Aquarium Corals
Aquarium Corals are the most important contributors to the structure of a reef. The appearance of some species of corals varies dramatically depending upon the environment.
While it has become easier than ever to find aquacultured and exotic corals from online retailers, the biggest challenge reefers still encounter is in handling and acclimating these delicate creatures after arrival. But with a careful touch and the right approach, experienced hobbyists can enjoy a beautiful living reef in their own homes.
Handling Aquarium Corals
Different corals require different handling techniques. For instance,
soft corals, polyps, and mushroom corals will normally arrive attached
to a small rock. Only handle these corals by the rock, this way
you can avoid touching the polyps. Hard corals with large fleshy
polyps can be handled by their base, which is the hard exoskeleton.
Other hard corals, including SPS corals, should be handled only
by the base where it was fragmented, or by the plug or rock it is
attached to. A pair of Aqua Gloves or disposable gripper sleeve
is highly recommended in handling all corals, and will reduce the
possibility of irritating the coral when handling it. Furthermore,
always handle all corals with a gentle touch in order to minimize
the chances of damaging the specimen.
Acclimating New Aquarium Corals to your Lighting System
Among the many species of corals available to the hobbyist, there
are many differences in where they grow in nature and the corresponding
lighting conditions they need in order to survive. Corals are highly
adaptive to different lighting conditions, but some are more sensitive
to change than others. It takes time for a coral to acclimate to
its new environment, and care must be taken to help the organism
adjust. This is especially important with some of the very intense
lighting systems, like metal halides and T-5 fluorescents. Some
aquarium corals, when not acclimated properly, can actually be "sunburned"
by the artificial lighting, which opens the door to infection and
possible demise. Place your new coral on the bottom of the aquarium
in the substrate until the coral adjusts to the new lighting. A
good sign that the coral has adjusted to the new system is when
they appear fully expanded and display full coloration. At that
time, the coral can be moved to the desired location. Continue to
monitor the coral's response to its new location, and if its coloration
and expansion appear to decrease, relocate the coral to a lower
position.
Proper Placement of Aquarium Corals
When determining the final placement for your new coral, research
its lighting and water flow requirements, and especially the coral's
aggression toward other inhabitants within the aquarium. With all
of this mind, and an open space within the rockwork that affords
room for future growth, gently move the coral to its new position.
Since the coral may get knocked over by snails, sea urchins or large
hermit crabs, we recommend that you use a reef safe underwater epoxy
such as Mr. Sticky's Underwater Glue or AquaStik Epoxy Putty.
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