[Old Man Of The Sea]

My search into putting some type of SPS coral selection together is to be of some rather difficulties due to that the coral I thought to had selected, could or will be of some different SPS coral. Common names isn't the way in a persons search in this, and one cannot follow the data giving at many of those links which offers to sell such corals. So, pretty much now what it will be is that when the time comes to start with SPS corals, I would just have to select from what I can see from that coral link and not look for in what I seen at those rare coral links of such highly brightened color corals.

I spoken to one who will help me in making ready my QT with the 180 that I no wish to buy soft corals to which will or could spread out on other LR and which then will be only a further problem in removing. Also I was thinking of getting me a number of corals that cost less to just help in the age of the tank and then later I would return those corals to the LFS. This to me is only a last solution to the problem.

So, the question is, those who have a SPS reef tank, what corals you brought to start your tank off in its first 6-7 months, prior to buying any SPS corals?
Buddy

[scubadude]

Good SPS Starter corals:

Montipora digitata - Most any montipora species are fairly hardy and you have alot to chose from but probably the most hardy species would be the digitata

Pocillapora damicornis - these come in different colors most of them are either brown, green, or pink (pink is the best IMO) they grow fast and are pretty hardy corals

Seriatopora Hystrix aka Birdsnest - these are most common in pink coloration but there are some other colors out there....there is even a rare one that is 2tone coloration and they are pretty easy corals to start with.

I would say for the most part stay away from SPS that are all labeled Acropora as most of the Acropora's can be finicky and touchy. HTH

[Old Man Of The Sea]

Zoa’s/Paly’s – Lots
Yuma: Ricordea and Zoa`s, I plan to have these.

Blastomusa: does not like direct metal halide lighting and should be placed low and perhaps to the side of the aquarium

Micromusa: brain corals, I would get and return to the lfs some time later.

Lobophyllia

Acanthasthrea: acans, I know that I can manage these and they require space between them and other corals as well as being well feed and im thinking that depending on the acans species that often feedings would be required.

Turbinaria: From what little I know of this coral, it can do well under even the 175 MH I have, but is it a coral in which I can go with after the 3rd or 4th month?

Ricordea: Is there a big difference from this coral, to the Yuma?

Scolymia: I ruled this coral out for it mentions nothing that it requires MH.

Sinularia: I no wish to have any leather corals, I done enough with leather corals and brains and so when maintaining soft coral reef tanks.
This is another coral which I selected for having, True Red Flower Pot Coral (Goniopora sp.), I figure not to get until the tank is well enough aged for this coral.

Xenia cuspitularia – True blue: I figure not to get until the tank is well enough aged for this coral.

Favites: Difficulty to say, if I could get those that appear different from the brain it self, its OK

Duncanopsammia axifuga?
Cyphastrea_decadia?
Caulastrea?
Cloves OrangeStripeStargazer?
Euphyllia

Mushrooms – be careful of selection as these can get out of control and are toxic to SPSs

Bali Green Slimer?

Buddy

[scubadude]

Im confused

Is this the list of corals you want? If so then you have very few SPS corals in your list.

There are three classes of corals that you should familiarize yourself with, its best to go with only 1 class of corals in a tank....if not try to atleast group them in their classes and keep the classes seperated somewhat

Soft corals - These include, mushrooms (ricordeas, yumas and others), leathers (quite a few of them), zoanthids & palythoas, xenia's (these grow pretty fast and pulse)

LPS corals - LPS stands for Large Polyped Stoney they include all Euphylias (hammer, frogspawn, torch etc), Blastomussas, Micromusa's, Ancanthastreas, Favia's

SPS corals - SPS stands for Small Polyped Stoneys they include but are not limited to all Acropora's all Montiporas, all Pocillaporas, and many more

Really the only SPS I see in your list is the Bali Slimer wich is a generic name its scientific name is Acropora Youngei

Might I suggest a good reference book like "Corals" by Eric Borneman its nice to look up stuff on the net but real nice when you have the pictures and description, tolerances, etc right there @ the palm of your hands. I would highly advise AGAINST the goniporia coral. Hope this helps ya out