There are 3 main types of coral reefs to select for your aquarium. The type of system (freshwater or saltwater) as well as the size of your tank play an important role in your choice. You can mix and match the types of coral in your tank depending on the look you prefer for your aquarium.
Small Polyp Stony corals have small polyps on a stony skeleton base. They are often fragile and recognizable by their stunning shapes and colors. They require bright light levels in order to grow and a high water quality with lots of turbulence. Some examples of SPS corals include Acropora, Montipora and Hydnophora.
Large Polyp Stony corals have large, fleshy polyps on their skeleton. They are more resilient than SPS corals, requiring less light and current. They will grow and break off into multiple corals and contain protective sweeper tentacles so a large tank is required for this type to give it the room it needs. Common LPS corals include Torch, Hammer, Open Brain, Elegance, and Lobophyllia.
Soft corals come in a variety of beautiful shapes and colors. They lack a skeleton and have a fluid, waving movement in water currents. Examples of soft corals are Leathers, Mushrooms, Zoanthids, Gorgonians and Octocorals.