The Top 5 Corals to AVOID

My list of the Top 5 Corals to Avoid. What are some corals you think people should avoid?
#tidalgardens #coral
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[@tidalgardens]

I hope you guys enjoyed this video. What do you think? Are there any corals that you think people should avoid?

[@MandrakeFernflower]

Pipe organ corals - all lfs near me stock it and they all end up dying Also trendy sticks are a no go too

[@portwolf2293]

Than I'm the guy that can't kill anything in an aquarium even with neglect.

[@2pleez122474]

Sun coral ....Tubastrea. I always see people giving it away or trading because they’re tired of caring for it or I see it dying in tanks because they don’t know that it’s non photosynthetic

[@JosePena-lk1gq]

Thank you very much Sr for all your advices.they are really helpful for a new hobbist,like myself.I have watched many of your vídeos and i have learned a lot from them.You never try impose us nothing.I see that you only share your vast experience with us.

[@tidalgardens]

True. Tubastrea are super high maintenance. We have one right now and I feel like I have to feed it 3 times a day or I feel guilty.

[@WHOABUBBAvideos]

The one thing a private aquarium should never have in it is an octopus. They are consciously aware that they are in a tank and will self mutilate if they dont have constant mental stimuli (Ps I know it's not a coral but working in a reef shop I get people who tell me they want one)

[@kabirkhera-gill6294]

That's a myth that only happens If they feel trapped in a tiny aquarium. They need lots of space and hiding places and they barely live over a year they might only accept live food aswell

[@ReefEco]

Nice Than - love that you did categories, instead of individual species. Camera work is breathtaking, as always!

[@InappropriateReefer]

Fantastic list and totally went a different direction than I was expecting (thought you were just going to list out 5 corals!). I definitely feel #5, if I have a nickel for each time that I convinced myself to buy a frag as an “investment”... 😂

[@TheLizardNews]

Totally agree! I thought it would be a list of corals people call “trash coral” things like gsp, clove polyps, but this was great! Love your channel too dude! Keep up the great work

[@2pleez122474]

Hey Than.... Your videos are always so great, well made, well informed and well spoken!! I truly enjoy them. Hope all is well with the new shop now that it’s reaching its ending point. Thanks for all your wonderful content!!

[@dusk1947]

As someone just starting out in the wide world of reef tanks, this is the best video I've seen on what I should aspire to grow in my tank. Thank you for the advice

[@ronbeatty516]

I love the good driver option analogy. It's perfect...it can be applied to so many things. Thanks for the wonderful video.

[@joshs_random_location]

Wow this was a very different list then expected! I approve!! 👍🐠

[@bragilbe12]

What the heck was that "not a coral" at the beginning of the video?! It was amazing!

[@dorotamacurzen7265]

tunicate

[@bragilbe12]

@@dorotamacurzen7265 wow so helpful lol

[@Reefgrrl]

As usual, your approach is fresh and unique: I loved this video! 👍🏻👍🏻 My coral to avoid is the one you can’t resist when your tank is already full and doing well. You end up with your hands in the tank trying to rearrange things, or putting things closer to each other to fit it in, when you know there could be war.

[@Flownon]

"The Hype Machine is Weaponized" is the coolest thing I've heard in a long time. I'm gonna use that! The only thing I cringe at when I see it in the store these days is some NPS especially the pretty Gorgs...

[@tidalgardens]

I should put that on a tee shirt

[@Oxinder]

My free coral was a green Rasta leather that was almost dead. Couldn’t find one anywhere and I had one years ago that got about 4’ long. LFS had a small piece that was almost dead. It’s now up to 4 arms and three times the size. In maybe 2 years it will be my center piece

[@Davelembo]

Great video . I was literally nodding my head and saying yep the whole time

[@tidalgardens]

Thanks Dave!

[@scottyd5144]

Another excellent informational video! I have learned so much from you and your videos and I'm extremely grateful Thanks Than and keep up the great work!!

[@bnkohrn]

Loved this video, Than! I got a chuckle from the “Hold my beer” reference for coral #3. It’s a nice remember to plan your system for how you want to enjoy it rather than for making others envious and planning it around showing it off. Thanks for sharing!

