Starting a Reef Tank
Starting a reef tank can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to choosing your first corals. With so many options, it’s easy to end up with something too demanding too soon.
That’s where LPS corals (large polyp stony corals) come in. They’re colourful, hardy, and forgiving – perfect for reefers who want beauty without endless stress.
Here are five of the best beginner-friendly LPS corals to get you started.
1. Hammer Coral (Fimbriaphyllia ancora)
If you want instant movement in your reef, the Hammer Coral is a winner. Its anchor-shaped tentacles sway beautifully in the flow, adding a mesmerising effect.
Lighting: Moderate (PAR 80–150)
Flow: Gentle, indirect
Why it’s great: Hardy, colourful, and grows into impressive colonies
Tip: Give them space – they have sweeper tentacles that can sting neighbours.
2. Torch Coral (Fimbriaphyllia glabrescens)
The Torch Coral is a showpiece coral that draws attention with its long, flowing tentacles tipped with neon colours. It’s slightly more aggressive than the Hammer but still manageable for beginners.
Lighting: Moderate to high (PAR 100–180)
Flow: Moderate, random, or pulsing
Why it’s great: Eye-catching movement and colour
Tip: Keep them away from other corals, but a Torch “garden” of different colour morphs looks stunning.
3. Trumpet Coral (Caulastrea furcata, also called Candy Cane Coral)
If you want a coral that’s both hardy and rewarding to grow, the Trumpet is perfect. Each “trumpet” is an individual head that can split and multiply over time, creating a bushy colony.
Lighting: Moderate (PAR 70–150)
Flow: Gentle to moderate
Why it’s great: Easy to frag, fast-growing, and tolerant of beginner mistakes
Tip: Feed once or twice a week to speed up head-splitting and growth.
4. Favia Coral (Favia spp.)
Favias are underrated, but they’re incredibly tough and come in a rainbow of colours. Their “eye” patterns glow brilliantly under blue light, making them a striking addition to the reef.
Lighting: Low to moderate (PAR 60–120)
Flow: Gentle
Why it’s great: Hardy, colourful, and adaptable
Tip: Watch out for their sweeper tentacles at night – give them room from other corals.
5. Trachyphyllia Coral (Trachyphyllia geoffroyi, also called Open Brain Coral)
If you’ve got space on your sandbed, a Trachy is a must-have. With its bold, fleshy folds and neon colours, it’s a true centrepiece coral.
Lighting: Low to moderate (PAR 50–120)
Flow: Gentle
Why it’s great: Beginner-friendly, striking colours, and thrives with occasional feeding
Tip: Keep them on the sand to avoid damage to their fleshy tissue.
Honorable Mentions
Goniopora (Flowerpot Coral): Stunning but a bit more demanding due to feeding needs
Lobo Coral (Lobophyllia): Chunky, colourful, and easy-going
Chalice Corals: Slower growers but unbeatable for colour variety
Final Word
These beginner-friendly LPS corals offer the perfect mix of beauty and ease of care. Whether you’re drawn to flowing tentacles or bold colours, there’s something on this list that can bring your reef tank to life – without overwhelming you in the process.
