Anyone want to help me decide on what my next coral should be?

I'm trying to decide on what my next coral should be but I can't really make a decision. What would you guys recommend? Right now I have a Xenia, some Zoas, and two clowns in my tank. It is 30 gallons and has been running for about 6 weeks now.

 

A mushroom or richordia would be nice.

 

6 weeks isn't nearly long enough. I wouldn't add anything else for a while.

 

maybe a shrimp for now

 

Alrighty. I've been reading but I haven't read why you have to wait like months for certain corals and anemones. Why is this? What is happening in my tank to have to wait for?

Oh and I forgot to add I have one cleaner shrimp.

 

have you researched "cycle"?

 

Even after the cycle is complete some creatures just don't seem to like a new tank. 6 weeks is not very long at all. Is this your first tank?
But anyway.. Green star Polyps are really easy.. You'll probably be ok if water params stay in order but best to go really slow adding things.

 

I'm not sure if that was meant to be sarcastic but yes of course I have. I am done cycling my tank the parameters have stayed constant for over two weeks now with the nitrates being the only thing to change and they are going down.

I just didn't know corals do not like new tanks which is strange because I am confused as to what is in it or not in it for that matter that allows them to know.

 

As salt water hobbyists, we only test for a few elements and compounds, mainly Ca, Alk, Mg, nitrite, nitrate, ammonia, phosphate etc. There are a few more, but those are what most people test for. In saltwater, there are hundreds of elements and compounds that we just don't test for. In particular, after a cycle, there are lots of various organic compounds and proteins prevalent in the water. Now, haveing a good skimmer and running carbon will keep these at a minimum. It's just after a cycle, these are in particular higher concentrations and there's no real way to test for them. Now, if the corals you have are doing well, go ahead and add another one. I suggest an easy lps such as a frogspawn, lobo brain, trach brain etc. While it is very important to take things slow, especially in the beginning, IMO, most people tell others to take it slower then is needed. This is good in that it allows new hobbyists to learn the hobby, learn how to keep their parameters in line and take care of and feed their new inhabitants, but I also feel that it's not entirely necessary for many livestock additions. For example, I added a crocea clam in my tank at about 6 weeks. Most people will tell you you can't/shouldn't do that b/c you need to wait X amount of time, but they rarely tell you any reasoning behind that time period. That clam is still in my tank a year later with no issues. Some fish and corals do need to be added later on such as angel fish and hard to keep corals as angel fish do best when they have lr to pick at and you need to let the rock age and develop the various sponges and animals the fish feed on.

Basically, if you have good filtration (a good skimmer, running carbon, do regular water changes etc) and what you have is doing well, then I think you can go ahead and add more corals. However, if you start encountering issues, stop and determine what the problem is and fix the problem before continuing. Good luck.

 

Ah I see what you are saying now. yeah, I was planning on trying to add either a frogspawn or a candy cane next depending on which is cheaper in the end.