5 Things to AVOID When Adding New Coral
In this video, Will, BRStv’s dedicated Tank Tech, and experienced reefer Brian team up to reveal their top five mistakes many hobbyists make when adding corals to their tanks. Whether you're just getting started or have a few tanks under your belt, avoiding these pitfalls can help keep your reef thriving.
1. Impulse Purchase
We've all been there—walking into a store, spotting that irresistible coral, and buying it without a second thought. But here’s the catch: corals have different needs and can grow faster than expected. Consider these factors before your next purchase:
- Space: Some corals expand and can quickly dominate limited space.
- System Requirements: Corals vary in their lighting, flow, and water parameter needs.
- Health: Ensure the coral is healthy. A coral’s health isn’t always obvious to the untrained eye, so familiarize yourself with what healthy corals should look like before buying.
- Tank Conditions: Observe the conditions of the store's tanks and ensure their maintenance standards align with what you want for your reef.
2. Ignoring Quarantine
Skipping a quarantine can lead to a reef disaster. Pests and diseases are tough to treat once they enter your tank, so a quick quarantine or dipping process is essential:
- Coral Dip: Follow coral dip instructions closely to remove unwanted hitchhikers.
- Frag Plug Check: Corals often come on plugs that can harbor pests, so cutting them off can prevent issues.
- Scrub the Base: Give the coral’s base a quick scrub to ensure nothing unwanted slips through.
3. Ignoring Compatibility
Certain coral species and tank mates just don’t mix. For example:
- Tentacles and Space: Some corals have long sweeper tentacles that need more space to prevent coral warfare.
- Fish Preferences: Angels and some other fish species nibble on certain corals, so research your fish’s habits before adding new corals.
- Invertebrates: Even helpful creatures like peppermint shrimp can sometimes get a taste for coral, so stay informed on tank mates' behaviors.
4. Poor Placement
Where you place each coral matters as much as which coral you choose. Think beyond just what looks good:
- Light and Flow Needs: Some corals need intense light and flow, while others prefer lower levels.
- Fast Growers: Corals like Green Star Polyps grow fast, so isolate them to prevent overgrowth.
- Aggressive Species: Certain corals are more aggressive; placing them too close to others could lead to coral warfare.
5. Biting Off More Than You Can Chew
It’s easy to get excited and add advanced corals, but some may require tank setups or experience levels you’re not ready for. Start slow:
- Beginner-Friendly Corals: Pick corals suited for your experience level. This is not only better for the coral itself, but helps avoid a disappointing reefing experience.
- Tank Stability: New tanks need time to stabilize, so introduce more demanding corals only after your system is mature.
- Learning from Mistakes: If a coral doesn’t make it, learn from it. Talk to other reefers, or check in with local stores for advice on what might have gone wrong so that you can correct the problem.
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