New tank.

[chases]

Hi just starting up my new saltwater aquarium I have a 10 gallon that I plan to get two clown fish for but I’m also very open to the idea of coral. While wanting coral I was just wondering what coral would be best for a new person and what would I need lights, etc to take care of it.

 

[tbrown]

Hi just starting up my new saltwater aquarium I have a 10 gallon that I plan to get two clown fish for but I’m also very open to the idea of coral. While wanting coral I was just wondering what coral would be best for a new person and what would I need lights, etc to take care of it.

Depends on what you want. LPS (Large Polyp Stony), SPS (Small Polyp Stony), or softies (mushrooms, Zoas, etc).

SPS are usually more light and flow dependent and need water parameter stability, LPS usually need flow and decent lighting, softies are less light and flow dependent and require nutrients more so. 10 gallon is a small tank so focusing on stability is definitely key. However, since it's small lighting is easier.

LED is probably your best bet to help keep temperatures down.

 

[chases]

Depends on what you want. LPS (Large Polyp Stony), SPS (Small Polyp Stony), or softies (mushrooms, Zoas, etc).

SPS are usually more light and flow dependent and need water parameter stability, LPS usually need flow and decent lighting, softies are less light and flow dependent and require nutrients more so. 10 gallon is a small tank so focusing on stability is definitely key. However, since it's small lighting is easier.

LED is probably your best bet to help keep temperatures down.

I was leaning towards more softies and sps any suggestions for certain ones??

 

[tbrown]

I was leaning towards more softies and sps any suggestions for certain ones??

Zoas are great beginner corals and they come in a variety of colors.

Rhodactis mushrooms look really cool and come in a bunch of colors as well.

Ricordea are neat looking and available in, you guessed it, lots of colors!

SPS, go with things like Montiporas and Leptos/Pavonas for good starter corals. Montis like a higher light than Leptos and Pavonas. Montis also come in a variety of colors and styles such as sticks, encrusters, and plates - some do a variety of all 3!

 

[AlyciaMarie]

If the tank size allows, toadstools are not a bad option either! In my experience, toadstools are pretty resilient and low-maintenance. My clowns also loved my toadstool.

 

[tbrown]

If the tank size allows, toadstools are not a bad option either! In my experience, toadstools are pretty resilient and low-maintenance. My clowns also loved my toadstool.

I had considered suggesting leathers as a beginner coral but in a 10 gallon tank I'd be concerned with coral warfare. Toadstools would definitely work though.

 

[AlyciaMarie]

I had considered suggesting leathers as a beginner coral but in a 10 gallon tank I'd be concerned with coral warfare. Toadstools would definitely work though.

I wondered the same. I keep one in my 20g with other corals, but that's quite a jump from 10g! I just love toadstools.

 

[tbrown]

I wondered the same. I keep one in my 20g with other corals, but that's quite a jump from 10g! I just love toadstools.

Yep, especially if you can find a neon green Toadstool!

 

[AlyciaMarie]

Yep, especially if you can find a neon green Toadstool!

I want one of those illusive weeping willow toadstools...