Start Here
For anyone new to reefing, zoas, palys, and mushrooms are the go-to first corals. They're forgiving, affordable, and surprisingly colourful. Getting a year of experience with softies before moving to SPS saves a lot of money and frustration.
Why These Three?
- Nearly unkillable in a cycled tank. Stable at 1.025 salinity, temp around 25-26C, and they thrive
- Cheap. A zoa frag runs 5-15 quid for a few polyps, versus 40-80 for an SPS frag that might RTN overnight
- Stunning colours. Some zoa morphs rival any acro for wow factor
- Teach the basics — flow, light, placement — without punishing every small mistake
Zoanthids and Palythoa
Zoas and palys are closely related. Palys tend to be larger polyps with a slightly more muted look, while zoas are smaller with bolder, more intricate patterns. Both are very easy to keep.
Place them on the lower to mid section of the rockwork. They tolerate a wide range of light and do well under moderate flow — nothing blasting directly at them.
One important note — palys can contain palytoxin, which is genuinely dangerous. Never frag them without gloves and eye protection.
Mushroom Corals
Mushrooms (rhodactis, discosoma, ricordea) want less light and less flow than most corals — perfect for shady spots lower in the tank. They propagate readily too. A single rhodactis can become a whole colony within a few months.
Quick Care Cheat Sheet
| Parameter | Target |
|---|---|
| Salinity | 1.024–1.026 |
| Temp | 25–26C |
| Light | Low to medium |
| Flow | Low to medium |
| Feeding | Optional — they'll grab broadcast food |
Where to Get Them
Browse soft corals from UK hobbyists on Reefsy — buying from other reefers means shorter shipping times, healthier frags, and the chance to ask about conditions they were kept in.
What softies did everyone start with? Any surprise favourites?
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