Good Choices for the Newbie?

[Linda]

Tanks in good shape now - cycling has ended. I'm considering starting out with the following coral choices and would like to know what the general consensus is for those choices -- good, bad, in between?

1. Red mushroom
2. Palythoa button polyps
3. Yellow gorgonian

Thanks all. Linda

[IBMGeek]

I would pass on the yellow gorgonian, just bought one and did a little research and there on the difficult list. All others seem fine.

[Jason McKenzie]

I Agree with IBMGeek wait a bit before you try a gorgonian but the others are great starters

J

[Linda]

Two outta three ain't bad...a little boost of confidence. Thanks. And a krama...NO...karma point for you, my friend!

[omard]

Most colts and leathers are good starter corals if your water params are now stable.

Shopping for your tank is great fun isn't it!

[Linda]

Originally Posted by omard

Most colts and leathers are good starter corals if your water params are now stable.

Shopping for your tank is great fun isn't it!

Yes, it really is. My 6 year-old son, isn't happy about it. He thinks I should by him a dirt bike. Yeah, right! If it wasn't for this site, I wouldn't have come even close to getting to this point. There are 4 LFS that I "shop" at. Before I joined this site, and more so since, I would ask someone at each LFS the same question or seek the same advise about something and would usually get 4 different answers -- the ones they thought I wanted to hear. At 3Reef, though, it doesn't take long to realize that this is really the ONLY place to get honest and valuable guidance. And something I didn't expect, a few laughs everytime I ready the postings... especially from you!!

Thanks and karma to you!

Linda

[IBMGeek]

I recommend picking out of those 4 the best store you like. If you build a business relationship with the owner its alot better negotiating prices and such.

[amcarrig]

Originally Posted by Linda

Two outta three ain't bad...a little boost of confidence. Thanks. And a krama...NO...karma point for you, my friend!

Good advice about the gorgonian given so far but I wanted to add that you need to keep in mind that mushrooms can be invasive so if you don't want corals that will become "dominant" over other corals, I would avoid the mushrooms altogether. I can't tell you how many times I've heard people complaining about mushrooms taking over a tank. It can get ugly, especially if you plan on keeping sps corals later on down the road.

[nemo79]

Gorgonians are hard to keep in captivity, they require regular doses of phytoplankton which can ploute your tank, it's a shame because they are so pretty. Mushrooms are easy and hardy but they can take over a tank quickly so don't get too many, if you go with a leather don't start with a colt. They are the more difficult leather to keep. Some good corals are zoanthids, leathers, mushrooms, ricordia, stars, xenia(but they can be finicky). What kind of lighting are you running?
One thing you should know about Palythoa, they are highly toxic. If the toxin gets into your bloodstream it can be fatal and there is no known cure for it. Wasn't sure if you knew that but we always forget to mention the toximity of the livestock but it's something very important. Get yourself some non powdered vinyl gloves, the coralife long gloves are good but awkward. Have fun and go slow.

[nemo79]

Hey,

Well mushrooms are easy and they multiply quickly so don't add too many. Leathers are good but I wouldn't start with a colt, finger leathers are neat, stars, ricordia, zoanthids, pumping xenia (but can be finicky). Palythoa is highly toxic, it can be fatal with no known cure. Gorgonians are hard to keep and require phytoplankton frequently which can polute the tank. It's fun getting your fish coral...it's always fun getting something for your reef. Have fun, go slow, and welcome to the reefing addiction.