great beginner coral. They have lots of movement and colour, and they can be placed in full light or shade. Leather corals grow quickly, which means they're an easy addition to a new aquarium that needs lots of new life. Some of the best leather corals are Toadstools and Kenya Trees.
Xenia
Xenia is a coral that can be found in many different varieties. It has a lovely movement underwater, especially waving hand that pulses, so it's perfect for those who enjoy watching their aquarium from above!
Xenia thrives with traces of nitrate and phosphate, so don't worry about feeding them too much.
GSP
Green Star Polyps (GSPs) are one of the most popular coral varieties in the hobby. They are easy to care for, grow quickly, and have beautiful colours. GSPs come in many different colours, but they all have green polyps with a blue ring around them. The blue ring is what makes them so eye-catching! These corals look great when placed on top of rocks or sand.
The best part about GSPs is that they thrive under most lighting conditions: low light; medium light; high light...you name it! This makes them perfect candidates if you're starting out as an aquarium owner; there's no need to worry about how much light your tank gets during the day since these corals can handle almost anything thrown at them (as long as there isn't too much direct light). TOP TIP - place on an isolated rock, so it doesn't take over the whole tank!
Mushrooms
Mushrooms are one of the easiest corals to care for, and they're a great choice for nano tanks. They can be kept in small spaces without looking overgrown or out of place. They are also great if you only want to start off by purchasing a few corals, as these guys move along a rock face once established, leaving a small piece in their original place to grow a new mushroom!
Which corals will you be choosing for your tank?
The most important thing to remember when buying corals is that you should always research the type of coral and make sure it will be suitable for your tank. Remember, adding too many types of coral at once can cause issues with water quality and nutrient availability, so speak to one of our expert team members at Coral HQ for advice in your new hobby.