How quickly to increase coral population?

[ThunderGoose]

My tank is 8 weeks old and I currently have three corals, two fish and a CUC. I can find information on how often to add fish but how long should the interval be between adding corals? How many can I add at once?

Trying to be patient.

 

[pdt7361]

Can we have some more info? What size is your tank, how long has it been since it was fully cycled (is that the 8 weeks?), how long has it been since you added any fish/corals, and what kind of QT do you have setup for fish/corals?

 

[ThunderGoose]

I have a RedSeaReefer 250 with 54 gallons in display and around 10 in sump. Based on water conditions the cycle went pretty quick but I know it's still new - I had diatom and algae blooms and now have coraline algae starting. I added fish on Saturday and it's been a few weeks for corals (got my first ones from a fellow hobbyist - they're looking fine at this point).

I have a 20 gallon bare bottom tank (HOB filter) set up for QT for fish and a 10 gallon bare bottom with foam filter for non-fish (ie corals and inverts).

 

[BlueCursor]

It depends on what corals and how much money you are willing to risk. It's too soon for SPS or any delicate LPS. Hardy LPS are most likely ok.

 

[tutmatt3]

Often I hear '90 days' is a good time to start introducing coral, since there are many cycles that occur. Good that you already experienced diatoms
My suggestion is don't go too fast. Say if you buy $100 worth of coral, put all over, but the tank wasn't ready.... not good investment!
A few here & there would be best.

Also allows you to really plan out your space. I had to do a bit of rearranging, since I plan on introducing hammers, and had some frags in the way that I glued - that the hammer would eventually sting if left there.

Also, going slow allows you to test coral in a location, see how it likes it, and if not - move it to an open space (higher, lower, less flow, more flow, etc)

Cheers!

 

[sbash]

Also allows you to really plan out your space. I had to do a bit of rearranging, since I plan on introducing hammers, and had some frags in the way that I glued - that the hammer would eventually sting if left there.

This is a good point. You also need to keep in mind the corals have a choice where they want to be as well. Quite often I pick up a frag to fill one gap, and it does not like it there so I have to put it somewhere else.