Coral questions

Melinda01 · Feb 16, 2018

I’m completely new to corals. I would like to start adding them while my tank runs fallow (from a velvet outbreak) to get them started. I was wondering how to prevent pests because I don’t want a whole new problem to arise. Are there medications or things I need on hand prior to adding them? How important is a PAR meter? Do I really need one? I’m sure it is advised but I wondered if I could get by with not buying one at this time.
Right now I have a 72 gallon with 3 48 in strip white led lights. I also have a blue strip light that I can replace one of the white with but it makes the tank very dark.
Any help is appreciated. I just don’t want to mess up and kill anything again if I can help it!

Krzydmnd · Feb 16, 2018

There are a number of "dip" products (CoralRx, Bayer insecticide) , available for coral that can help limit introducing pests into a tank before you add the coral. Some coral are more sensitive to dips than others so read up on the product and the coral you choose.

A thorough inspection, looking for eggs, scraping algae off of the plug, etc... Is always a good idea.

There are a number of hardy soft corals to start with that are often considered good first time purchases, keeping in mind that those coral often grow very fast and can become like weeds.

Your lighting is going to be very important for anything beyond these hardy varieties. A PAR meter is not necessary but having a good understanding of lighting requirements is considered good coral husbandry. Coral typically utilize the blue spectrum of lighting so upgrading your lighting is probably a good idea if you ever get into LPS and definitely a good idea if not a requirement if you get into SPS. And blue lighting will really highlight the colors of pretty much any tank.

My suggestion is to read up on these topics within the forums, and if you pick a few variety you want to try post them to get some feedback.

Most importantly, stable water parameters are essential to maintain coral health. You could even start by posting your tank parameters in this thread to get some feedback and see if your tank is ready without making any adjustments to alkalinity, calcium, salinity, etc...

Good luck and welcome to the addiction!

Jason mack · Feb 16, 2018

Krzydmnd said:
There are a number of "dip" products (CoralRx, Bayer insecticide) , available for coral that can help limit introducing pests into a tank before you add the coral. Some coral are more sensitive to dips than others so read up on the product and the coral you choose.

A thorough inspection, looking for eggs, scraping algae off of the plug, etc... Is always a good idea.

There are a number of hardy soft corals to start with that are often considered good first time purchases, keeping in mind that those coral often grow very fast and can become like weeds.

Your lighting is going to be very important for anything beyond these hardy varieties. A PAR meter is not necessary but having a good understanding of lighting requirements is considered good coral husbandry. Coral typically utilize the blue spectrum of lighting so upgrading your lighting is probably a good idea if you ever get into LPS and definitely a good idea if not a requirement if you get into SPS. And blue lighting will really highlight the colors of pretty much any tank.

My suggestion is to read up on these topics within the forums, and if you pick a few variety you want to try post them to get some feedback.

Most importantly, stable water parameters are essential to maintain coral health. You could even start by posting your tank parameters in this thread to get some feedback and see if your tank is ready without making any adjustments to alkalinity, calcium, salinity, etc...

Good luck and welcome to the addition!

+1 good advice !