Live coral adds a great deal of beauty and mystery to a salt water aquarium. Fake coral reefs are nice, and they can also provide a decorative appeal, but there's nothing quite like the real thing. Living in harmony with tropical fish, coral reef provides an extra punch of color and a feeling of authenticity to the aquarium. Some types of live coral are more difficult to maintain, but there are also some varieties that are great for beginners. In earlier days when people still had a very limited understanding of coral reef; it was very difficult to keep them alive for very long in an aquarium. Fake coral reefs were very popular in aquariums during those days, and they are still fairly common today.
There is more knowledge and a wider variety of live coral products available today, though, and even a beginner can maintain tropical fish, coral reef and other sea animals. There are a number of soft coral reef varieties that don't require as much light and have less demanding water quality standards. Hard coral reef is much more difficult to maintain, although they are beautiful; so these are best left to experienced hobbyists. The softer live coral is a better choice for a new aquarium owner, or one who is converting a fish-only aquarium. Fake coral reefs just don't provide the same exotic appeal, but now there's no reason why anyone can't have the living version.
