Corals for successfully setting up a saltwater aquarium

You have set up your tank and would now like to start with a sensible initial stocking to get your tank started? Here you will find a selection of corals that I would recommend.

Soft corals and gorgonians

The least demanding corals in our aquariums are certainly leather corals such as Kenia trees or mushroom leather corals or zooxantellar gorgonians such as Pinnigorgia. To check whether the water is suitable for the start, I like to introduce a kenia tree first. If this opens the polyps and is in a good position, more corals can follow.

In general, the corals that I use for the initial stocking are often not the corals that will characterize the subsequent stocking. The initial stocking should form the environment in which more demanding corals can later thrive. The first corals should be insensitive and fast-growing in order to boost nutrient turnover. The corals absorb nutrients dissolved in the water and convert them into biomass. Soft corals in particular then release nutrients back into the water in organic form, as their surface is constantly renewing itself. Other corals can then also benefit from this, as they can utilize this material.

Even if I, as a dealer, have an interest in you buying corals from me, the best place to get this initial stocking is from aquarist friends. Check whether there are regional WhatsApp or Facebook groups where cuttings are exchanged. Here you can get in touch with other aquarists, the first corals and, very importantly, you can also get rid of the corals again if they get too big or you want to replace your first stock with more demanding animals.

First stocking in the store

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LPS - large polyp stony corals

Many large polyp stony corals can cope with a wide range of nutrient levels in the water. It is said that LPS in particular like 'dirtier' water - i.e. higher nitrate and phosphate levels, but many can also cope with nutrient-limited water. This is because they can actively feed. If the tank initially resembles a biological desert due to the sparse stocking, in which Montipora and Acropora would have problems surviving, a Caulastrea or bearded coral can thrive because they can grab a piece of the fish food with their polyps and make ends meet.

Here is a list of possible species:

  • Acanthastrea/Micromussa
  • Caulastrea
  • Hypnophora
  • Alveopora (green)
  • Simple Euphyllia species
  • Cyphastrea
  • Favia/Favites
  • Fungia Rainbow

Entry-level LPS in the store

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Zoas - Crustacean anemones

Many crustacean anemones are also tolerant of fluctuations in the water values. However, there are big differences in their growth habits. Some zoas grow so quickly that they can cover the entire reef structure in a short time, displacing other corals in the process. For this reason, these species should be placed on a rock separately from the reef structure. Nevertheless, the invasively growing color morphs are also great for getting started in the hobby. Who isn't happy when an animal thrives and reproduces in the aquarium!

Less demanding zoas

  • Sunny Ds
  • Utter chaos
  • Blueberry Pie
  • Miami Vice
  • Frozen Nebula
  • Fake chili

Invasive growing species

  • Alien Explosion
  • Fairy Muncher
  • Nightmares
  • Mohawks

Zoas in the store

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SPS - small polyp stony corals

If the initial stocking is good, simple SPS can follow. Here, too, there are some species that are forgiving of mistakes and do not dissolve at the first KH fluctuation.

Well suited here are:

  • Montipora digitata - branching growth
  • Montipora - plate-shaped growth
  • Seriatopora Calliendrum
  • Seriatopora hystrix
  • Stylopora 'Milka' and others

Entry-level SPS in the store

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Acropora

Many marine aquarists aim to care for these sensitive SPS.

The following animals are suitable for getting to grips with this:

  • Acropora 'Joker'
  • Acropora tuminda 'Enzmann'
  • Acropora tortuosa
  • Acropora 'Tricolor'
  • Acropora formosa

It is better not to take it at the beginning:

  • Acropora tenuis
  • Acropora tillepora
  • Acropora echinata
  • Acropora selago
  • Acropora speciosa

Beginner acropores in the store

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