If you want to become a coral reefer and learn how to grow corals and how to maintain them, we will help you by listing the 6 easiest coral species to grow and maintain for beginners. Corals may seem easy to grow, but nothing is easy if you don’t know what you are doing. That’s why beginners need to study the basics first and identify the coral species that are least demanding.
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In our article 11 most expensive tropical fish in the world, we have already explained that fish are usually very low maintenance. Corals are more delicate than fish because you have to devote a lot of attention to the light and nutrients they need. The beginners also want to know which coral species are most affordable and how many hours they need to spend maintaining them before they start enjoying the indescribable beauty of saltwater tanks.
What do you need to keep in mind when you are a beginner? First of all, research! If you want to have corals in your tank, you have to buy a big reef aquarium, not s saltwater aquarium. The difference between a reef aquarium and a saltwater aquarium is that in a saltwater aquarium you only have live rock, fish and invertebrates; and in a reef tank: live rock, fish, invertebrates, and corals. Experienced reef keepers say that you need to be patient, because reef tanks need a lot of attention.
You have to make sure that the lighting for corals is appropriate. Read about the type of coral you want to keep and make sure that you buy the proper lighting for your coral. For example, mushroom corals usually need regular fluorescents, but hardy corals need more light. You have to feed most of your corals, but there are also some corals which you don’t need to feed. Water flow is also important along with the water parameters. You will have to test the aquarium water so you could buy aquarium additives if needed.
In our list we will present the 6 easiest coral species to grow and maintain for beginners and explain why they are easier to maintain than other corals. We will cover the prices, some main info about water parameters and water flow needed, whether they need to be fed, they are aggressive or they can be next to other species.
6. Ricordea Florida
Bodies of Ricordea Florida are small with approximately 8 cm in diameter and they are usually colored in orange, purple, yellow, blue or green. Make sure that Ricordea Florida is the species you buy, because some other species like Ricordea Yuma are more difficult to maintain. You have to make sure that they get enough light and to feed them (phytoplankton and zooplankton foods). They grow slow at first but still don’t put them too close to other corals in your tank. The price (online) is $8.00 to $20.00 USD and up. We recommend Green Ricordea Florida Coral – $12.99.
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5. Anthelia
Anthelia coral are also called Waving Hand Polyps or Glove Coral, because they have long tentacles that look like fingers. They are usually blue, tan or brown, but may also be gray or ivory. The medium light level is required and you also have to separate them from other species of corals in your tank, because they expand quickly across the glass and rocks. If they are kept properly, soon you will have a tank full of Anthelia. They also need additional feeding, but handle them with gloves, because they tend to produce mucous which attracts bacteria. The price (online) is $40.00 to $60.00 USD and up. You can start with small Anthelia Soft Coral – $45.99.
4. Capnella
Kenya Tree Coral are also known as Broccoli Soft Coral or Cauliflower Soft Coral, because they look like small trees. The colors are brown or green (stalks are often brown and the polyps are often green or greenish brown). Make sure you feed them (phytoplankton, microplankton…), because feeding is important for these corals, more than proper light (which needs to be moderate). The price (online) is $30.00 to $50.00 USD and up. You can start with small Kenya Tree Coral – $34.95.
3. Zoanthus
Zoanthidis, Button polyps, Zoas, Zoos, Moon Polyps… come in a lot of colors and are very easy to keep, which is why they take the 3rd place among easiest coral species to grow and maintain for beginners. They like proper light, but they can also survive with less light if needed. If they are fed properly and have a medium level of light in an aquarium, they grow very fast. Never handle these corals without your gloves, because they produce palytoxin (toxin dangerous for humans). The price (online) is $6.00 up to $50.00 USD. Maybe you can start with so-called Bad Mamma Yamma Coral – $12.99.
2. Sarcophyton
Toadstool Corals, also known as Cabbage Corals, Pin Cushions, Mushrooms (leather corals) are even more tolerant of the different light conditions than the button polyps and require very low maintenance in general which is why beginners like them. But that doesn’t mean that they do not need maintenance at all because sometimes they withdraw when the environment is not right for them. They grow fast so put them in a lower position in your tank. You don’t have to separate them from other species in your tank and they do not need to be fed. The price (online) is usually $40.00 USD and up.
1. Discosoma
Why are Bubble Mushroom Corals the best starter corals and on the top of our list of 6 easiest coral species to grow and maintain for beginners? These corals that look like mushrooms are very easy to keep and can be a part of any saltwater aquarium. You can put them at the bottom of your tank, because they pretty much like shady corners of the tank and they don’t like intense light so much. They also come in a variety of colors. The price (online) is $15.00 USD and up. You might want to start with beautiful Firefly Mushroom Coral – $32.00 USD or with the or with the Red Mushrooms $17.00 USD.
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