Coral Stocking

I believe that I am ready to add my first coral to my aquarium. Right now I only have the Nova Extreme 36" t5 fixture 156 watts on ( My tank is 36 gallons ). Most of the light is projected into the tank, since only a small part of the bulbs are hanging to the side. I plan on upgrading this lighting by getting a retro-fit kit and reflectors in the near future, which will increase my light out-put, but for now I am going to go with the corals that will do in my light. Also, i have an SEIO 620 powerhead and i plan on getting a second powerhead, probably a maxijet 1200. Here are corals I plan on keeping

Trumpet/Candy Cane Corals
Mushrooms (Hairy, Anemone, Ricordea, Bullseye)
Zooanthids
Brain Coral (Wellsophyllia)
Montipora

Maybes - Galaxea, Soft Coral, Sun Coral

I figure that the Montipora, Brain Coral, and Zooanthids would do best when I upgrade the lighting, and was planning on starting with the mushrooms. I am also aware of agression of some types of mushrooms, so I am working on where I am going to place each coral in my tank. Even though my live rock is spaced well.

I am just looking for opinions before I add anything. Suggestions on what to do and what not to do would be great.

 

You should be fine with what you have written down! My only concern is with the Galaxy coral. They are very aggressive and contain sweeper tentacles that are upwards of 3-5 inches. Strong water flow will ultimately always result in the existance of potent sweeper tentacles.
Montipora is a very good beginner stony coral and you will be very happy with the vast array of vibrant and exotic colors and they are very hardy! Intense light will bring out the best coloration of these polyps!
Tubastrea(sun corals) require subdued lighting as they don't contain zooxanthellae and thus are hermatypic in nature so you will have to target feed them for the best results and offer a moderate water flow!
Best of luck!!!!

 

For the Galaxy Coral I knew that they are on of the most agressive corals, which is why i said it was a maybe, and also didn't realize the potential damage those tentacles could do and how far they could reach. And for the Tube Coral I am considering as a maybe just because of all the food that will be entering the tank and adding the nitrates, but depending on my parameters I could do it.

I will probably wait to add the Montiporas until I get the retro-fit kit which could be a week or two. Thanks!

 

I'd hold on the sun coral until the tank has been setup for awhile and you're sure that the nitrates are under control.

I've never kept sun corals, but I assume like brains, acans, etc. they can be a pain to feed perfectly