[@tidalgardens]

Social media in general has that effect. If we don't get enough recognition for doing something from the online crowd, we change. It's actually a little scary.

[@Leigh33]

My one to avoid would be a Flame Scallop, as depicted in final shot. They aren't very long lived in captivity and are best left in the wild, as beautiful and fascinating as they are. I had one for months that just perished for no apparent reason one day. Again, should have researched and not impulse bought on first sighting... 🤔🤔

[@tidalgardens]

If I never see a flame scallop in my tanks ever again I'm good.

[@Leigh33]

@@tidalgardens I'm with you on that one... 👍👍

[@michelleirby7587]

There is such a focus on super low nutrient systems these days that many of these creatures don’t do well because there simply nothing in the water column for them to eat and target feeding just doesn’t always cover the variety of nutrients they require for life

[@toesly]

I thought this video would just be a list of bad beginner corals, but this was much more insightful. Thanks :)

[@aniafish]

Great advice

[@TattooCrazeInkStudio]

The Coral you must absolutely avoid at all cost, is the one not grown at Tidal Gardens.

[@tidalgardens]

Haha thank you

[@drewjanes]

in Canada avoid Fragbox 3/8 came with aptasia I quarantined for 60 days. got 2 of them but 1 popped up in the display tank after. hiding under the base of coral. I got it but lost 4 pinwheel heads. at 20$ a head and also the stress of it popping up anywhere just isn't worth it.

[@TheLingrush]

I like that this was not specific corals and geared toward proper selection.

[@TheAnubis80]

Keep these top 5 vids coming. I love watching them. Even if they aren't yours. So full of info.

[@anchoredreef3427]

Great video....Thats EXACTLY how i feel about this hobby and the animals(corals fit same category 😁) we bring into our homes👍👍👍👍💯✅

[@PatrickJewellTheGreat]

Words of wisdom. Now it’s euphyllia. I actually just got back in the hobby after a 12 year break. I’ve kept up with gear and what light is in vogue, but shocked to see euphyllia prices. Even the run of the mill wall hammer is double maybe triple the prices.

[@fishfan2]

I mean it is easy to keep and nice looking

[@yourcreativechaos]

Great video that has the "top 5 things Cara likes to do" all over it! So, what is that colorful thing that "isn't a coral" that you show at the beginning?

[@TechGearTalk]

first minute and I'm all about this video. Great concept Than!!! Super helpful and should save people tons of money and time.

[@sprinklesrevenge9642]

I was curious about the sea apple, thank you 😂

[@xM3THOD1x]

Lot of truth here. Than's experience and knowledge show in this vid....I respect it!

[@firebirdude2]

5:48 but plated monti doesn't start randomly popping up across the tank/in the sump like Xenia does. X-D

[@RookieReefer]

Stunning footage as always 👌

[@tidalgardens]

Thanks RR!

[@MrJarzy2001]

Great vid! I didn't expect such a list :) Thought You gonna name 5 corals :)

[@thibautmenoux9659]

As always, great video, Than! What is the orange, white and black thing that is "not even a coral" that you show in the first section? A kind of a sponge?

[@thibautmenoux9659]

Oh there it is: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oqa6mpV9ZtSjepo

[@colouryamud]

Great advice for beginners... sun corals and some seafans were bad choices when I started out but technology was pretty average 20 years ago

[@Oklaprepping56]

What are some good one to start out with .

[@lordlard2833]

That last bit about the coral you used as a placeholder. Pure gold. 😂

[@jestronixhanderson9898]

Probably the worst news for your corner store LFS :) I see it too often, hard to keep corals that keep the customers coming back. There are maybe 80% of reefers that last less than three years in the hobby ? So many rush in and buy these hard to keep corals. It's not a worry for me, I buy almost all my reef equipment secondhand when they have given up :) mostly items have done less than 2 years work :) great honest advice

[@JyB818]

So what is the orange, white and black thing at the beginning? 0:25

[@Oklaprepping56]

Great info I'm just starting out with a salt water tank ...

[@NickOrtizCO]

Great video! You always take such a thoughtful approach

[@tidalgardens]

Thanks Nick, this was a fun video to put together.

