Coral Care 101

Coral care basics 

 Lighting

• Soft Corals (Zoanthids, Mushrooms, Leathers): Moderate light; they tolerate lower PAR and are beginner-friendly.
• LPS Corals (Euphyllia, Acans, Duncans): Moderate to high light; too much intensity can bleach them, so acclimate slowly.
• SPS Corals (Acropora, Montipora): Require strong, stable lighting (high PAR, often from LEDs or metal halides).

 Corals rely on zooxanthellae algae inside their tissues, which photosynthesize under light to provide energy

Flow

• Softies: Prefer gentle, indirect flow that lets them sway without tearing tissue.
• LPS: Moderate, random flow to keep polyps moving but not blasted.
• SPS: Strong, turbulent flow to prevent detritus buildup and deliver nutrients.

 Flow is critical because it helps corals exchange gases, shed waste, and capture food.

Feeding

• Photosynthesis provides most energy, but supplemental feeding boosts growth and color.
• Softies: Often thrive without direct feeding, but benefit from phytoplankton.
• LPS: Target feed meaty foods (mysis shrimp, reef roids) 1–2 times per week.
• SPS: Benefit from fine particulate foods (amino acids, powdered coral foods).

Overfeeding can harm water quality, so balance is key

Acclimation guide

We recommend temperature matching by floating the bags for at least 30 mins, always very important. After that using airline tubing and airline valve to create a drip and drip acclimating for minimum 30 minutes for best results.

Kyles top 5 beginner corals -

Green Star Polyp

Pulsing xenia

Sinularia Tree

Toadstool Leather

Zoa