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small tank coral options
Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2025 10:42 am
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.
Re: small tank coral options
Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2025 11:29 am
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.
Re: small tank coral options
Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2025 12:54 pm
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.
Re: small tank coral options
Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2025 1:16 pm
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.
Re: small tank coral options
Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2025 1:50 pm
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.
Re: small tank coral options
Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2025 3:08 pm
by lynxfang
Thanks for the suggestions, everyone. I'll start with Zoanthids and see how they do.
Re: small tank coral options
Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2025 5:06 pm
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.
Re: small tank coral options
Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2025 6:46 pm
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.
Re: small tank coral options
Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2025 8:39 pm
by yoyer
What about water parameters? My nitrates are usually around 10 ppm. Is that okay for these corals?
Re: small tank coral options
Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2025 9:42 pm
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.