Soft corals are among the most popular and rewarding corals available to reef aquarium hobbyists. Their vibrant colours, flowing movement, and generally forgiving nature make them an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced reef keepers.
Unlike SPS and LPS corals, soft corals do not build large calcium skeletons. This often makes them more adaptable to a wider range of aquarium conditions while still providing incredible colour and visual interest.
Whether you're setting up your first reef tank or looking to expand an established reef aquarium, this guide explains everything you need to know about choosing, caring for, and growing soft corals successfully.
What Are Soft Corals?
Soft corals belong to a group of corals that lack the hard calcium carbonate skeleton found in stony corals.
Instead, they rely on flexible tissues and tiny internal structures called sclerites for support.
Soft corals are often recognised by their:
- Swaying movement
- Bright colours
- Large colonies
- Fast growth rates
- Beginner-friendly care requirements
Many soft corals contain zooxanthellae algae, which provide energy through photosynthesis.
Why Choose Soft Corals?
Soft corals offer several advantages over many other coral groups.
Beginner Friendly
Many soft corals tolerate minor fluctuations in water parameters better than SPS corals.
Fast Growth
Soft corals often establish quickly and can grow into impressive colonies within months.
Beautiful Movement
The flowing motion of soft corals creates a natural reef appearance that many aquarists love.
Lower Equipment Demands
Most soft corals thrive under moderate lighting and flow conditions.
Excellent Colour Variety
Available colours include:
- Green
- Purple
- Blue
- Orange
- Pink
- Red
- Yellow
Popular Types of Soft Corals
Zoanthids
Zoanthids are among the most popular reef aquarium corals.
They grow as colourful polyps that spread across rockwork and frag plugs.
Benefits include:
- Huge colour variety
- Fast growth
- Easy propagation
- Excellent beginner coral
Popular varieties include:
- Eagle Eyes
- Rastas
- Radioactive Dragon Eyes
- Utter Chaos
Mushroom Corals
Mushroom corals are extremely hardy and adaptable.
Common types include:
- Discosoma
- Rhodactis
- Ricordea Florida
- Ricordea Yuma
Mushrooms thrive in a wide range of reef systems and are often recommended for first-time coral keepers.
Leather Corals
Leather corals can become impressive centrepiece specimens.
Popular species include:
- Toadstool Leather Coral
- Finger Leather Coral
- Devil's Hand Leather
- Kenya Tree Coral
These corals display excellent movement and can grow into large colonies.
Pulsing Xenia
Pulsing Xenia is famous for its unique pulsing motion.
Its polyps rhythmically contract and expand throughout the day.
Benefits include:
- Fascinating movement
- Rapid growth
- Excellent visual impact
Green Star Polyps
Green Star Polyps (GSP) are known for their bright fluorescent green polyps.
Under blue reef lighting they can appear incredibly vibrant.
They are fast-growing and often used to create living walls or backgrounds.
Clove Polyps
Clove Polyps feature delicate flower-like polyps that sway in the current.
They provide:
- Continuous movement
- Attractive colours
- Easy care requirements
Water Parameters for Soft Corals
While soft corals are often forgiving, stability remains essential.
Recommended parameters include:
| Parameter | Recommended Range |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 24–26°C |
| Salinity | 1.025–1.026 SG |
| pH | 8.1–8.4 |
| Alkalinity | 7–11 dKH |
| Calcium | 380–450 ppm |
| Magnesium | 1250–1400 ppm |
| Nitrate | 2–15 ppm |
| Phosphate | 0.03–0.1 ppm |
Unlike SPS corals, many soft corals actually appreciate slightly nutrient-rich conditions.
Lighting Requirements
Most soft corals thrive under moderate reef lighting.
Suitable lighting options include:
- Ecotech Radion
- AI Hydra
- Red Sea ReefLED
- Kessil LEDs
- Reef Factory Reef Flare
PAR Recommendations
| Coral Type | PAR Range |
| Mushrooms | 50–100 |
| Zoanthids | 75–150 |
| Leather Corals | 75–200 |
| Xenia | 75–150 |
| Green Star Polyps | 75–150 |
Excessive lighting can sometimes cause soft corals to shrink or bleach.
