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.