SPS - Clues to "good" frags?

Here are things to consider too when purchasing. Remember that the corals won't always look like they do on online retail store pics. Colors change under different lighting setups. So don't automatically think he selling you something that is not what he say it is just because of the color. And as already mentioned, look for encrusted frags, although that isn't has important if they are not being shipped and make sure to dip before putting them into your tank.

On another note, I had a similar lighting setup and a word of advice, put the frags as low as you can for the first week or so to allow them to adjust to your lighitng. Otherwise, you will risk bleaching them. I have many of the corals listed, Pearl Berry, Red Planet, Blue Tort, Purple Monti Cap etc. and that light will roast them if not properly light acclimated. My pearl berry prefers moderate to almost low light. I found the purple tips and greens to wash out if placed too high. I also initially bleached my red planet. It went from a maroon to a light pink. It's better now though. Also, to develop the green base, I've found it needs moderate light and a lot of blue spectrum. The blue tort loves light and I've not had any problems keeping or maintaining its color. Good luck with the new purchases.

 

thank you for all the quick responses. I will post some pictures tonight.

Would a fresh water dip do anything to help with pest control or will it hurt the SPS more than help it?

I planned on having these frags in the middle of the tank so I guess I will be lowering the rack at the beginning depending on what type of light they are coming from.

If Coral Rx doesn't work for redbugs or the AEFW eggs/juveniles then what is it good for? Is ReVive or Interceptor better? I've never heard of interceptor.

 

Do not do a fresh water dip. More stress than what it is worth IMO. Just coralrx or equiv.

 

Interceptor is a prescription heart worm medication for dogs. You have to get it from a vet. There are many sites out there go get the recommended dosages.

It is the only medication that I know of that is guaranteed to work on Red Bugs. It will however kill crabs. An in tank dosage is not recommended if you can help it.

 

ok, thats why I had never heard of it. I will just use Coral Rx and a close inspection for Red Bugs.

 

Nothing works on eggs unfortunately.

 

CoralRX is the best out there... If your dipping zoas reVive might be better though.

Aefw eggs are small red clusters that are usually at the base of a frag or plug so make sure to look for them. If you find some you can scrape them off but there's a really good chance that you already have a few juvis in the skeleton by that point.

But just make sure to ask the seller. Most people are responsible and don't lie about pests