beginner corals

[sharonkookie]

I was just wondering what would be the first corals that a newbie would start out with? I need something that would be hearty and that grows with moderate lighting. Can someone please give me a list of some, so when I get some, I will have some idea what kind to look for. I would hate to spend the money on a beautiful coral and get it home...then find out that it is one that is very difficult to take care of. Thanks in advance!

 

[hdtran]

Zoanthids are hardy, relatively low light needs. Soft corals in general are also pretty hardy, for example, mushrooms are considered nearly indestructible, and have low light needs. Star polyps (aka Briareum, Pachyclavularia, and the like) are also considered hardy.

 

[ChrisRD]

I agree. Just make sure you like that stuff because once they're established they are there to stay!

 

[hdtran]

BTW, stay away from Gonioporas (even though your spouse may fall in love with them at the LFS), as they do not tend to survive well over the long haul, and go with what you think looks good. I personally don't find mushrooms attractive, but like zoanthids. Others have the opposite reaction (like pineapple on pizza, I guess). I would also recommend purchasing at a good LFS. Then, WYSIWYG.

 

[PeeJ]

can you quantify "low or moderate light" ?? like 100 watts? i mean compared to some, decent lighting is 6 x 400 watts.....

 

[sharonkookie]

i will have 160watts on my 55gal for now is that ok ?

 

[Dubge]

What is concidered low and med lighting? I have 220W PC is that low or med if I add another strip with another 220 or 260 where would that put me?

Lighting is very confusing to me

Ray

 

[ChrisRD]

i will have 160watts on my 55gal for now is that ok ?

Are you talking about 4 X 40 watt NO flourescents maybe? With some decent reflectors, that should be OK for mushrooms and zoanthids IMO. I'd keep the lamps close to the water (say 4"). JMO...

 

[ChrisRD]

What is concidered low and med lighting? I have 220W PC is that low or med if I add another strip with another 220 or 260 where would that put me?

IMO it's tough to give a rule of thumb based on wattage because there are so many factors that will effect how much light gets to the coral. For example, how efficient the lamps are, how good your reflectors are, how close the lamps are to the corals, etc.

FWIW, personally, I would consider 220 watts of PC (assuming 4 X 55 watt lamps) over a 75 gallon tank low lighting. IMO you'd be OK with something more light demanding if it were high in the tank, right under the lamps.

 

[hdtran]

High lighting: You need sunglasses and SPF 30 sunblock to gaze at your tank...

All kidding aside: Right under MH's would be bright lighting. PC's, VHO's, T-5 (unless reflectorized) are probably moderate. Anything else would be low. This is not a 'formal' definition, but what I would gather from reading books, care guides.