How much does it cost to start keeping coral?

A small tank (30cm) costs 100,000-200,000 yen, while a 60cm setup costs 200,000-400,000 yen. Lighting, protein skimmer, and flow pumps are the main expenses.

What corals are best for beginners?

Zoanthids, green star polyps, and mushroom corals are hardy soft corals that are easy to keep and recommended for beginners.

What's most important in coral keeping?

Water quality stability is most important. Regularly test KH, calcium, and magnesium, and maintain consistent values.

What to Know Before Keeping Coral

A comprehensive guide for first-time coral keepers covering tank selection, equipment, water quality, lighting, and costs.

1Choosing a Tank System

Water quality stability is crucial for coral keeping. Larger tanks offer more stable conditions, so choose the biggest tank your budget allows.

Overflow Tank

Standard for coral. Equipment fits in the sump, and extra water volume helps stabilize quality. Start from a 30cm cube.

All-in-One Tank

Integrated filtration in the back chamber. Red Sea MAX series is popular. Easy setup, beginner-friendly.

Tank Size Guide

30-60cm recommended for beginners. 30cm cube for soft corals in small spaces. 60cm can handle SPS later.

Location Tips

Avoid direct sunlight and direct AC airflow. Check floor weight capacity (60cm tank weighs ~100kg).

2Equipment Checklist

Filtration & Purification

Protein skimmer
RO/DI water filter
Filter media (live rock, etc.)
Activated carbon & GFO (phosphate remover)

Lighting

Coral LED light
Light stand
Timer (auto on/off)
Intensity controller

Flow & Temperature

Wave maker / flow pump
Aquarium chiller
Heater (for winter)
Thermometer / digital temp gauge

Water Quality

Salt mix
Refractometer
Test kits (KH/Ca/Mg/NO3/PO4)
Additives (KH/Ca/Mg)

3Water Quality Basics

Specific Gravity

Maintain 1.024-1.026. Measure weekly with a refractometer. Top off with RO water as salinity rises from evaporation. Auto top-off (ATO) is recommended.

KH (Carbonate Hardness)

Target 7-10 dKH. Essential for coral skeleton formation. Dose KH supplements based on consumption.

Calcium

Maintain 400-450ppm. Essential for hard coral skeleton growth. Manage in conjunction with KH.

Magnesium

Maintain 1250-1350ppm. Helps balance calcium and KH levels.

Nitrate & Phosphate

Aim for nitrate below 5ppm and phosphate below 0.03ppm. High levels cause algae and color loss in SPS corals.

Temperature

Maintain 24-26C. Watch for summer overheating. An aquarium chiller is essential equipment.

4Beginner-Friendly Corals

Start with hardy soft corals, then progress to LPS and SPS as you gain experience with water quality management.

Zoanthids

Colorful and hardy. Moderate light and flow requirements make them the most recommended coral for beginners.

Green Star Polyps (GSP)

Spreads like a vibrant green carpet. Extremely hardy and fast-growing, very forgiving for beginners.

Mushroom Corals

Unique disc shape with many color varieties. Thrives in low light and multiplies easily.

Leather Corals (Toadstools)

Beautiful swaying soft corals. Kenya trees and toadstools are easy to keep.

Hammer Coral (LPS Entry)

Relatively easy LPS. Attractive flowing tentacles. Needs moderate light and flow.

Bubble Coral (LPS Entry)

Unique puffy appearance. Grows in low to moderate light. Popular LPS entry species.

5Initial & Monthly Costs

Initial Cost Estimates

Tank & sump set(Varies by size and brand)

30,000-150,000 yen

Coral LED lighting(By tank size and brand)

20,000-100,000 yen

Protein skimmer(Sized for your tank)

10,000-50,000 yen

Flow pump(Wave maker recommended)

5,000-30,000 yen

Aquarium chiller(Essential for summer)

20,000-60,000 yen

RO/DI water filter(Removes tap water impurities)

10,000-30,000 yen

Live rock(10-20% of tank volume)

10,000-30,000 yen

Test kits & additives(KH/Ca/Mg/NO3/PO4)

10,000-20,000 yen

Monthly Cost Estimates

Salt mix(Depends on water change frequency)

2,000-5,000 yen

Additives (KH/Ca/Mg)(Depends on coral load)

1,000-5,000 yen

Electricity (lights, chiller)(By season and equipment)

3,000-10,000 yen

RO/DI filter replacement(Annual average)

500-2,000 yen/month avg

Coral food & trace elements

500-2,000 yen

Monthly coral keeping costs typically run 7,000-25,000 yen. Electricity is a major component, so consider energy-efficient equipment.

6Choosing a Reliable Coral Seller

Check Keeping Environment

Verify how the seller maintains their coral. Sellers who share water parameters and lighting conditions are more trustworthy.

Packaging & Shipping

Temperature control is critical for coral shipping. Choose sellers who use insulated packaging, cold packs in summer, and heat packs in winter.

After-Sale Support

Choose sellers who offer post-purchase care advice. Confirm their policy for handling issues with coral condition on arrival.

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