Your Cart is Empty
When starting the journey into reef aquariums, it's easy to get lost in the sea of information and species choices. If you're looking for a solid starting point, soft corals are a go-to for many beginners. They're resilient, adaptable, and add gorgeous color and movement to any tank.
This soft coral guide will provide you with the basics to make an informed decision about what soft coral types are best for your aquarium. Whether you're setting up your first tank or just looking to add some diversity to your existing setup, the experts at Pacific East Aquaculture are here to help.
OCTOBER 9, 2024
Soft corals are a fascinating and integral part of the marine ecosystem, often called the "non-reef building" corals. Unlike their hard coral counterparts, soft corals do not leave behind a rigid calcium carbonate skeleton when they die. Instead, they simply melt away, leaving no trace.
This lack of a hard skeleton gives soft corals their distinctive name and contributes to their flexibility and soft texture, which sets them apart from other coral species.
When adding your first corals to your reef tank, the variety of soft coral types available can be both exciting and overwhelming. Here's a breakdown of some popular soft coral species perfect for newer aquarists to help you out.
Leather corals are named for their tough, almost leathery texture. These corals are strong and adaptable, making them a staple in many reef tanks. They don't produce true skeletons, but their bodies are supported by sharp, spindle-like sclerites, which give them a semi-rigid base. Leather corals are known for their rapid growth, often expanding with water during the day, making them appear much larger.
Mushroom corals are another favorite among soft coral species. These large, soft polyps come in a staggering variety of colors and textures, making them a collector's dream. Whether you're drawn to the vivid hues of Ricordea Florida or the unique shapes of Rhodactis mushrooms, there's a type to suit every tank.
Zoanthids are the ultimate crowd-pleasers in the reef-keeping community. They're fast-growing, super hardy, and come in every color imaginable. These small polyps grow in dense mats that can cover rocks and other surfaces, creating a carpet of color in your tank. Their ease of care and stunning variety make them a go-to for beginners and experienced aquarists.
Beyond these popular choices, several other soft coral types deserve mention. Palythoas, Yellow Polyps, Xenia, and Star Polyps all share similar requirements with Zoanthids and are just as hardy. They often grow in encrusting mats or runners over live rock, creating beautiful, interconnected colonies that add depth and texture to your reef.
Understanding the characteristics that set soft corals apart from others is crucial for any aquarist looking to maintain a healthy reef tank. Unlike their stony counterparts, soft corals are known for their flexibility, resilience, and ability to adapt to various conditions.
Like many other coral species, soft corals have a symbiotic relationship with zooxanthellae—photosynthetic algae that live within their tissues. These algae provide the coral with energy through photosynthesis, which is why lighting is crucial in soft coral care.
While soft corals can survive on the energy produced by zooxanthellae alone, many aquarists supplement their diet with small amounts of plankton or specialized coral foods to promote faster growth and more vibrant coloration.
One reason soft coral species are so beginner-friendly is their adaptability to different lighting and water flow conditions. While they thrive under moderate to strong lighting, they are generally less demanding than hard corals, making them suitable for various tank setups.
Another advantage is the flexibility in water flow; soft corals can handle anything from gentle to moderate currents, though some species, like Xenia, prefer higher flow to maintain their signature pulsing movement.
Soft corals are known for their relatively fast growth rates compared to many hard corals. This rapid growth makes them ideal for aquarists who want to quickly fill their tanks with vibrant, living organisms.
Many soft coral types can be easily propagated by simply cutting a piece of the coral and attaching it to a new location in the tank. This ability to rapidly spread and cover surfaces is a double-edged sword; while it can quickly enhance the aesthetic of your tank, it also means that regular maintenance is necessary to prevent them from overtaking other corals.
Some soft coral species possess natural defense mechanisms, including releasing toxins into the water. These compounds can inhibit the growth of competing organisms and protect the coral from predators.
While these defenses are effective in the wild, they can sometimes cause issues in a closed aquarium environment, potentially leading to chemical warfare between corals. To keep these compounds in check, monitoring the tank's inhabitants and maintaining proper water filtration with carbon is essential.
Caring for soft coral species can be quite rewarding, especially when you see them thrive and grow in your reef tank. While they're generally more forgiving than their stony counterparts, providing the right environment is crucial to their health and vibrancy. Here are some essential soft coral care tips to help you keep your corals happy and thriving.
When setting up a tank for soft coral, aim for a moderate-sized aquarium, giving you enough space to maintain stable water conditions. Soft corals are adaptable but do best in a tank with stable water parameters. Ensure the tank has a good filtration system to keep the water clean and toxin-free.
Maintaining consistent water quality is key to caring for soft corals. Keep the temperature stable between 72-78°F, with a salinity of 1.023-1.025 and a pH level around 8.1-8.4. Soft corals are less demanding than hard corals but still require stable conditions to thrive.
While most soft coral species get a significant portion of their energy from photosynthesis, occasional feeding can promote faster growth and better coloration. Feed them small amounts of plankton, rotifers, or specialized coral foods. Additionally, regular water changes help replenish trace elements that soft corals need, such as iodine and calcium.
When placing soft corals in your tank, consider their growth patterns and potential for chemical warfare with other corals. In terms of compatibility, soft corals are generally peaceful and do well with a variety of tank inhabitants.
Curious to see our soft coral colonies in action? Check out our quick video showcasing the stunning variety of soft corals thriving at our state-certified Maryland aquaculture facility. It's a great way to get a close-up look at the quality and diversity of our corals before they make their way to your tank.
When you're ready to add vibrant, healthy soft corals to your reef tank, Pacific East Aquaculture has you covered. Our selection of soft corals is WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get), meaning the coral you choose online is exactly what will arrive at your door, ensuring there are no surprises. Plus, each coral is carefully packed and shipped in temperature-controlled containers to ensure it arrives in optimal condition, ready to thrive in your aquarium.
Shop with confidence, knowing that Pacific East Aquaculture is committed to providing you with top-quality, sustainably sourced soft corals that will make your reef tank a stunning display of underwater life.
Shop Our Soft Coral Livestock TodayIf you have any questions or would like to learn more about the different types of soft coral and how to care for them, check out the answers to our most frequently asked questions below.
Soft coral types can be distinguished by their physical characteristics. Zoanthids have small, button-like polyps, Leather corals have a tougher, leather-like texture, and Mushroom corals have a fleshy, disk-like appearance. Each type also varies in color, growth pattern, and movement.
Yes, many soft coral types can coexist in the same tank, but it's essential to consider their growth patterns and potential for chemical warfare. Giving each coral enough space and using proper filtration can help manage potential conflicts.
While soft corals can coexist with SPS (Small Polyp Stony) and LPS (Large Polyp Stony) corals, monitoring them for chemical interactions is important. Soft corals may release toxins that inhibit the growth of SPS and LPS corals, so regular water changes and activated carbon are recommended.
