Successful Saltwater Aquariums & Reef Tanks Start Here
Everything you need to know to set up and maintain a healthy and beautiful aquarium.
Welcome to Reef Tank Advisor
At Reef Tank Advisor we strive to provide the most accurate and helpful information related to saltwater aquariums and reef tanks.
Whether you’re an experienced hobbyist or a beginner who is just starting out, we can help!
Invertebrates
Fish
Equipment
Our Latest Posts

Gorilla Crabs – Are They Reef Tank Safe?
Gorilla crabs are not reef tank safe and should be removed from your reef aquarium the second you spot one. Gorilla crabs are pests that hitchhike their way into reef aquariums, growing large, and causing havoc wherever they go.

Pineapple Sponges – Are They Reef Aquarium Safe?
Pineapple sponges are stunning, fluffy-looking marine creatures that thrive in low-light areas of aquariums. But should you be worried if pineapple sponges start multiplying in your reef aquarium?

Pufferfish vs Blowfish – What’s The Difference?
When selecting aquarium fish, common names can get very confusing, and you want to avoid adding the wrong fish into your aquarium thinking that it is reef-safe, when in fact it is not…

The Ultimate Hammer Coral Care Guide
Are you looking for a great LPS (large polyp stony) coral that will take center stage inside your aquarium without being too challenging? If so, the hammer coral makes a great choice! The hammer coral (Euphyllia ancora) is a popular LPS coral that is a must-have for reef tanks. They are bold corals that come

Will Clownfish Host Hammer Coral?
Are you considering adding a clownfish to your epic reef display, but are unsure if it will host your hammer coral? Clownfish are colorful marine fish that are known for surviving in the ocean by hosting anemones and corals. This relationship is called symbiotic because both parties benefit. The clownfish is protected by the host’s

Why Is My Hammer Coral Not Fully Extending?
So, your hammer coral has been doing great, but all of a sudden its polyps are not fully extending, and you are starting to wonder if this is normal, or if you should be worried… Well, do not worry, as you are not alone. In fact, many hobbyists have run into this issue, and with

Is My Hammer Coral Splitting?
If you are a newbie hobbyist, you may be concerned about witnessing your hammer coral tearing into two, but if it is in the middle of splitting, then there is nothing to worry about. In fact, you should be proud that your good husbandry skills have led to your hammer coral naturally splitting! Why Do

Do Hammer Corals Sting?
Are you worried that your hammer coral can sting your other corals or even your hand if you were to accidentally brush up against or handle them? After anemones, large polyp stony (LPS) corals have the most powerful sting out of all aquarium corals, and because of this, these types of corals are considered aggressive

What To Feed Hammer Coral?
One of the most common debates in the aquarium hobby is if corals need feeding, and, if so, what are their feeding habits. Some reef hobbyists will argue that corals do not need any additional food in the aquarium, while many coral enthusiasts believe that feeding corals are a must. The hammer coral (Euphyllia ancora)

Hammer Coral Growth Rate
So, your hammer coral has just arrived, and now you are wondering how long it is going to take to grow into a fully established coral. You are not alone… One of the most exciting parts of owning a reef tank is the satisfaction of successfully growing corals. Hammer corals are one of the most

Optimal Hammer Coral PAR Levels
If you struggle with aquarium lighting, you are not alone. Photosynthetically available radiation or photosynthetic active radiation (PAR) measures the amount or intensity of light that corals utilize in aquariums. The hammer coral is a large polyp stony (LPS) coral, which has been a staple for aquariums for decades, therefore they are a must-have coral

Hammer Coral Not Opening – Reasons & Solutions
So, your hammer coral is all closed up and not opening, and now you are starting to question if you are taking care of it correctly… Well, try not to dwell on it too much, as I am here to solve your problems! Hammer corals are one of the most beautiful LPS (large polyp stony)

Hairy Mushroom Coral Care: Placement, PAR, & Growth
Mushroom corals are one of the most recognizable of the Hawaiian stony corals. Unlike most hard corals that consist of tiny polyps, mushrooms like the hairy mushroom are a single giant polyp; the hairy mushroom is a coral without a skeleton, but its internal structures are the same as any other stony coral you may

Dragon Soul Torch Care: Flow, Placement & Lighting
Torch corals are one of the most popular LPS (large polyp stony) corals to add to reef aquariums. Torches, such as the Dragon Soul, are perfect if you are looking for a coral that will add lots of movement and bursts of color inside your aquarium. The Dragon Soul torch is immediately recognizable from its

Sunny D Zoa Care: Placement, Growth & Lighting
The Sunny D zoanthid (zoa) is a staple coral for creating the ultimate zoanthid garden! They are one of the oldest zoa morphs available, so you have likely seen them on display at your local fish store (LFS) before, or in your friend’s coral reef tank. There is no doubt, that Sunny D zoas are