HOW TO CHOOSE CORALS

Before you begin setting up a marine tank with corals, do some research on the types of corals you intend to include. Gaining a good understanding of their natural world will help you recreate a similar environment in your new aquarium. This is key to ensuring that your corals will grow and thrive naturally.

Corals are living creatures, and they have special needs just like fish and plants. The types of corals you plan to keep will influence the equipment you’ll need. Consider the following factors during your planning phase.

COMPATIBILITY

Verify whether the corals you plan to keep are compatible with each other, as well as with fish and other inhabitants in your aquarium. (For instance, some anemones eat certain species of fish and shrimp).

SPACE

In order to thrive, corals need space. For soft coral, leave a clear area of approximately 3″ (7.62 cm) around it. For hard coral, provide at least 6″ (15.24 cm).

TIP-OVER POTENTIAL

When introducing coral, use epoxy to keep unattached corals in place. This will help prevent them from tipping over neighbouring coral.

LIGHTING

Lighting plays a vital role in the health and growth of corals. Requirements vary depending on the species of coral and should be researched before introduction. Best approach is to select corals with compatible lighting requirements.

CURRENT

Corals rely on water movement to help stay clean. Like lighting, different corals have different needs. Circulation pumps are vital for producing desired water currents.

HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR CORAL

SELECTING THE STORE

• Find a store with a good reputation.
• Verify tank conditions. Tanks should be clean, with no traces of undesirables, such as flatworms, bristle worms, and detritus.
• Tanks should also contain some coral cleaners (fish).

OBSERVING THE CORAL

• Healthy corals are open and fully extended. They should be inflated and trying to feed.
• You should not see any skeletons sticking out.
• Check that the coral tissue is whole and not flaking off. Flaking is a symptom of tissue necrosis, a condition that can spread to your other corals and potentially kill them.
• The coral should have nice colouring. Avoid any that are white as these are bleached and unlikely to recover.

TRANSPORTING THE CORAL

• Handle the coral with care.
• It’s best to transport coral when it’s mounted.
• If the coral isn’t mounted, mount it yourself before adding it to the tank.

DID YOU KNOW?

When shopping for a coral that has been aqua-cultured (not taken from the ocean), check whether it has expanded onto what it was mounted on. This is a sign that the coral is growing and is doing well.

FLUVAL TV

Marine Fish & Coral Importing
Robert Winklmaier of Piscis Volans meets with Fluval’s Tom Sarac to discuss the fascinating world of marine fish and coral importation.