Saltwater reef aquariums are captivating underwater ecosystems that allow us to bring the beauty of coral reefs into our homes.
Whether you’re a seasoned aquarist or a curious newcomer, creating a thriving saltwater reef tank involves understanding the different types of corals, their care requirements, and the essential steps for setting up your aquarium.
Types of Corals
1. Small Polyp Stony (SPS) Corals
- SPS corals have stony skeletons made of calcium carbonate.
- They are reef builders, contributing to the coral reef structure.
- Demanding to care for, requiring precise water parameters, proper nutrition, and intense lighting.
- Examples include Acropora and Montipora species.
2. Soft Corals
- Lack a stony skeleton and have flexible tissue.
- Sclerites, tiny stony structures, provide support.
- Ideal for beginners due to hardiness and vibrant colors.
- Zoanthids, mushrooms, and leather corals fall into this category.
3. Large Polyp Stony (LPS) Corals
- Combine fleshy polyps with stony skeletons.
- Swaying polyps and calcium carbonate growth.
- Popular choices due to their aesthetic appeal.
- Euphyllia species (hammer, torch, and frogspawn) are LPS corals.
4. Zoanthids
- Colorful and psychedelic, with various growth forms.
- Commonly found in reef tanks.
- Include button polyps, eagle eyes, and radioactive zoas.
5. Mushrooms
- Soft corals resembling mushrooms.
- Easy to care for and come in diverse colors.
- Ricordea and Discosoma species are popular.
6. Gorgonians
- Soft corals with branching structures.
- Filter plankton from the water.
- Sea fans and sea whips are examples.
Selecting Your Corals
When starting a reef aquarium, choose species that are not only visually appealing but also compatible with your tank’s conditions and other inhabitants. Beginners may want to start with hardy species such as Zoanthids, Mushrooms, and Leather corals, which are more forgiving to fluctuating conditions.
Best Beginner Corals for Reef Aquariums
Here are some of the best beginner corals that will add life and colour to your saltwater reef aquarium.
Zoanthids
Zoanthids are colourful corals known for their hardiness and ease of care. They come in a variety of colors and patterns, making them a popular choice for beginners looking to add some vibrancy to their tanks.
Mushrooms
Mushroom corals are another excellent choice for those new to reef keeping. They are adaptable and can thrive in a range of lighting conditions. Their unique shapes and textures can create an intriguing landscape in your aquarium.
Palythoas
Similar to Zoanthids, Palythoas are hardy corals that come in many different colours. They are a great option for beginners due to their robust nature and ability to tolerate various water conditions.
Toadstool Leather
The Toadstool Leather is a soft coral known for its distinctive mushroom-like cap. It’s a hardy species that can grow quite large, making it a statement piece in any reef aquarium.
Kenya Tree
The Kenya Tree coral is a type of soft coral that is known for its fast growth and ease of care. It’s a great choice for beginners who want to see quick progress in their reef tank.
Pulsing Xenia
This coral is named for its pulsing polyps, which can add movement and dynamism to your tank. Pulsing Xenia is also known for its rapid growth and can help fill out an aquarium nicely.
Green Star Polyps
Green Star Polyps are bright and attractive corals with star-shaped polyps that can cover large areas. They are easy to care for and can tolerate a range of water conditions.
Montipora
Montipora is a type of stony coral that is relatively easy for beginners to keep. It comes in various forms and colours, offering a diverse selection for new reef enthusiasts.
Duncan Coral
The Duncan Coral is a large polyp stony coral known for its ease of care. It’s a great choice for beginners due to its hardiness and ability to thrive in a variety of lighting conditions.
Bubble Coral
Bubble Coral is a unique and eye-catching choice for a beginner’s reef tank. It’s known for its bubble-like appearance and is relatively easy to maintain.
Frogspawn Coral
Frogspawn Coral is a type of large polyp stony coral that is well-suited for beginners. It has a distinctive appearance and can be a focal point in any reef aquarium.
Candy Cane Coral
Also known as Trumpet Coral, Candy Cane Coral is a stony coral that is easy to care for.
Feather Dusters
Feather Dusters are not true corals but are often included in reef tanks for their interesting appearance and ease of care. They are tube-dwelling worms with feathery appendages that filter feed from the water.
Brain Coral
Brain Coral is a hardy, stony coral that is known for its brain-like appearance. It’s a good option for beginners who are looking for a low-maintenance stony coral.
Torch Coral
The Torch Coral is a type of large polyp stony coral that is relatively easy for beginners to keep. Its long, flowing tentacles can add movement and interest to your tank.
Hammer Coral
Hammer Coral is another large polyp stony coral that is suitable for beginners. It’s known for its hammer-shaped tentacles and can be a striking addition to any reef aquarium.
Blastomussa Coral
Blastomussa Coral is a stony coral well-suited for beginners. It has large, fleshy polyps and a variety of colours.
Ricordias
Ricordias are a type of mushroom coral known for their bright colours and ease of care. They are a great choice for beginners looking to add some pop to their reef tank.
Birdsnest Coral
Birdsnest Coral is a type of small polyp stony coral that is relatively easy to care for. It’s a good choice for beginners who are interested in branching corals.
Setting Up Your Saltwater Reef Tank
- Planning
- Decide what you want to keep in your tank, including the corals and fish. Research specific requirements of your chosen species.
- Equipment and Set-Up
- Choose an appropriate tank size and style (all-in-one, sump, or custom).
- Install necessary equipment (filtration, heater, protein skimmer, and lighting).
- Saltwater and Water Testing
- Mix salt water with an RO/DI system.
- Test water parameters (salinity, pH, and temperature).
- Light, Flow, and Filtration
- Select suitable lighting (LED or T5) based on coral needs.
- Ensure proper water flow using powerheads or wave makers.
- Set up filtration (sump or canister filter).
- Adding Fish and Corals
- Quarantine new additions to prevent disease.
- Acclimate fish and corals gradually.
- Feed appropriate foods based on species.
- Aquarium Maintenance
- Regular water changes (10-15% weekly).
- Clean equipment, scrape algae and monitor water quality.
- Enjoy your thriving saltwater reef aquarium!
Remember, each reef tank is unique, so adapt these steps to your specific setup.
Common Issues and Solutions
Despite best efforts, issues can arise in a reef aquarium. Algae overgrowth, coral bleaching, and disease are common problems. Regular tank maintenance, careful monitoring of water parameters, and quarantine of new additions can help mitigate these issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I mix different types of corals in one tank?
Yes, but with caution. Some corals can be aggressive, releasing toxins or extending sweeper tentacles to damage neighbouring corals. Research and careful placement are key to a harmonious reef tank.
What is the best way to acclimate new corals to my tank?
It is crucial to acclimate corals slowly to your tank’s conditions. This can be done through drip acclimation or by gradually introducing tank water to the coral’s shipping water over the course of an hour or more.
What is the best lighting for reef corals?
LED lighting that mimics natural sunlight is often considered the best option for reef tanks, as it provides the intensity and spectrum needed for coral growth.
Saltwater reef aquariums offer a mesmerizing glimpse into the underwater world, allowing us to nurture vibrant corals and marine life within our homes. With the right approach and a bit of perseverance, you can establish a thriving marine habitat that will enhance your living space. Setting up and maintaining a saltwater reef aquarium can be a rewarding endeavour, providing endless hours of tranquillity and enjoyment.