[@walterawa4914]

What’s was that in the tank on the #1? Orange creature with white dots?

[@azbigjohn1]

I'm a new subscriber, and I love your videos! Excellent quality video and audio, and interesting content on my main hobby!

[@reefboy2558]

Completely agree with #2 👏👍👌

[@davechippendale5668]

Excellent advice.

[@lilolmecj]

I was given Xenia, it did great for over a year, then I had a catastrophic event, lost most of my Xenia in a 2 week period. I do not know what happened. My Zoas and Kenya trees are fine. I am getting some regrowth, but it is slow.

[@ScottM]

I totally agree with every point you made. Great job Than.

[@tidalgardens]

Thanks Scott, glad you enjoyed the video!

[@fuffoon]

Its 2022 and Euphyllia is up 1000% in price. Glad I did my Euphy tank 8 years ago! Actually, here in Europe we have the morphs but not yet the prices. Now, where are all the clams?

[@mrsuarez430]

Been doing this for 30 years start with zoas and greenfinger leather and stars leave a good space in the center wait for 2 years if your tanks stable and mature then do montis Duncan's acro chalice ect then wait a year or two move on to the expensive showpiece on the space in the center ... You might have to trim that green finger cause that shits huge 😂 and takes up half the tank.. BTW great vid agree with you %1000

[@michelleirby7587]

Another great video as usual very insightful list great advice for everyone to follow that almost nobody will

[@Unclephillscritters]

Maybe someone already asked this, but what is the animal shown at :28 that is 'not even a coral!'? It is very interesting.

[@ChrisSmithCenterline]

Remarkably practical and honest.

[@retdreams661]

@tidal gardens have/can you do a coral car video on a pagoda cup coral?

[@jaredwood9039]

I concur. Great video. Love the footage. Informative topic.

[@tidalgardens]

Thanks Jared, I'm glad you liked it.

[@markf8905]

What is that white and orange coral at the start of the video?

[@cowabungareefer7094]

I’ve definitely fallen trap to #3 😫 Some seem like others are wrong because they are possible to keep when you are paying them attention non stop, but as soon as you fall into the normal care habit they die off

[@BillyPipes]

Everything about this video was awesome!!!!

[@tidalgardens]

Thanks Billy! Sorry to hear about your tank leak.

[@BillyPipes]

@@tidalgardens thanks Than. Everything is up and running now👍

[@ArrickthaRed]

Great video. I really like that the list wasn't actual corals but more just traps in the hobby we have all fallen into at one point.

[@tidalgardens]

Thanks! Glad you liked the video. It was a bit of a curve ball.

[@RaleyWeGrind]

Great video. Very informative

[@SavageDragon999]

Wait. So what actually is the orange white thing at the beginning of the vid?

[@tidalgardens]

Those are tunicates. I did a video on them a little while back you can check out. They are very beautiful and very interesting but the really pretty ones don't do well in home aquariums.

[@Jisko]

Plate corals and gonipora never seem to last long term for me :/

[@CloudDayLight]

Plating montipora?

[@Jisko]

@@CloudDayLight no fungi plate coral

[@kellysreef4614]

Solid advice! good job

[@bbingtube]

Back in the early 90s , I worked at an LFS in SC. My first reef was exactly what the owners told me not to get 🤣🤣🤣. I learned hard lessons and feel bad about the graveyard I left behind. Almost in every example, their advice contained wisdom I have subsequently integrated. KZbin is awesome because you can see the same tendencies in newbie reefers. Some wisdom is ego; and some is legit.

[@s65sung]

I would say literally anything that looks like a coral but isn’t a coral is something one should avoid putting in their tank long term. I’m talking about things like rare sponges (spider sponge, ball sponge), rare tunicates, flame scallops, maxima clams, common feather dusters, and most important of all: your hand!! The more you use your hand to mess around with stuff that affects your tank, the things inside the tank wouldn’t do as well as if you just left things the way it is

[@teagancombest6049]

Why no feather dusters??

[@rugvedkulkarni1593]

What was that orange and white coral?

