Best time to add corals?

[Hannah2024]

When is the best time to add a coral to your tank? I hear about 6 months for newbies so your tank matures but I want to hear what others say.

 

[AlyciaMarie Verified Admin]

You'll probably hear lots of opinions on this topic, but my personal experience is this:

In my first tank, I added corals in at 2 months. However, the water and rock from this tank was taken from another well-established, cycled tank. I imagine that makes a big difference. The coral thrived and was beautiful the entire time this tank was up.

My second tank, I just added corals for the first time last week and it's been up and running for a year. There was no particular reason I wanted so long other than "life". So far everything is doing well.

 

[NotReefsafe]

I added corals day 1. Turned out okay...I think it's easier to add them sooner rather than later. It will help prevent potential algae issues, help get your tank cycled and mature...

 

[mues]

I think that this largely depends on what kind of corals you intend on keeping.

Most soft corals, especially zoas, xenia, gsp, kenya, etc will do fine through the "ugly stages" and nutrient swings.

Some of your harder to keep corals will not.

 

[sfin52]

Leathers do really well in newish tanks

 

[AlyciaMarie Verified Admin]

Leathers do really well in newish tanks

Agreed. Leathers have always been a first choice for me. They're underrated for sure.

 

[shakacuz]

dry rock = add after 1yr+
live rock = 3-6mo depending how mature the rocks are.

just my personal opinion

 

[Hannah2024]

Agreed. Leathers have always been a first choice for me. They're underrated for sure.

I like those alot but I also like the frogspawn corals too

 

[Hannah2024]

I think that this largely depends on what kind of corals you intend on keeping.

Most soft corals, especially zoas, xenia, gsp, kenya, etc will do fine through the "ugly stages" and nutrient swings.

Some of your harder to keep corals will not.

I like soft corals too but I would like to have a frogspawn coral because they're very cool I just don't really know if they are good for beginners or not