small tank coral options

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lynxfang
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 7:56 pm

small tank coral options

Post by lynxfang »

I've got a 10-gallon nano reef and wanna add some hardy corals. What's the best choice for beginners? My lighting is a basic LED, and I do weekly 10% water changes with Red Sea Coral Pro salt.
bloom
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Joined: Mon Jun 26, 2023 8:21 am

Re: small tank coral options

Post by bloom »

Zoanthids and Mushrooms are chill for small tanks. They don't need crazy light, and they're tough as nails. I've got some in my 15-gallon with similar setup, and they're thriving. Just watch out for pests like flatworms.
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kodarix8
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Re: small tank coral options

Post by kodarix8 »

bloom wrote: Tue Jul 22, 2025 11:29 am Zoanthids and Mushrooms are chill for small tanks. They don't need crazy light, and they're tough as nails. I've got some in my 15-gallon with similar setup, and they're thriving. Just watch out for pests like flatworms.
Agreed. Also, consider Green Star Polyps. They grow fast but are super forgiving. Just keep them on an island rock so they don't take over.
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oceanwise
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Re: small tank coral options

Post by oceanwise »

For a 10-gallon, I'd recommend Duncanopsammia. They're easy to care for and don't need intense lighting. Feed them mysis shrimp once a week, and they'll grow steadily. My Duncan has doubled in size over six months.
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cataly
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Re: small tank coral options

Post by cataly »

I'm new to this too. Do these corals need special flow? My tank has a small powerhead, but I'm not sure if it's enough.
lynxfang
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 7:56 pm

Re: small tank coral options

Post by lynxfang »

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone. I'll start with Zoanthids and see how they do.
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Lumina9
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 3:31 am

Re: small tank coral options

Post by Lumina9 »

cataly wrote: Tue Jul 22, 2025 1:50 pm I'm new to this too. Do these corals need special flow? My tank has a small powerhead, but I'm not sure if it's enough.
Most soft corals like Zoas and Mushrooms are fine with low to moderate flow. Just make sure the water isn't stagnant. A gentle ripple on the surface is usually enough.
Peachfluff
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 3:44 pm

Re: small tank coral options

Post by Peachfluff »

I've had good luck with Pulsing Xenia in my nano. They're fun to watch and grow like crazy. Just be ready to trim them back if they spread too much.
yoyer
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Re: small tank coral options

Post by yoyer »

What about water parameters? My nitrates are usually around 10 ppm. Is that okay for these corals?
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kodarix8
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Re: small tank coral options

Post by kodarix8 »

yoyer wrote: Tue Jul 22, 2025 8:39 pm What about water parameters? My nitrates are usually around 10 ppm. Is that okay for these corals?
10 ppm nitrates are fine for soft corals. Just keep phosphates below 0.1 ppm to avoid algae issues. Test weekly and adjust feeding if needed.
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