Corals?!

Hey,

So I'm kind of new to saltwater tanks. My tank just finished cycling, a little over a month. Nitrites and Ammonia are 0 and nitrates are <20...I will try to get it below that before I add any coral. Using Reef Crystals so hopefully the calcium and magnesium are within range (will test for that also when I get the test kits in)....any ways I was wondering what kind of corals would be good as a first beginner coral that has some good colors/features?!

*My main concern/limitation is lighting: I'm currently running 18" T5HO...1 18W 10k and 1 18W actinic....with a 6 watt 453nm Blue stunner strip...I really want something that will "pop" in my tank (~20 Gallons)

Thanks!

 

With that type of lighting, I would get a soft coral such as a leather or mushroom. Zoas may also work. But your lighting will really restrict what you can keep. With your tank looking like a 20gal tall, I would not keep anything but low light corals.

 

So I'm guessing Acans would be out of the question? I know they are "hardy" but I don't know their min. requirements for lighting, if I'm pushing that line or not...

 

Acans would be fine they like low to medium light. If you want a little comfort zone get another 2 bulb strip and you would be able to put some higher light loving corals in. Great looking aquascape.

 

Awesome, thanks! Also I'm looking into putting in a pair of clowns (haven't decided osc. or perc. yet....opinions on each are welcome) and I want to put some kind of coral to host them. I was thinking a torch coral? I would like to put a BTA in their for them but I understand you should until your tank is at least 6 months young?

 

Clowns aren't guaranteed to host a nem. I think a good sized torch would do the trick. They may not host the torch either.

 

You would need much higher lighting if you are trying to keep a torch coral happy!
I would get some acans, zoas, ricordeas and maybe some GSP.