Water Flow Requirements
Flow is extremely important for soft coral health.
Benefits include:
- Waste removal
- Nutrient delivery
- Prevention of detritus accumulation
- Improved polyp extension
Most soft corals prefer:
Moderate, Random Flow
Avoid:
- Direct blasting flow
- Dead spots
- Excessively stagnant areas
The goal is gentle swaying movement throughout the colony.
Feeding Soft Corals
Most soft corals receive the majority of their energy from photosynthesis.
However, supplemental feeding can improve:
- Growth
- Colouration
- Polyp extension
Suitable foods include:
- Reef roids
- Phytoplankton
- Zooplankton blends
- Amino acid supplements
- Fine coral foods
Feed sparingly to avoid excessive nutrient build-up.
Coral Placement Guide
Lower Areas
Ideal for:
- Mushrooms
- Ricordea
- Certain Zoanthids
Mid-Level Areas
Suitable for:
- Leather Corals
- Clove Polyps
- Xenia
Upper Areas
Suitable for:
- Light-loving Zoanthids
- Some Leather Corals
Always allow space for future growth.
Soft Coral Growth and Propagation
Many soft corals grow rapidly and can be easily fragged.
Popular propagation methods include:
Zoanthids
Individual polyps can be carefully separated and attached to frag plugs.
Leather Corals
Branches can be cut and secured to rubble or plugs.
Mushrooms
Mushrooms naturally divide and can be fragmented.
Many hobbyists find soft corals among the easiest corals to propagate successfully.
Common Soft Coral Problems
Closed Polyps
Possible causes:
- Water chemistry changes
- Excessive flow
- Lighting adjustments
- Pests
Excessive Shrinking
Often linked to:
- Water quality issues
- Temperature fluctuations
- Recent relocation
Poor Colouration
Can result from:
- Insufficient lighting
- Nutrient deficiencies
- Lack of feeding
Overgrowth
Many soft corals can spread aggressively.
Regular pruning may be necessary to prevent encroachment on neighbouring corals.
Soft Coral Compatibility
Soft corals generally mix well with:
- Marine fish
- LPS corals
- Other soft corals
- Most reef-safe invertebrates
However, some species release chemical compounds into the water.
Using activated carbon can help reduce chemical warfare in mixed reef systems.
Best Soft Corals for Beginners
If you're starting your first reef aquarium, consider:
- Zoanthids
- Mushroom Corals
- Kenya Tree Coral
- Green Star Polyps
- Toadstool Leather Coral
- Pulsing Xenia
These species are typically hardy, attractive, and easy to care for.
Soft Corals vs LPS Corals
| Soft Corals | LPS Corals |
| Flexible tissue | Hard skeleton |
| Faster growth | Slower growth |
| Moderate lighting | Moderate to high lighting |
| Generally easier | Moderate difficulty |
| Lower calcium demand | Higher calcium demand |
Many reef keepers start with soft corals before progressing into LPS and SPS systems.
Creating a Soft Coral Reef Aquarium
A soft coral reef can be one of the most visually impressive aquarium styles.
Successful soft coral tanks often feature:
- Moderate lighting
- Good water movement
- Stable salinity
- Slightly elevated nutrients
- Diverse coral placement
The flowing movement created by leather corals, xenia, clove polyps, and mushrooms can produce a truly natural reef appearance.
Final Thoughts
Soft corals are one of the most rewarding coral groups available to marine aquarists. Their vibrant colours, movement, resilience, and ease of care make them ideal for both beginners and experienced reef keepers.
By maintaining stable water parameters, appropriate lighting, and good water flow, soft corals can thrive and become the centrepiece of a beautiful reef aquarium.
Whether you're keeping colourful zoanthids, flowing leather corals, pulsing xenia, or vibrant mushroom corals, soft corals offer endless opportunities to create a stunning and successful reef tank.
Need Help Choosing Soft Corals?
At Charterhouse Aquatics, we stock a wide range of soft corals including zoanthids, mushroom corals, leather corals, xenia, clove polyps, and other reef-safe favourites. Our reef specialists can help you choose the ideal corals for your aquarium, lighting system, and experience level.
