Resources for learning about corals

I am about 30 days or so out from starting to introduce some corals or maybe an anemone to my tank.

Before I start down this path I'd like to start reading/learning about corals. e.g. why do SPS corals need super clean water vs. softies/LPS?

Are Softies a generalization for mushrooms and leathers, corals with out calcium skeletons?

What might be a good coral to start with that is a bit distinct, yet one I might have good success with? I see a lot of tanks starting with Zoas, are those all the same in care level etc.

I'm not necessarily looking for answers to those questions, but want to know where I can look to start learning about things so I can find out on my own. There's so many resources out on the interwebs, but as a n00b, I have no idea what is legit or what is complete bull****.

 

Sps: Small polyp stony corals do require intense lighting and excellent water quality while maintaining Ca/ALk/Magnesium and other trace elements. Again not all sps are created equal. Acquiring sps is better done after the tank has had a chance to evolve and stabilize with good coralline growth underway.

For books I like

The Conscientious Marine Aquarist by Robert M. Fenner (2nd Edition).
The Reef Aquarium Vol.3 by Delbeek & Sprung (as well as Vol 1 and 2 ).
Aquarium Corals by Eric Borneman.

Liveaquaria.com can be a great resource but as with anything you can get bad information.

Forums are extremely valuable but you have to sift through and find what is valid and applicable to you.

 

I concur on all three, these are the cream of the crop.

The Reef Aquarium, Vol. 3 is an expensive book. HOWEVER, it WILL pay for itself in mistakes you will make without it in no time flat!

Aquarium Corals is also a great book, will be cheaper too. I often see this at your local big famous book store - I usually never see The Reef Aquarium vol 3 but your results may vary. Prob best to order that one online as it will easily be $80+ locally if you can find it.

 

You can prob find these locally too, they are inexpensive and will satiate your need to read until you get your hands on the 3 big ones above.

Marine Reef Aquarium Handbook - Dr. Robert J. Goldstein

The Marine Reef Aquarium - Phil Hunt

Corals: A Quick Reference Guide - Mr Julian Sprung

 

FWIW, I highly recommend anything written by Julian Sprung.