If you are a newcomer to this fascinating hobby you might not realize that there are many types of corals available for your aquarium. But you firstly need to know why they are different, also what this means to the amount of time you will need to spend caring for them.
Soft corals.
These are the easiest corals to keep in your reef aquarium and ideal for the beginner. These corals generally have a leathery texture to them and have no skeleton structure to them. They rely on photosynthesis to grow and don't require feeding. These corals have an algae present in them called zooxanthellae. Both the coral and the algae rely on each other to survive, if one was not present the other would simply die. In order to keep these corals you will require lighting such as T8 or T5 tubes. The light emitted from these will be more than adequate.
Examples of Soft corals include: zoas, button polyps, mushrooms, ricordeas, toadstools and more.
Hard corals.
These make up the majority of the remaining corals but come in two forms, LPS and SPS. Large Polyp Stony and Small Polyp Stony. Both types consist of a skeleton type structure, this makes them much more demanding, requiring stable water parameters with the correct amount of Magnesium, Alkalinity and Calcium. without this the coral will simply die and all that will remain is the skeleton.
LPS or Large Polyp Stony Corals are some of the nicest corals available with amazing colors and interesting features. These corals Have a fleshy appearance, some have tentacles, some almost flower like in appearance. Many have branching formations. Some just appear flat and have little if no movement at all.
Most LPS corals require feeding as well as stable water conditions. Good lighting is also required. T5 tubes minimum, right through to metal halide. Although many reefers are now keeping these corals under LED lighting. Medium to strong flow is best for these corals.
Examples: Torch, hammer coral, Duncan's, brains, scollys, acans, favia, and many more.
SPS, Small polyp stony corals have a skeleton like LPS, but have tiny polyps on their tree/ branch like appearance. These corals require strong lighting like LPS but need strong flow to help them thrive. You will soon learn when keeping SPS that extra equipment such as a Calcium Reactor or Balling light salts will be needed to keep up with their increasing consumption of Alkalinity and Calcium. If a newcomer to the hobby I would avoid these corals until you fully understand these corals and the methods for maintaining their chemical requirements.
Examples: Acropora, montipora, and more.
To conclude this article, I would have to suggest starting at the top and working you way down as experience and understanding progress. This is a simple, tip of the iceberg type article that should help guide your way to the basic types of corals available.
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