Is my tank ready for coral?!

[John A!10]

So my tαnk has been set up for 8 months now and want to get a coral or anemone. It is a 29 gallon with good lighting, a 10-gallon sump, refugium, and a good amount of coralline algae.
I have only a firefish and 2 snails at the moment (nothing died, I just never had time to buy more livestock). That being said I will be heading to the fish store in the next couple of weeks to pick up a pair of clowns, a cleaner shrimp, a snail, and a hermit. I was thinking if I can get a bubble tip anemone or some corals. I was thinking of a beginner coral-like GSP, and maybe an acan.
This is my chemistry:
Salinity: 1.025
dKH: 7.5
Nitrates: 0
Phosphates: 0.01
PH: 8.1
Calcium: 340
Magnesium: 1400

I know my calcium is low should I slowly raise it to 460 with calcium chloride that I have? Would it also raise the dKH, or should I also raise the dKH to 9 with sodium bicarbonate?
Any info would help.

 

[EvanDeVita]

I would do a water change to help increase calcium. I personally don’t dose, as I’m not a fan of unfortunate side affects. If you get the right salt mix, you won’t have to dose your tank unless you have a ton of corals.
i would recommend adding more animals (increase the bioload). If you want to get an anemone or GSP, you can definitely get them now.

 

[John A!10]

I would do a water change to help increase calcium. I personally don’t dose, as I’m not a fan of unfortunate side affects. If you get the right salt mix, you won’t have to dose your tank unless you have a ton of corals.
i would recommend adding more animals (increase the bioload). If you want to get an anemone or GSP, you can definitely get them now.

Yes, I will be adding two clowns and a shrimp. Eventually, I also want to add a goby and a royal gramma.
I will be doing a water change with reef salt, and RO water, then testing my calcium, alk and magnesium again. I heard that bubble tip anemones need a mature tank, will it survive, would it be safer to start with a GSP?

 

[Jeffcb]

You have been very patient and looks like you maintain your tank well. I use Red Sea A B and C. Raise slowly.

I would say you are ready.

 

[EvanDeVita]

Yes, I will be adding two clowns and a shrimp. Eventually, I also want to add a goby and a royal gramma.
I will be doing a water change with reef salt, and RO water, then testing my calcium, alk and magnesium again. I heard that bubble tip anemones need a mature tank, will it survive, would it be safer to start with a GSP?

GSP is a very easy starter coral. I put a MASSIVE anemone (check my IG for pics) after 6 months. I have a 30 gal AIO

 

[John A!10]

GSP is a very easy starter coral. I put a MASSIVE anemone (check my IG for pics) after 6 months. I have a 30 gal AIO

Thanks for the info I think ill go for a GSP, and if it does well for a week, I'll go for a bubble tip anemone, and some more corals.

 

[EvanDeVita]

Thanks for the info I think ill go for a GSP, and if it does well for a week, I'll go for a bubble tip anemone, and some more corals.

Sounds good! My first corals were GSP and a toadstool

 

[92Miata]

I would most be concerned about the super low nitrates/Phosphate.

Timewise, youve been ready for months.

 

[Sharkbait19]

My first coral (a leather) went in after two weeks, and that was before I knew anything about reefing. It's probably still my healthiest coral. I think you could probably start adding corals (start with the nuke-proof ones). I wish I had your patience!

 

[John A!10]

I would most be concerned about the super low nitrates/Phosphate.

Timewise, youve been ready for months.

I'm expecting those to rise as I add more livestock. Having only 1 fish, the nitrates produced are very low. Aswell I have the refugium which gets rid of that small amount.

 

[John A!10]

My first coral (a leather) went in after two weeks, and that was before I knew anything about reefing. It's probably still my healthiest coral. I think you could probably start adding corals (start with the nuke-proof ones). I wish I had your patience!

Sounds nice, it's much more not having the time to go to the store than anything. I've also seen friends tanks crash after they rush the process, and add lots of things together at once.

 

[EvanDeVita]

I would most be concerned about the super low nitrates/Phosphate.

Timewise, youve been ready for months.

Facts. That’s why he’s gotta increase his bioload

 

[wonroc]

Regardless of the comments I may get, Your tank is ready for corals on day one if salinity is good/temp/water flow. Dont believe the hype. I had corals day 2 and only lost one to a peppermint shrimp. I had fish the first week. And their mating now 5 months later.,