Coral Guide

Soft Corals

Zoanthids & Palythoas

  • Light/Flow: Low–moderate light (50–120 PAR), moderate indirect flow.
  • Feeding: Benefit from broadcast phyto/zooplankton; don’t require target feeding.
  • Notes: Can spread quickly—use an island rock if you want containment.
  • Safety: Some species contain palytoxin. Handle with gloves/eye protection; avoid boiling rock or using hot water/steam.

Mushrooms (Discosoma, Rhodactis, Ricordea)

  • Light/Flow: Low light (50–120 PAR), low flow.
  • Feeding: Occasional small meaty foods/microfoods can boost growth.
  • Notes: Great for new tanks; can “walk” and detach if unhappy (or because they feel like it).

Leather Corals (Sarcophyton, Sinularia, Lobophytum)

  • Light/Flow: Moderate light (80–150 PAR), moderate flow to help them “shed.”
  • Feeding: Photosynthetic; broadcast feeding helps.

Notes: May release compounds—regular water changes and carbon help.

LPS (Large Polyp Stony)

Euphyllia Complex (Torch, Hammer, Frogspawn)

  • Light/Flow: Moderate light (100–200 PAR); gentle, back-and-forth flow.
  • Feeding: Target feed small meaty foods 1–2×/week for faster growth.
  • Placement: Give space—sweepers can sting neighbors.
  • Stability: Sensitive to swings; keep main parameters stable (ALK, NO3,PO4).

Micromussa/Acanthastrea (“Acan Lords”)

  • Light/Flow: Low–moderate light (80–150 PAR), low–moderate flow.
  • Feeding: Readily accept mysis/reef roids 1–2×/week.
  • Notes: Color pops with stable nutrients (NO₃ ~5–10 ppm, PO₄ ~0.05–0.1).

Favia & Favites (Brain Corals)

  • Light/Flow: Moderate light (100–160 PAR), moderate flow.
  • Feeding: Nocturnal feeders; meaty foods help.
  • Notes: Nighttime sweepers—leave room.

Trachyphyllia / Scolymia

  • Light/Flow: Lower light (80–160 PAR), low flow.
  • Feeding: Meaty foods weekly.
  • Notes: Protect soft tissue from sharp rock; avoid high flow.