Who Gives A Fish Forums

I'm setting up my first saltwater tank and wanna try some SPS. What's the easiest one to start with? My tank's a 40-gallon with AI Prime lighting, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 5 nitrate, and salinity at 1.025. I do weekly 10% water changes with Red Sea Coral Pro salt.

Birdnest corals are pretty chill for beginners. They're forgiving with params and light. I've got a green one in my 30-gallon under a Kessil A160, and it's been growing like crazy even when my alk swings a bit. Just keep your flow moderate, not too direct.

Montipora digitata is another solid choice. It's hardy, grows fast, and doesn't need perfect stability. I've got a red one in my 50-gallon with T5s, and it's thriving even with occasional alk dips. Just avoid placing it near aggressive LPS.

rusticfox wrote: ↑Mon Jun 30, 2025 4:50 pm Birdnest corals are pretty chill for beginners. They're forgiving with params and light. I've got a green one in my 30-gallon under a Kessil A160, and it's been growing like crazy even when my alk swings a bit. Just keep your flow moderate, not too direct.

Agreed. Birdnests are great starters. I'd also recommend Pocillopora. It's tough and adapts well to different flow rates. My tank's a 20-gallon cube with a Nero 3 pump, and the Pocillopora's polyps extend fully even with moderate light.

I tried a Seriatopora but it didn't make it. Maybe my light wasn't strong enough? I've got a Fluval Sea EVO 13.5 with the stock LED. Should I upgrade before trying another SPS?

luxoria wrote: ↑Mon Jun 30, 2025 6:11 pm I tried a Seriatopora but it didn't make it. Maybe my light wasn't strong enough? I've got a Fluval Sea EVO 13.5 with the stock LED. Should I upgrade before trying another SPS?

The stock light's probably too weak for most SPS. I'd upgrade to at least an AI Prime or Kessil A80 if you're serious about keeping them. Start with a Montipora capricornis—it's less demanding and can handle lower light.

My LFS recommended Acropora for beginners, but it died in a week. Water was 8 dKH, 420 Ca, 1350 Mg. What went wrong?

Acropora's not beginner-friendly. Stick with the Montis or Birdnests first. Even with good params, Acros need near-perfect stability and strong light.

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone. Gonna start with a Birdnest and see how it goes. Appreciate the help!

lakeflow_2 wrote: ↑Mon Jun 30, 2025 9:01 pm Thanks for the suggestions, everyone. Gonna start with a Birdnest and see how it goes. Appreciate the help!

Good call. Just watch your alk, and don't freak out if it browns out at first. Mine took a month to color up under the Kessil.