Coral Help.

[Dunnman39]

I am looking to get some type of coral in my tank. My tanks is 2.5 months old. It is currently stocked with 3 fish. What type of coral would be the best to start with? And how do I get it in the tank.

 

[Tahoe61]

A soft coral type/octocoral is a great starter coral. Any of the leathers/Sarcophyton such as Toadstool or Cabbage would be a good choice, neither coral become invasive, both are hardy and easily propagated and inexpensive. Both are easy to acquire off most on line vendors such as Liveaquaria, (look at Reef2Reef sponsors).
A long drawn out drip acclimation is not needed, 30 minutes for temp and salinity acclimation if fine.

 

[Dunnman39]

A soft coral type/octocoral is a great starter coral. Any of the leathers/Sarcophyton such as Toadstool or Cabbage would be a good choice, neither coral become invasive, both are hardy and easily propagated and inexpensive. Both are easy to acquire off most on line vendors such as Liveaquaria, (look at Reef2Reef sponsors).
A long drawn out drip acclimation is not needed, 30 minutes for temp and salinity acclimation if fine.

That helps a lot. When can I put one in my tank? Also do I need ti add any additives like calcium liquid, iodine, etc?

 

[Triggreef]

Not for those, regular water changes would be best.

 

[Tahoe61]

Not for those, regular water changes would be best.

Completely agree, no need to add any supplements. Keep the chemistry in check with routine water changes, and of course testing occasionally.

The tank is 10 weeks old, at this point I would not hesitate to start adding some soft corals.

 

[Dunnman39]

Completely agree, no need to add any supplements. Keep the chemistry in check with routine water changes, and of course testing occasionally.

The tank is 10 weeks old, at this point I would not hesitate to start adding some soft corals.

Yay so excited. All my parameters are in check...as far as I know. I plan on taking a trip to a huge fish store withing a couple weeks. I guess that wait will only help the tank get better also.

 

[Auhiwayman]

A lot depends on what types of fish and corals you want or have and what type equipment you have (i.e., lighting type/quantity, tank flow, filteration, etc.). If you don't already know, I'd suggest keeping relatively easy fish like clowns, blennies, gobies, chromis at least until you learn more. But be careful not to overstock as then you begin to have nitrate problems. You should also start with soft corals like mentioned earlier and zoas, or other polyps. Please for your sake take it slow and research potential tank inhabitants before shopping. A lot of local fish stores will tell you a fish or coral is easy to keep just to sell it. Save yourself some money and take your time. You'll enjoy it more that way and not get frustrated and quit. It's great to have a beautiful piece of ocean in your home if done correctly.

 

[Auhiwayman]

In my opinion, it's best to keep the major paramters (salinity, pH, Alk., calcium, and magnesium) as stabile as possible. Rodi water top off for salinity is a big one. It's amazing how much evaporation happens quickly. More frequent top off helps by automating.