[@volteface69]

Magnifique, BRAVO !!! 👍👍👍

[@rupply]

anyone know what the first non-coral thing is?

[@whokilledmercy1497]

What’s the corals name at 6:27 ?

[@Messier87_M87]

Have you ever heard of Merulina Ampliata? Ive always dreamed of keeping this coral, but i hear it can be extremely difficult.

[@uhohhotdog]

So are there any coral that don’t require special care that won’t overgrow my tank real fast?

[@lancepentzer7284]

Euphelia

[@LightSearch]

This is my favorite video I have seen from you. Overflowing in good old common sense.

[@cole147]

What is the first one shown? The orange and white?

[@CommonBasedYoutubeEnjoyer]

its a leache's ascidians, not a coral at all, its like a bunch of animals regrouped in that orange skin

[@calipsosreefs4843]

Thanks for ur videos

[@matheusMoreirafish]

Incredible footage 😍

[@jerryebner7582]

Right on point. I find myself more into fish than coral . But I got a few

[@Sylvania-Frenchies]

Great video brother and advice and truth about Instagram ✊🏽🙏🏽

[@ak_reefs4023]

Great Video and reminder to a 10+ year Reefer that can still get sucked in occasionally by the highly photoshopped color gambit of coral photography. You know somethings not right when the black egg crate in the photo looks orange! If the coral pictured has a totally black background, there’s no way I’m going to buy it. Don’t forget the “Live Sale” corals. The illusion of “you’ll never get one for $40 again if you don’t get it now (unless you wait til our live sale next month when it’s $35) “ and also the Live Sale coral “Winner/ Top Dog” feeling that you beat everybody to a coral you don’t have room for anyway....

[@bluethumbaquaculture6370]

awesome content! thanks for sharing, also @6:28 what is that? pectinia?

[@tidalgardens]

Yes! It is a Pectinia.

[@colossuses]

Great video. One of your best. More like five reasons to avoid corals. How about another one for 5 actual corals newbies should avoid👍🏿

[@tidalgardens]

That's a good video topic too.

[@i3lului311]

HELPPP what's the shell looking coral in the middle at 8:50

[@michaelbalsley6041]

Great video!! Is it possible to have a clam and LPS corals being that the light requirements are so different? What could I do if I want both.

[@tidalgardens]

Most LPS aren't going to want to be in that intense of light, but some might be ok with it. If you have modular lighting, you can create a spotlight effect on just the clam perhaps.

[@horaciohherasq6526]

It is quite possible with today's led fixture tech. Actually I have a maxima in my Tanks and many LPS and some SPS. It is healthy and very much alive after 1 year.

[@Hydrocarbon7]

Totally understand the “because it’s free” bit. I also collect specialty lava lamps, so everyone wants to give me their unwanted lamps. I will take and test them, but if they don’t make the cut, they’re off to the thrift store.

[@Yarky1]

What is the white and orange thing of the beginning?

[@tidalgardens]

Tunicates: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oqa6mpV9ZtSjepo

[@Yarky1]

Thanks a lot!

[@themulletedaquarist4232]

What is the first coral he showed

[@Reject06]

Hold muh beer!! 😂

[@jwlee1059]

I am in the research stage.....a new newb. Good video and advice I think.

[@colyvor2283]

While the other 4 are more or less obvious, the coral I didn´t really want seems to be sort of an eyeopener. It´s not only about corals, it´s about all stuff in the hobby.. find out carefully what you really want before spending lots of money (or limited space in your reef) on stuff you´re not 100% confident using/possessing afterwards. Be patient, don´t go for cheap sales and 2nd choices just because of the opportunity.

[@scroob72]

So so true! Instagram/Twitter are what you steer away from. These folks don't know your conditions, water perameters, environment, expenses, ect. Do you and don't worry about anyone else.

[@drewjanes]

awe but I really wanted it. lol. are dendrophylia okay. I understand they are nonphoto would feeding mysis once a day be enough? great video... again. Thanks

[@tidalgardens]

It probably will take more food than that. I try to feed Tubastrea and Dendrophyllia a few times a day. Several small feedings tend to work better for me than one big feeding each day.

