Coral addition chemistry changes

[mikemathis555]

Hi all,

New to the hobby, and have a maturing 13.5 Fluval Evo I’m in the process of upgrading. I do have live rock, a cleanup crew, two fish, good water chemistry, but no coral yet.

As a beginner, what changes to the water chemistry occur when adding coral to the tank? Does anyone have a trusted resource of information that I could research further or things I should watch for?

Thinking of starting small with some Zoa, but would welcome suggested starter coral species too.

thanks all!

-Mike

 

[chandavi]

I’ve a 32 gallon at 7 months old. I introduced my first corals (zoa and green star polyps) about 8 weeks ago. They seem to be growing well. No expert here but I’ve researched a lot and STABILITY seems to almost outweigh parameters. (Of course parameters need to be within reason......)
I would think with the addition of many many corals certain elements (calcium,magnesium etc) would have to be replaced as the corals consume them.
I haven’t “dosed” anything but just normal water changes.
These are the corals ive researched as being good to start with:
ZOANTHIDS
PALYTHOAS
TOADSTOOLS
GREEN STAR POLYPS
DUNCANS
FROGSPAWN
BIRDSNEST
Again no expert and certainly welcome other advice from those more experienced.
Have fun and good luck!

 

[Jekyl]

Your parameters will tell you what is needed. Keeping a successful reef tank has nothing to do with the coral or fish. It's all about how good you are at water chemistry. As you add anything keep note of the parameter changes. Once water changes are no longer keeping levels stable. It is time to figure out how to fix it. You will learn as you go.

 

[Rmckoy]

Start slow ….
Adding zoanthids will not cause much changes at all .
but research different corals some will consume elements different .
For example .

once you start to notice coralline algae it’s tome
To start testing alkalinity , calcium ,