The Best Corals To Include in Your Reef Tank

Just like fish, corals come in many beautiful colors, shapes, sizes, and temperaments. They need specific conditions to survive and meet their maximum potential. And because there are so many different types there are to choose from, you have to make the best decision for you and your tank. That’s why this article will review some of the best corals to include in your reef tank.

As a note, each of these corals will vary in their level of recommended experience level, so be sure to pay attention to their care levels in order to choose the right coral for you.

1. Hyacinth Birdsnest

Hyacinth Birdsnest comes in a beautiful variety of colors, ranging from vibrant pink to beautiful blue-greens. This is a hard coral, with its body being made of sturdy calcium. In general, hard corals need a lot of lighting and can be quite demanding, meaning the experience level needed ranges from intermediate to advanced. The Hyacinth Birdsnest is no different in this regard, as its relatively peaceful nature still requires very particular water flow and lighting to show its true beauty.

2. Elephant Ear Mushroom Coral

Although Elephant Ear Mushroom coral is generally regarded as a semi-aggressive species, it’s great for beginners, as they feed on bacteria and require low levels of light. However, if you provide this coral with plenty of space, its peaceful nature will prevent fish from becoming aggressive. In order to keep this leathery coral healthy, give it iodine supplements to really help it thrive.

3. Fuzzy Lobo Coral

A fuzzy Lobo coral is another excellent coral for beginners, as it’s able to adapt to its environment very well and doesn’t require specific lighting. In fact, it can handle low light as much as it can strong light. However, it does require a moderate flow for it to thrive. Although it’s called the Fuzzy Lobo coral, it has a glossy texture to the body, while being mainly fuzzy on its extending tendrils.

4. Galaxea Coral

The Galaxea coral is another stone coral, and its delicate skeleton means it’s better suited for the advanced level. However, it’s also known as the starburst coral for its incredible beauty. The polyps on the ends have a natural glow that makes them an absolute crown jewel in any reef tank. Generally, they need a moderate amount of light and water flow to remain healthy.

5. Toadstool Leather

Despite the name, Toadstool Leathers can come in a beautiful arrangement of green and gold colors. Their incredibly peaceful nature makes them ideal for beginners, but pay attention, as this coral can drop off pieces of its cap and clone itself. Its relatively large size means it needs plenty of room to grow, but it only needs moderate flow and lighting to stay healthy.

6. Sun Coral

The Sun coral is aptly named for its vibrant yellow collar bursting out from the center like the rays of the sun. This coral is another peaceful species, but don’t be fooled, as it’s recommended only for the intermediate and advanced aquarium hobbyists. While they prefer a low to moderate flow, these corals don’t actually need any light and can survive in a zero-light tank. This is because the Sun coral is completely non-photosynthetic and needs to be consistently hand-fed.

7. Elegance Coral

Elegance corals, also known as Wonder corals, get their name from being incredibly vibrant and colorful. Their long, elegant tendrils can sting, so they need a lot of space, especially because they can grow quite large. This coral is specifically recommended for advanced caretakers, as they can be aggressive and are susceptible to a fatal disease aptly named Elegance Coral Syndrome. If you don’t know what to look for, you can end up with a withered and dead coral for seemingly no reason.

8. Gorgonians

Gorgonians, also known as Sea Fans, are generally recommended for intermediate-level caretakers or advanced-level caretakers, depending on which you choose. Photosynthetic Gorgonians have softer bodies and need moderate flow, as well as moderate lighting. However, the non-photosynthetic variety prefers low to moderate flow and needs to be fed by hand in order to survive. Thankfully, both types are very peaceful and come in gorgeous purples, yellows, reds, and pinks.

9. Pavona

Although Pavona are generally considered less demanding, peaceful, and hardy corals, they are still recommended for intermediate-level caretakers. This is because this disc-like coral needs a strong water flow to make sure bacteria and debris don’t settle on it. Despite its fuzzy cactus appearance, Pavona can also be very vibrant, often seen in shades of blue and orange.

10. Bubble Coral

Although bubbles are often thought to be delicate, Bubble corals are actually quite hardy and aggressive. This means that beginners can care for them, but they need a good amount of space around them as they send out sweeper tentacles at night. This coral needs moderate flow and moderate lighting to thrive properly. If you’re looking to step into the world of picky hard corals, this species is for you.

11. Lobed Brain

Much like Bubble corals, Lobed Brains have sweeper tentacles that come out at night, so they need space in order to avoid damaging other coral. Because this coral is slow growing and needs a very particular amount of lighting in order to become colorful, it’s better suited for the intermediate level. However, this hard coral is very hardy despite its needs and will be with you for the long haul.

12. Kenya Tree

Although usually seen in shades of creamy white and brown, Kenya Tree coral is also known for its iconic and beautiful pink color. Its fast-growing nature makes it a good option for beginners who want something large and vibrant. Generally, Kenya Trees need moderate lighting and moderate flow, but they’re not too picky. Just be sure to give them shade and watch out for their tendency to grow over other corals.

13. Ant Insignis Coral

The Ant Insignis coral looks like it would be difficult to care for due to its small size. However, these often-green beauties only need moderate flow and lighting, meaning a dedicated beginner can tackle caring for one. However, you will need to boost their lighting to a higher level once they’ve fully acclimated. Interestingly enough, you can get Ant Insignias corals in a vibrant purple color, not seen in the wild, meaning that beginners can have just as many vibrant corals as any other reef tank.

14. Candy Cane

The Candy Cane coral is another vibrant coral, excellent for beginners. They’re generally very peaceful and only need moderate light and water flow. However, they do have sweeper tentacles, although they are much shorter than those of other corals. While they are photosynthetic, you can also hand-feed them to accelerate their growth, much like the Sun coral.

Now that you know some of the best corals to include in your reef tank, you can pick the best coral for your experience level and tank needs. Just always remember to check their lighting, flow needs, and temperaments before introducing them to your tank. And if you’re looking for a tank perfectly suited for smaller coral, such as the gorgeous Ant Insignis, Fish Tanks Direct sells 30-gallon aquarium tanks that are perfect for smaller corals.