Introducing first Coral. Frag or Non?

[tutmatt3]

Hey Guys,

So I been looking a bit into frags for 2x main reasons. 1) Cheap ofc, but 2) I really LOVE watching things grow/develop over time.

My tank is finally up & running, and got my first 2x ocellaris clowns in today.

When would be a good time to introduce coral, and if using Frags, just how do people place them? I see they come on a disc they are glued to. Do I just glue that to rock in my tank?
How long does it take for those frags to grow (yes I know depends on species, but would I see decent growth in a few months, or will it take years before I see them transform into 'something worth looking at' so to say).

Any specific articles/videos you guys recommend for learning more on coral?
Running a 55g with 35lb dry rock, seeded w/ bio-spira & cycled w/ dr tims ammonia.
All water levels looking great, including phosphates.

Thanks!

 

[Nem4]

Go get some! If your adding fish and your water checks out, you should be good. I agree with you on letting things grow in. Especially if you love your aquascape. Take your time. Research on species and their needs. Dip em. Picture how they will grow into your tank and how they get along with neighbors.
You can easily remove them from a plug or break off the plugs stem so you just have a disc. Then glue where you would like them. And yes, if everything is clicking in your tank, you will see grow within a few months.

 

[Nem4]

PS. Youtube BRS tv 52 weeks of reefing.

 

[tutmatt3]

Go get some! If your adding fish and your water checks out, you should be good. I agree with you on letting things grow in. Especially if you love your aquascape. Take your time. Research on species and their needs. Dip em. Picture how they will grow into your tank and how they get along with neighbors.
You can easily remove them from a plug or break off the plugs stem so you just have a disc. Then glue where you would like them. And yes, if everything is clicking in your tank, you will see grow within a few months.

Awesome, thanks!

I'll give it 1-2 weeks & see how the fish perform. It's only been half a day so far, so I don't want them extra nervous with me sticking in my hand gluing stuff!

Is the 2 little fishes epoxy ok? Do you recommend breaking them off or keeping them on the disc?

Anything I need to do besides dip / acclimate?

Thanks!

 

[Nem4]

Wait pump the breaks. Half a day the tank has been running?

 

[tutmatt3]

Wait pump the breaks. Half a day the tank has been running?

hahahaha half day the FISH have been in. Literally just got them in today.

Tanks' fully cycled with bio-spira / dr tims ammonia, numbers check out!

 

[Nem4]

Lol. Ok good. No nothing else to do. Like i said research species and what they like, then purchase. You will have more success knowing what a coral likes flow/light. Dont just glue everything right away. See how they do where you place them. Look for signs of stress like not opening, melting, bleaching, browning, stretching....depends on the coral/placement if they come off the plug. I havent used epoxy. Just super glue. Takes a lil practice but works fine.
Your lfs should have a reef safe glue.

 

[tutmatt3]

Lol. Ok good. No nothing else to do. Like i said research species and what they like, then purchase. You will have more success knowing what a coral likes flow/light. Dont just glue everything right away. See how they do where you place them. Look for signs of stress like not opening, melting, bleaching, browning, stretching....depends on the coral/placement if they come off the plug. I havent used epoxy. Just super glue. Takes a lil practice but works fine.
Your lfs should have a reef safe glue.

Cheers!