Why Soft Corals Are Perfect for Beginners
Soft corals are the ideal starting point for anyone new to reef keeping. Unlike their stony counterparts, soft corals don't build a calcium carbonate skeleton, making them far more forgiving of fluctuating water parameters.
Popular Soft Coral Species
Some of the most popular soft corals for beginners include Zoanthids, Mushroom Corals (Discosoma), and Leather Corals (Sarcophyton). Each of these is hardy, colourful, and adapts well to a range of lighting and flow conditions.
Water Parameters
Aim for the following parameters to keep your soft corals thriving:
- Temperature: 24–26°C (75–79°F)
- Salinity: 1.025–1.026 specific gravity
- pH: 8.1–8.3
- Alkalinity: 8–10 dKH
Lighting & Flow
Most soft corals do well under moderate lighting (PAR 50–150) and low to moderate water flow. Avoid placing them in direct, high-powered flow as this can cause them to retract and stress.
Feeding
While soft corals get most of their energy from photosynthesis via their zooxanthellae, occasional target feeding with phytoplankton or coral foods can boost growth and colouration.
Ready to start your reef journey? Browse our Soft Coral collection to find your first coral!