Newb Reefer w/ More Questions!

[TheReefDiary]

Questions for more experienced reefers. How long after cycling my tank should I wait to add coral. I've seen people say start right away and other say wait to understand your water parameters.

1. I definitely see value in understanding the water parameters, but I also am a slightly impatient person (just being honest, need to work on it haha).

2. Won't my water parameters change as I introduce corals and fish regardless? Don't I need to put corals in to learn the best parameters for the corals I end up choosing?

I know corals don't add much bioload, but won't they change the levels of things in my water?

I want to do things the right way. Aka I don't want to kill my corals ill probably be spending a few hundred dollars on right off the bat.

One other thing. Is quarantining necessary? Again I understand it's valuable and if I had a massive tank with tons of coral I would 100% quarantine to ensure no issues. But my tank is 13.5 gallons and won't have endless amounts of corals like some larger tanks.

Appreciate the help!

 

[h20cyclone]

Welcome to the hobby! I will say first off with reef tanks nothing happens quickly so patience is going to be key with honestly everything in this hobby. Rushing anything in this hobby will come back to get you later down the road it always seems like. That being said the time window that is given for certain things also isn't a concrete thing. It's just a guideline from others and their success vs. failures. Your water parameters will always be changing due to a multitude of factors. Knowing whats going on in your tank is key to knowing what works well and what doesn't in your tank. I wouldn't suggest chasing the perfect parameters because everyones tank is different and thrives slightly different from one another. Corals depending on what you put in will typically adjust your calcium, magnesium, and alkalinity levels as well as other trace elements. QT. is not necessary but it is helpful so you have a change to treat for any pests or sickness before it is introduced to the main tank. That being said with everything if your are looking to get something in there right away start with easy corals that are going to have a good survival rate. Most of all enjoy the journey of the hobby!

 

[Thunder_reef]

I’ve never been one to wait a long time before adding beginner corals. Mushrooms,leathers , some zoas,etc can be added fairly soon after a complete cycle. Keep in mind though, your tank will go through the ugly period so be prepared to work around any corals you buy during that period. Research everything before you buy it not after and you should be ok.

 

[TheReefDiary]

Welcome to the hobby! I will say first off with reef tanks nothing happens quickly so patience is going to be key with honestly everything in this hobby. Rushing anything in this hobby will come back to get you later down the road it always seems like. That being said the time window that is given for certain things also isn't a concrete thing. It's just a guideline from others and their success vs. failures. Your water parameters will always be changing due to a multitude of factors. Knowing whats going on in your tank is key to knowing what works well and what doesn't in your tank. I wouldn't suggest chasing the perfect parameters because everyones tank is different and thrives slightly different from one another. Corals depending on what you put in will typically adjust your calcium, magnesium, and alkalinity levels as well as other trace elements. QT. is not necessary but it is helpful so you have a change to treat for any pests or sickness before it is introduced to the main tank. That being said with everything if your are looking to get something in there right away start with easy corals that are going to have a good survival rate. Most of all enjoy the journey of the hobby!

Thanks for the advice

 

[TheReefDiary]

I’ve never been one to wait a long time before adding beginner corals. Mushrooms,leathers , some zoas,etc can be added fairly soon after a complete cycle. Keep in mind though, your tank will go through the ugly period so be prepared to work around any corals you buy during that period. Research everything before you buy it not after and you should be ok.

Appreciate it! And yes I've been doing a ton of research before I decide what I want in my tank coral wise.