Most people avoid getting a picotope. This is because picotopes are harder to maintain than the bigger tanks. Harder because a slight change can affect the water parameters big time. In terms of reef tank, picotope can be quite challenging. The secrets in having a pico reef lies on how well you maintain your water changes and choices of livestock you make.
There are 3 most favorite corals used in pico reef. These are mushroom corals, zoanthids and green star polyps.
Zoanthids
They are described as small disc shaped corals that comes with varieties of colors. Some of the expensive Zoas are not common. Most people are collecting different zoas because they are easy to frag and propagate than other corals. When attached to stones, they propagate through runners or budding at it’s base. Though it’s not common for humans to hurt by these corals, caution is still advised. They can inject toxins to humans called palytoxins. It is recommended to wear gloves when handling these type of coral. This is a beautiful coral for beginners.
Mushroom corals
Another type of coral for beginners are the mushroom corals. Like Zoanthids, this come with different varieties. Some are orange, some are green, some are purple, some illuminates on blue light. When the light is off, this coral shrinks as if it is sleeping and when the light is on, the mushroom grows big.
Green star polyps
Green star polyps is characterized by 5 tentacles that sway with the current and looks like a grass when placed in group. Though there are different Species of Green star plolyps, the color is not much different from the others. Some species have the green only in the center and others have the green in tentacles as well.
These 3 corals are the most commonly used in picotopes. They are quite hardy and not sensitive to changes in water parameters. They are indeed beginners coral.
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