Best Beginner Corals for a Reef Tank

Good first corals include zoanthids, mushroom corals, green star polyps, xenia, and some leathers. Many LPS like hammer or torch can work once alkalinity stays stable for a few weeks.

Buy from reputable sources and dip or inspect frags per your shop’s guidance. Place corals with room to grow — torch and frogspawn sweep stinging tentacles at night.

Add one or two frags at a time and wait two weeks before the next batch. Watch for polyp extension and color loss. Log placement and purchase date in ReefDiary; “moved to lower light” notes save you when a coral suddenly bleaches.