Fast answer
If you are starting a reef on a budget, choose hardy soft corals first. They tolerate minor swings better than many SPS/LPS corals.
Top beginner picks
Budget strategy
- Buy 1-2 frags at a time
- Wait 2 weeks between additions
- Stability beats expensive gear
Parameters to keep stable
Temp 77-78F, salinity 1.025, alk consistent, nitrate and phosphate detectable but controlled.
Avoid these early mistakes
- Adding too many frags at once
- Overdosing trace elements
- Changing light intensity too fast
Track coral growth and parameters in the ReefBay app.
