If you are into reefkeeping, you should know how rewarding it feels to set up a nano reef tank- a compact yet vibrant world where every inch counts. It becomes quite complicated when your aquarium’ capacity is rather small up to 10 to 20 gallons or less, as these require corals that can thrive in limited space. Moreover, the corals should be good at handling slight water fluctuations and still infuse color and activity into your setup.
This guide seeks to explore the 10 best corals for nano tanks, chosen for features like beauty, hardiness, and beginner-friendly nature. Whether you’re taking your first step towards reefing or upgrading your nano reef, making these corals a part of your reef will help you create a thriving miniature ecosystem bustling with life and colors.
1. Zoanthids (Zoas) – The Colorful Crowd-Pleasers
Best for: Beginners | Type: Soft Coral | Lighting: Moderate | Flow: Low to Moderate
Zoanthids are a top favorite in any list of nano tank corals, and for good reason. They’re regarded as some of the most colorful hardy corals for small aquariums, thanks to their endless color varieties from neon green to deep purple.
These corals naturally form vibrant mats that spread over rocks, allowing you to add pops of color without consuming excessive space. Zoas are highly adaptable and easy to care for due to their high tolerance to moderate light and flow and an ability to adapt to both low-tech and high-tech nano setups, making them ideal for reef keepers of all experience levels.
Pro Tip: Place Zoas lower in the tank at first to help them adjust to new lighting.
2. Mushroom Corals (Discosoma, Ricordea, Rhodactis)
Best for: Beginners | Type: Soft Coral | Lighting: Low to Moderate | Flow: Low,
If you are looking for low-maintenance corals for nano tanks, mushrooms are a must-have option. They are distinctive for their soft, fleshy texture and fluorescent colors, which make them ideal for filling shaded areas and corners.
A specific Ricordea species named Ricordea florida is particularly prized for its bubble-like appearance and bright tones. The best part about these soft corals for nano reefs is that they require minimal care- you just need to keep the parameters steady along with gentle lighting.
Pro Tip: Mushrooms can multiply quickly; keep them isolated on a single rock to control their spread.
3. Xenia Coral – The Pulsating Beauty
Best for: Beginner to Intermediate | Type: Soft Coral | Lighting: Moderate | Flow: Moderate
If you want a coral that’s full of activity, the Pulsing Xenia will leave you mesmerized. This coral possesses rhythmic pulsing tentacles that result in a dynamic, “breathing” effect, hence keeping your nano reef alive and moving.
Despite being hardy, Xenia is well-suited to strong lighting conditions, so it’s essential to be careful about where it’s placed. In case your tank is small , it should be trimmed regularly to prevent it from overshadowing other corals.
Pro Tip: Ideal for tanks with stable pH and moderate light — avoid placing near aggressive LPS corals.
4. Green Star Polyps (GSP)
Best for: Beginners | Type: Soft Coral | Lighting: Moderate | Flow: Moderate to High
For those starting out reefing, Green Star Polyps are the ultimate beginner corals for nano tanks. These fast-growing corals emit a brilliant fluorescence and are highly tough species. On getting accustomed to the environment, they form a lush, grassy mat that oscillates with the ebbs and flows of water.
If you are interested in creating striking vertical displays, GSPs are a great option as they can attach to glass, rock, or back walls. However, they have dominating tendencies, so many reefers keep them secluded in separate rocks to prevent their over-growth.
Pro Tip: Keep the flow between moderate to high to stimulate greater movement and prevent unwanted algae buildup.
5. Duncan Coral (Duncanopsammia axifuga)
Best for: Intermediate | Type: LPS Coral | Lighting: Moderate | Flow: Moderate
Duncan corals are a stunning addition for anyone looking to introduce LPS corals in a nano aquarium. Their brilliant green centers and long, waving tentacles make them eye-catching showpieces.
Despite their LPS status, Duncans have a propensity to forgive and respond positively to feeding. Moreover, they are good at adapting to moderate flow environments.
