First Corals

[ReefOcean]

Zoanthids are also deadly.....

Let's not forget that. Since you are beginner, i wouldn't suggest owning any until you read up on them and learn how to handle them safely. I personally keep them as far away from myself as possible (at the fish store). If polyps are your thing, go with white clove polyps, button polyps, green star polyps, sun coral (a little difficult) or duncan. There are many SPS varieties out there with lots of waveyesque polyps to suite your fancy.

[chandigz]

First of all no one has asked what your set up is? What type of lighting, tank size, flow and inhabitants? No one can really offer suggestions without knowing that.
And as for zoantids being deadly, Yes they can contain palytoxin in varying quantities but very few have levels that you would need to worry about with regular handling. There is a lot of myths and hype about palytoxin poisoning and how you can get it. You pretty much have to find the one in five hundred extremely toxic type and mash them into an newly opened wound and directly into the blood stream in order to have a near fatal experience. I'm kind of an expert on this, I should know I've been there I had every symptom for a fatal dose and also got to see a doctor. Was the worst 36 hours of my life. I still keep lots zoas/palys, and handle and frag them, always will. I just handle them with respect, and don't try to squish them off my rocks without gloves.

[bignose]

Originally Posted by mike clarke

perfect thanks i think i going to get some zoas first for sure to try out. to attach corals i see you just use modeling clay?

It's not modelling clay it's a two part epoxy when squished together hardens and hold frags, rock.... into place.

[ReefOcean]

Originally Posted by chandigz

.
And as for zoantids being deadly, Yes they can contain palytoxin in varying quantities but very few have levels that you would need to worry about with regular handling. There is a lot of myths and hype about palytoxin poisoning and how you can get it. You pretty much have to find the one in five hundred extremely toxic type and mash them into an newly opened wound and directly into the blood stream in order to have a near fatal experience. I'm kind of an expert on this, I should know I've been there I had every symptom for a fatal dose and also got to see a doctor. Was the worst 36 hours of my life. I still keep lots zoas/palys, and handle and frag them, always will. I just handle them with respect, and don't try to squish them off my rocks without gloves.

Regardless, nobody mentioned that zoas are poisoness. I will wager dollar over donuts that the LFS wouldn't mention it either. Who knows how people will react to the toxin? You almost receive a near fatal dose, would you still recommend them to beginner?