How to Choose the Best Corals for Your Reef Tank

Selecting the right corals is one of the most exciting parts of reefkeeping, but it can also be overwhelming. With so many coral species available, it is important to consider factors like tank size, lighting, water flow, and compatibility.

This guide will help you find the best corals for your specific tank setup, whether you are running a nano tank, mixed reef, or an SPS/LPS-dominant system.

Best Corals for Nano Tanks (Under 20 Gallons)

Nano reef tanks are small but visually striking. Since space and stability are concerns in nano setups, hardy, low-maintenance corals are ideal.

Recommended Corals for Nano Tanks:

• Zoanthids – Colorful, fast-growing, and easy to maintain.
• Mushroom Corals – Soft corals that thrive in low light and low flow.
• Green Star Polyps (GSP) – A hardy coral that creates a beautiful mat effect.
• Ricordea Florida – Vibrant, easy-to-care-for mushrooms that add color.
• Duncan Coral – A hardy LPS coral with flowing polyps.

Ideal Conditions:

• Lighting: Moderate
• Flow: Low to moderate
• Placement: Low or mid-tank

Best Corals for a Mixed Reef Tank

A mixed reef tank contains a variety of corals, including soft, LPS, and some SPS corals. This setup requires balanced lighting, moderate flow, and careful coral placement to avoid aggressive species from stinging their neighbors.

Recommended Corals for a Mixed Reef:

• Hammer Coral – Adds movement with its flowing tentacles.
• Acans (Acanthastrea) – Hardy, colorful, and great for bottom placement.
• Montipora (Plating or Encrusting) – One of the easiest SPS corals to keep.
• Leather Corals – Hardy soft corals that can thrive in mixed tanks.
• Zoanthids & Palythoas – Add splashes of color and grow in clusters.

Ideal Conditions:

• Lighting: Moderate to high
• Flow: Moderate
• Placement: Spread out to avoid coral aggression

Best Corals for an SPS-Dominant Tank

SPS (Small Polyp Stony) corals are high-maintenance but rewarding. They require stable water parameters, intense lighting, and strong flow. An SPS-dominant tank is best suited for experienced reefkeepers.

Recommended SPS Corals:

• Acropora – Known for complex growth patterns and vibrant colors.
• Montipora (Digitata or Plating) – Easier SPS coral for beginners in high-tech tanks.
• Birdsnest Coral – A fast-growing, branching coral with a delicate structure.
• Pocillopora – Hardy and great for filling in space.
• Stylophora (Stylo Coral) – A good SPS starter coral with vibrant colors.

Ideal Conditions:

• Lighting: High intensity (LED or T5 hybrid recommended)
• Flow: Strong, randomized flow
• Placement: Higher in the tank for maximum light exposure

Best Corals for an LPS-Dominant Tank

LPS (Large Polyp Stony) corals are easier to care for than SPS corals and add movement and vibrant color to a reef. They have large, fleshy polyps that sway beautifully in water flow.

Recommended LPS Corals:

• Torch Coral – Long, waving tentacles make it a showpiece coral.
• Frogspawn Coral – Similar to torch corals but with shorter tentacles.
• Candy Cane Coral (Caulastrea) – Hardy and easy to propagate.
• Bubble Coral – Unique appearance with large, inflated bubbles.
• Acan Lords – A fast-growing, colorful coral that thrives in lower-light areas.

Ideal Conditions:

• Lighting: Moderate
• Flow: Moderate to low
• Placement: Bottom to mid-level, ensuring tentacle clearance

Coral Placement Tips for a Thriving Tank

No matter what type of corals you choose, proper placement is essential for their health and growth.

• Space out aggressive corals such as torch, hammer, and frogspawn corals so their sweeper tentacles do not sting nearby species.
• Provide the right flow. SPS corals thrive in strong currents, while LPS and soft corals prefer a gentle swaying motion.
• Consider growth rates. Fast-growing corals like GSP and Xenia can quickly take over a tank if not kept in check.