What corals get a long?

Raibaru · #1 10/02/2006, 01:26 PM

I've seen a number of videos and tank shots that have tanks filled to the top with corals and everything. However, I've read about how corals need their own space and the like.

Is there some kind of guide or checklist that shows what kind of corals can live close together?

Currently I have a Frogspawn (I've seen its sweeper tenticle), a small zoa cluster, a single ricordia shroom, a small xenia frag and some kenya tree. They are all pretty spread out and such.

However, I'm planning to buy a few corals from one of the sponsors that sells several different types on a single piece of rock. How can I tell what can go where in my tank? Or would I be better off just buying frags seperately?

theatrus · #2 10/02/2006, 03:27 PM

It really depends. LPS corals tend to be more hostile in general. Xenia will also lose any battle. Zoanthids can sting a lot of stuff and have a very potent toxin, but don't sweep. Leathers don't put out sweepers but do release toxins to the water column which can stunt growth. Various montipora species can grow together and touch without a problem, same for some acropora. But Pocillipora will put out small sweepers which can damage other stony corals...

Raibaru · #3 10/02/2006, 03:37 PM

Will all zoanthid colonies get a long? Like can I mix my green ones with red and yellow ones should I get more? Same basic deal with Ricordia? Will my small green one eventually get as large as I've seen some others and then can it get along with florida orange ones and such?

And do all LPS get along with other LPS? Like can a Torch, Frogspawn and Hammer be remotely close? Or do I need to spread them out considerably? Or is only the Frogspawn going to have long sweepers?

Currently I have just what I listed above and only intend to buy some Green Star Polyps and a torch. This will probably be the last of my corals in this tank since it is only a 36g.

I need to find a book I think. Any suggestions for a good owners guide to corals or some articles to read?

nmprisons · #4 10/02/2006, 03:38 PM

hammer and frogspawn can intermingle, but they will sting other corals within reach of their sweeper tentacles.