I agree and disagree with a few of these suggestions. That’s not to say that any of these corals can’t be successfully cared for by a beginner. Rather, some are not ideal for various reasons, which may make them better suited as an intermediate.
beginner corals:
•GSP, zoas, polyps, leathers (toadstools, Kenya, Sinularia, cabbage), Duncans, candy cane (aka trumpet) corals, most mushrooms, monti cap, some Leptoseris
intermediate and advanced corals:
•Hammer, frogspawn, torch, other euphyllia, Acans, fungia, sun coral, Favias, Platygyra,...
On another note; always consider the speed and reproduction methods in which corals grow. Notable species that warrant double the consideration:
•Spawners and Movers: any anemone, pulsing Xenia, Pocilopora, sun coral
•Fast growers: Zoas, polyps, GSP, some Leptoseris, monti cap
I see no issue in starting with an intermediate coral. But would recommend against starting with 5 intermediate corals; doing so may set yourself up for failure and losing confidence. My recommendation is to choose 1-2 beginner corals and 1 intermediate... then wait and let them grow for several weeks. This will build confidence, provide good chance for success, and if the intermediate coral dies, you’ll still have 1 or 2 hardy beginner corals.
For GSP, I recommend isolating it on a rock island. It won’t grow onto the sand.
Duncans a great beginner coral for movement and seeing a feeding response.
