Eye Catching Coral
Choosing the Right Coral for Your Reef Tank
Selecting coral starts with understanding your tank’s lighting and your experience level. Not all corals have the same requirements, and matching coral type to your system will make a big difference in long-term success. Light intensity, measured as PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation), plays a major role in how well corals grow, color up, and thrive in your aquarium.
Most reef tanks will have areas of varying PAR from top to bottom. Lower PAR zones are ideal for beginner-friendly corals, while higher PAR areas are better suited for more demanding species. Before choosing coral, it’s important to have a general idea of your tank’s PAR levels or use manufacturer recommendations for your lighting setup as a baseline.
Typical Coral PAR Ranges
- Soft Corals (Zoanthids, Mushrooms, Leathers) – Low to Moderate PAR (50–150)
- LPS Corals (Hammers, Torches, Favias, Chalices) – Moderate PAR (75–200)
- SPS Corals (Acropora, Montipora) – High PAR (200–350+)
Choosing Coral Based on Experience Level
- Beginner
- Soft corals and hardy LPS
- Tolerant of minor parameter swings
- Great for learning placement, flow, and feeding
- Intermediate
- LPS corals and easier SPS like Montipora
- Require more stable alkalinity, calcium, and nutrients
- Benefit from consistent maintenance and testing
- Advanced
- SPS-dominant systems, including Acropora
- Demand stable parameters, strong lighting, and higher flow
- Often require dosing systems or automated testing
Starting with corals that match your current setup and skill level will lead to better results and a more enjoyable experience. As your reef matures and you gain confidence, you can gradually move into more demanding corals and higher PAR zones within your tank.
Eye Catching Coral FAQ
What should I do first when my new coral arrives?
- Cut bags and pour water into a container, then gently place frags inside. Add water from your tank until corals are submerged.
- Gently blow off corals with a baster to remove accumulated detritus or other undesirables. (Gently is very important.)
- Place corals near the bottom of your reef, preferably on a frag rack, so they can adjust to your aquarium’s lighting.
- After 24 hours, dip and clean corals in a separate container (optional)
- When ready to mount corals onto the aquascape, use a tiny amount of superglue with a small ball of aquarium-safe epoxy in between to glue your frags.
- Place coral frag with glue/epoxy on it and push epoxy down into the rock crevices in the optimal location.
Learn More: Fish & Coral Acclimation Guide
Should I dip new coral right away?
It is best to wait about 24 hours so the coral can recover from shipping stress before dipping. Be sure to research your coral dip, follow instructions carefully and rinse corals thoroughly after dipping to avoid contaminating your tank with residual coral dip.
Learn More: Don't Risk It, Dip It - How To Dip Coral
Where should I place new coral?
Start low in the tank or on a frag rack and move it later once it adjusts to conditions in your tank. Take note and place corals appopriately throughout your aquascape based on lighting and flow requirements for that particular species of coral.
Can I use the shipping water?
No, always discard shipping water to avoid introducing contaminants. We recommend that you always rinse coral carefully in a clean container of aquarium water before introducing to your aquarium just to be safe.
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