Pro Tip: Target feed with meaty foods like mysis shrimp 2–3 times weekly for faster growth.
6. Candy Cane Coral (Caulastrea furcata)
Best for: Beginner to Intermediate | Type: LPS Coral | Lighting: Moderate | Flow: Low to Moderate
If you’re seeking hardy corals for nano reefs that add both structure and glow, Candy Cane corals fit the bill. They are prominent for their branching skeletons replete with bright green, blue, or purple heads that fluoresce beautifully under actinic lighting.
Candy Canes are classified as peaceful corals for nano reefs as they can co-exist with other species without resorting to stinging behavior.
Pro Tip: Place them in zones with low-flow zones to allow their fleshy heads to expand fully.
7. Acan Lord (Micromussa lordhowensis)
Best for: Intermediate | Type: LPS Coral | Lighting: Moderate | Flow: Low
Acan Lords are well-known for their thick, fleshy polyps and vivid patterns, which make for an intense, gem-like presence in small reefs. These colorful, hardy corals for small aquariums thrive best when water conditions stay stable. Their peaceful nature, combined with their slow growth, makes them a great focal coral for compact tanks.
Pro Tip: Target feed once or twice a week to promote coloration and growth.
8. Kenya Tree Coral (Capnella spp.)
Best for: Beginners | Type: Soft Coral | Lighting: Moderate | Flow: Moderate
A beginner-friendly nano coral, the Kenya Tree coral resembles a soft, underwater tree swaying in water. It is a species requiring minimal maintenance and can tolerate minor fluctuations in water quality.
This coral has a natural way of propagating, whereby it occasionally drops branches that attach and grow elsewhere. This is perfect for hobbyists who want a thriving reef.
Pro Tip: Great for filling vertical spaces in tall nano aquariums.
9. Montipora (Montipora digitata or capricornis)
Best for: Intermediate to Advanced | Type: SPS Coral | Lighting: High | Flow: Moderate to High
For reefers ready to go into advanced reefing, Montipora species are among the few SPS corals in small tanks that can boom under proper conditions.
Their ability to branch adds depth and texture to nano reefs, while the bright pinks, oranges, and green hues they exude provide a wonderful contrast.
Pro Tip: Maintain stable calcium and alkalinity levels as even small deviations can stress SPS corals.
10. Frogspawn Coral (Euphyllia divisa)
Best for: Intermediate | Type: LPS Coral | Lighting: Moderate | Flow: Gentle to Moderate
Frogspawn stands unique among corals for its potential to add visual appeal and movement to reefs. What makes it so appealing are its tentacle-like branches sway beautifully in the currents, which presents quite a spectacle in nano aquariums.
As a compact coral for nano reef setups, Frogspawn also provides a safety net for small fish and shrimp, similar to natural reef environments.
Pro Tip: The Euphyllia species should be spread out enough to avoid stinging competition.
Creating Harmony in Your Nano Reef
When selecting nano reef corals, start by mixing soft, LPS, and easy SPS coral varieties to create a layered, dynamic display without upsetting the natural balance.
Be mindful of the following:
- Choose low-light corals for nano tanks if you use basic LEDs.
- Avoid aggressive species with long sweeper tentacles.
- Incorporate regular maintenance and testing to ensure stability in smaller volumes.
If you stand confused about which fish species will be most compatible with your small reef, explore our Reef Fish Compatibility Chart to discover peace-loving species that perfectly complement your chosen corals.
Building a thriving nano reef isn’t simply about how huge or small it is – it’s more about achieving a balance and understanding your coral’s needs. The best corals for nano tanks are those that are hardy, adaptable, and yet beautiful enough to allow even small spaces to burst with life.
At ReefKG, we believe small tanks have the potential to inspire big reefing dreams. Whether you’re curating a 10-gallon reef tank or a desktop display, you would do well to start with resilient, beginner-friendly nano corals and let your reef flourish one polyp at a time.