corals - what are some "pioneer" species?

P

Phildo

AC Members
Nov 26, 2003
70
0
0
57
New Orleans
Visit site
In beginning to slowly add corals to a six month old aquarium, which are the "pioneer" type species of corals and which are the ones that should be added later on as the system matures and my investment in lighting and pumps upgrades?
In reading through all of these forums and threads I haven't come across a true list (maybe there is one, but I missed it) of corals that could be added first and corals that should come later and eventually last.
I'm thinking Mushrooms can come early, if not first. But what else would be good to begin with? Soft or Hard corals, SPS, Brains, Clams?
I just want to avoid getting things that I should have waited for and minimize killing stuff because it is more sensitive to a newer system.
Thanks.
 
Mushrooms are certainly a good start, as are "polyps" such as star polyps (pachyclavularia/briareum) and yellow polyps (parazoanthus). However, all of the above can spread on your rockwork and sting neighboring corals, so you need to plan accordingly.

Leathers, like sarcophyton and sinularia, are also quite hardy. While they may engage in a little chemical warfare, they don't tend to nettle their neighbors. In general, these and other species of soft coral tend to be more forgiving. Anthelia is another softy which grows and spreads quickly, but doesn't sting. I have one that is constantly bumping one of my SPS and it is never a problem.

If you are ultimately interested in SPS, you might even experiment with some of the easier ones, like montipora. NO point in filling the tank with soft corals if you really want stonies in the end.

I would wait for clams until you are certain the tank is relatively mature and you have stable Ca and alkalinity.

Let me know if you want more info/pictures of any of the above.
 
Cool, thanks for the response!
To be honest I don't know which ones are considered sps, I've just seen them mentioned around the forums.
Pics would help a great deal, although I'm sure a little googling would do the trick.
My main interest is to get names of stuff that I can begin to stock with and have confidence about. As well as to begin a "wish" list.
What corals are considered stony types? Are they more desireable/hardier than softs?
Whats the deal with stabalizing calcium?
 
Originally posted by BrianH
I would suggest that you buy "Aquarium Corals" by Eric Borneman before buying any corals.

Brian
Click to expand...

Yep I was looking at that book from another thread.
I was also reading one of his articles about the tank maturation on reef central as well.
Thats what got me thinking about species that I should begin with.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
AquariaCentral.com
Top Bottom