Necessities for Growing Corals?????????

Ok I am fixing to start going coral happy but first would like to know what are the essentials you will need to have success with keeping coral.

All infromation is wanted and needed.....

thanks.................

 

Following this thread!!!

 

Low-ish nutrients to near-0 nutrients, depending on the coral.

YOUR OWN test kits for phosphates, nitrates, magnesium, calcium and alkalinity.

Supplements for calcium, magnesium and alkalinity.

Appropriate lighting for the types of corals

Appropriate flow for the types of corals.


See, corals are such a diverse thing, you can't really say 100% you need X or Y stuff without saying what TYPE of coral, or at least the general category.

 

the most important things no matter what type of coral (Softies/LPS/SPS):

- RO/DI water only (0 TDS)
- stable parameters ALK/CA/MG
- 0 Phosphates
- good lighting
- adequate flow (depending on coral)
- space to grow
- test kits for ALK/CA/MG/PO4

This is taking into account that the tanks basic params & salinity are at good levels also. AM-0, NI-0, NA-10 or below, salinity at 1.024-1.025)

What I did:

- bought an RO-DI unit
- with helpful LFS testing my ALK/CA/MG got my dosing schedule down
- dose bi-weekly with B-Ionic supplements for ALK/CA/MG
- run a reactor with media to keep my Phosphates @ 0
- I have a 5-bulb TX5 T5 fixture over my 55g with ATI bulbs (270w)
- I have 2 Koralia Evolution 750gph pumps for circulation
- run a Deltec MCE 600 hob skimmer as I don't have a sump

I keep mostly softies and LPS. Start with easy corals like mushroom, zoas, leathers, move up as you become more experienced with what they need to thrive, before you know it you'll be broke like I am and $100 for a piece of coral doesn't seem like a lot anymore, you'll catch yourself going "only $100, great deal"

 

blackraven , mojo , thanks for the sound advice.......... was hoping you would chime in......

 

No prob, it's def a little daunting at first. I remember a while back when I started wanting to go reef, I was confused at what I had to do. Once you can get it down to a science and get the right equipment it's pretty easy. I'm in no way an expert but my little reef is doing well with really basic maintenence, nothing crazy.

It's so much more rewarding though with a reef, so much more going on but just go slow & you'll be fine. Here's an older pic of how mine changed & a more recent one:

 

thanks for the pics and very impressive

 

Thanks John, I honestly feel my tank is "ok" it does look better than that last pic, now that I got my new skimmer there's less pumps in the tank. But I've seen some of these gorgeous reef tanks and mine is like blah. I've def run out of space, but am upgrading fairly soon! It's a disease this reefing!!

 

"OK" hahaha your crazy, beautiful tank man, how big is that 55??

 

Consistant water conditions. Little to no swings in parameters such as temp, pH, alk....And lastly excellent lighting. JM2C