Top 10 corals for the beginner reef keeper
- James
- Apr 20, 2017
- 4 min read
Introduction
Let's face it saltwater hobbyist or not, a stunning reef tank is probably the reason you started the aquarium hobby in the first place. If you are reading this then you may be a new hobbyist all together or you may be making a move from freshwater to saltwater.
Firstly LPS stands for Large Polyp Stony Coral. Corals are categorised by polyp size with LPS and SPS (small polyp stony coral) corals being the different categories. SPS corals are generally harder to keep than LPS corals which is why we recommend all beginners to start with LPS and some SPS.
Why LPS?
There are many different reasons you should choose LPS corals as a beginner. They require far less light than many other species, and therefore require less expensive lighting equipment for their aquarium set up. This is because the polyps on the coral contain the incredibly tiny organism known as zooxanthellae, within their tissue. This zooxanthellae; or photosynthetic algae; provides the coral with food; but only if there is enough light absorbed through the polyps.
They are also far more likely to breed or successfully fragment in captivity than small polyp stony corals are.They require less maintenance, such as; water changes, chemical adjustments, temperature regulation, etc…
This is not to say however that they are easy to care for. Like any salt water marine animal, these LPS corals are rather sensitive and will not thrive unless all of their needs are met consistently. You will get most success with consistent water changes, consistent salinity levels and consistent high quality light patterns.
The Top 10 List
1. Brain Coral (Trachyphyllia sp.) LPS
As you can see from the picture the colours on this coral are amazing! You can also see where it gets its name as the Brain Coral... it looks like a human brain. With sufficient light and medium flow this coral can flourish in any system. It is a semi aggressive coral, so needs to be placed away from other corals on the substrate or rocks to ensure it does not sting them (potentially killing or damaging them).
2. The Candy Cane Coral (Caulastrea furcata) LPS
The Candy cane coral originally got its name due to its orange, red and white striped colouration. In recent years many different colour varieties of this coral have been produced. This coral can often be found for very low prices, that should be taken advantage of. This coral requires moderate light and medium flow and can be placed anywhere in the aquarium.
3. Trumpet Coral (Caulastrea curvata) LPS
This coral got its name because when you look at a single polyp it looks like a small trumpet. This is another coral that is peaceful and can be kept close to other corals. The trumpet coral requires moderate light and medium water flow and prefers to be placed towards the middle/ bottom of the aquarium.
4. Bubble Coral (Plerogyra Sp) LPS
The bubble coral is not all it seems..... This beautiful soft looking coral is one of the more aggressive towards other corals placed close by. This coral requires open space and prefers to be placed towards the middle or bottom of the aquarium. This coral requires moderate light and medium to low water flow.
5. Plate Coral (Fungia Repanda) LPS
This unusual, flat coral with tentacles is again semi aggressive towards other corals. This coral does best when placed on the substrate within the aquarium away from other corals, however plate corals can be placed next to each other with no issues. The plate coral requires moderate light with low to medium water flow.
6. Hammer Coral (Euphyllia Ancora) LPS
7. Zoas (Zoanthids)
Zoanthid corals also knows as Zoas, are among the most popular, colourful and hardiest corals you can collect for your aquarium. The ease of care is one of the main attractions for beginner reef keepers, however with the diversity in colour and ease of propagation they make a great addition for the beginner through to the most advanced reef keepers. Zoas require moderate to high light with a moderate flow. Zoas are also a peaceful coral so placement near others should not be an issue.
8. Pulsing Xenia (Xenia elongata) SPS
This coral is truly fascinating. The star like tentacles on the heads of the corals pulse constantly to try and catch food in the water column. If you get the perimeters right for this coral it will quickly become a "weed and can often take over tanks. This coral does best when placed high in the aquarium for maximum water flow and light. This is also an aggressive coral but in a slightly different way, this coral will not sting other but simply over grow them and block the light and eventually grow over neighbouring corals.
9. Gren Star Polyp ( Briareium sp.)
This is another coral that gets its name from its appearance. Green Star Polyp or GSP is a fantastic coral for a beginner reef keeper. This is another coral that can quickly become a pest taking over rock structures, aquarium filters and even the sides of the aquarium. This coral requires moderate flow with moderate to high lighting, provide that and this coral will grow like there is no tomorrow.
10. Pineapple Coral (Blastomussa) LPS
Pineapple corals are a great choice for beginners looking to try LPS for the first time. Blastos do not require much flow or light; in fact, they tend to do much better in lower light conditions. Those new to the hobby can keep Blastos with very moderate equipment. Blastomussa also are easily propagated, so tank raised specimens are easy and affordable to come by.
Conclusion
It should also be noted that your tank must be set up and have a healthy, well established eco system before you begin placing corals of any kind in the aquarium.
You may have to adjust things like water turgor, flow and quality after placement of your corals; they require careful observation during their settling period. If they do not colonize, keep an eye on them to make sure that they are not damaging or harming one another.
Many species have long ‘sweeper’ tentacles covered in cytoplasts that they use to clear the area around them and establish their territory.
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