[@drewjanes]

okay good to know. when I got my tank it came with a few odds and ends. I was told to feed the tube anemone about an inch of thawed frozen clams silversides giant mysis um squid... ect I feed it 2-3 times a week. plus it catches reg mysis and reef frenzy daily. it's doing well. any advise?

[@Kevkevkev763]

The quality of this video is insane

[@nicholasbarone5246]

is the thign at 3:00 also a sea apple?

[@shortsweetreefing9699]

To late I already got a high end acropora $300

[@Alek.Bannerman]

what kind of fish is that at 8:47? very good quality video!

[@tidalgardens]

Orange Spot File Fish

[@williamstynes9882]

Tidal Gardens at 1:16? Great video been a good guidelines to follow and great footage!👍

[@ReefDudes]

What do you mean I can’t keep anything?! Haha. Great tips!

[@tidalgardens]

:)

[@edson.jerez1982]

Do you own an orange spoted filefish? I saw one on the footage!

[@tidalgardens]

No that's my friend Nathan's tank. I've done a few videos of his tank over the years if you want to check it out.

[@SimplyReefing]

Great info for new people. Don’t buy a coral just cause it has a cool name.

[@tidalgardens]

Believe it or not that is the #1 question we receive about any coral. "What is the name of that one?"

[@heycesa]

But I just bought Goniopora Frag lol....it opened right away I think it likes me. Oh boy

[@tidalgardens]

Some species of Goni do very well while others struggle and give the entire genus a bad reputation.

[@KreefAquariumhobby]

Nice video

[@scottclark7592]

All good advice- but the last two are key- free isnt always free and making a business out of a hobby is a good way to turn fun into work. The largest percentage of people who try to be a basement store end up lucky to break even- especially if real world P&L is used.

[@raredanceclassics]

95% of the 64% of people that think they're good drivers are the kind of people that block the passing lane while going "the speed limit" and think that's just fine because no one else should be speeding anyway.

[@scootroter4859]

So true! Make a hobby into a business and killed the fun and enjoyment in it! It became work, so I killed the business and now I enjoy my hobby so much more! After doing reef tanks for 30 years, that's the biggest recommendation I can give other reefers! Don't ruin your hobby by making it a business. It will happen! I know first hand! 🤔😉

[@jestronixhanderson9898]

Scoot Roter - I did the same with IT, it was a hobby. 20 years later I think it may be one of the driest professions there is, maybe business law or accounting is worse. I've had thoughts of setting up frag tanks and going all out, after 10 years of reefing I have seen so many home based fraggers come and go, your right rarely do they mix. 30 years reefing.... my hat goes off to you sir, I hit 10 years recently and re-ignited my interest by getting the custom tank I've always wanted :) I've kept small tanks gradually expanding, which I think keeps the interest going :)

[@scootroter4859]

@@jestronixhanderson9898 very co0ol! That's what I did... I actually had a 500g reef with corals as big as basketballs, grown from 1" frags, one cap that was actually bigger. But it was so much work!!!! I hired people to help and paid them in coral. A lot of people are into doing that for pay. Course, they learned a ton too. Best day was the day I sold everything to a store in town! Now they quit the reef business and still do all other pets. Kept a glass 210g for my own tank. A customer gave it to me, only 1 year old! He was burned out with the hobby. I kept just enough equipment to set the whole 210g up except for a new main pump, and Kessil lights. Best thing I ever did!... I got my hobby back where I can enjoy it and it's no longer a huge money pit! I got really tired of getting ripped off by the lying Indonesians! It's their way of life! Rarely are they truthful! Seriously! I just wish I knew the damn Kessil 360's burned out so quickly! What a total waste of money! What happened to 50,000 hours LED life? Sheesh! Anyway, so glad I'm back to caring for one easy tank. 🤘😀

[@anchor4346]

For mw it would be what I call a casual business. Not really a business at all except, corals grow and you have to do something with them. Might as well sell, trade or give away. Avoid xenia and GSP, great give-away corals but at what cost to you and them??

[@infamoushiphop7943]

Lol i love how you used turnicates for #1

[@mahmoudtaha7245]

Take it easy man !