Aquarium Coral
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Starting a aquarium with coral?
I am thinking about starting a aquarium but instead of starting it with fish id like to begin with coral because of the way they look but i don't know any thing about coral. i know they are saltwater and thats about it. do i feed them? do i need fish in the aquarium with them? whats a good site for someone starting to get into coral propagation that could help them get off on the right foot?
Avoid About.com when comes to specialized animal care, by the by. They offer faqs and docs mostly from home hobbyists with little credentials to back them up. It's about the same as using Wikipedia as a definitive source.
Check out www.reefcentral.com for some of the best articles ranging from independent synthetic salt chemical analysis comparison to 'Tank of the Month.' There is also an excellent forum with a newbie section for advice tailored specifically to newcomers to the hobby and a section on coral propagation (*if you're getting into this trend, seriously check the propagation forum out for some INCREDIBLE build threads on creating coral greenhouses!)
You can keep coral with fish and other invertebrates if you chose, so long as the fish and inverts are "reef safe." Certain fish and invertebrates will eat (*like large angels) or damage coral from their behavior (*like the rockmover or dragon wrasse). It is not necessary, just it is not necessary to keep fish in a planted tank (*dutch style is popular for focusing on plants over fish, sometimes with no fish at all). However, if you have family or visitors who frequent your home, you may eventually find yourself adding fish just to stop people from asking 'but where are the fish?'
Coral do need to be fed and given regular supplements. There are two camps on dosing supplements. There are those who feel you should be dosing calcium, strontium, and iodine based off of tank size and load regularly (*following manufacture's recommended doses for your tank size and stocking). There, there are those who feel you should only be dosing with supplements you can test for and allow regular water changes to take care of the rest. There are pros and cons to both of these strategies (*especially if you're an avid Xenia fan, considering how much Xenia species benefit from regular iodine supplementation).
As per feeding, feeding varies from coral to coral. Certain corals, such as tubastrea (*sun coral) will benefit from target feeding meatier things, while many SPS (small polyp stony) corals will benefit from feeding of small particulate plankton such as oyster eggs. If you have a mixed reef, you may need to make a mix or vary your foodstuffs to allow for the best health of your corals.
That being said, the biggest thing you need to consider is exactly what coral you wish to keep, as this will determine your lighting. Many corals have symbiotic algae living in the tissue of their epidermis (their skin). These coral actually gets much of its energy from these algae's overproduction, so lighting is critical for these corals. There are also ahermatypic corals that do not have symbiotic algae and therefore do not require the same lighting needs (such as tubastrea - sun coral), but these corals will have specialized feeding needs to compensate for this lack.
Browse around and see what strikes your fancy specifically in the world of corals - then you can tailor your tank and care specifically to those species' needs. G'luck and welcome to the fabulous world of captive reef husbandry.
Creating Coral Aquariums - Simple Guide For Beginners
Aquarium owners once accustomed will hope to one day have many different kind of coral in their own saltwater tank - this is an absolute dream! Starter kits can be purchased where you can take easy steps into growing your own piece of coral. This is a much better way to start and is highly recommended against buying coral from a shop. Growing your own coral ensures that it is acclimatised to your tank. Before starting to set up and care for a Coral Aquarium, knowledge in this area is required as it is not an easy process. It takes time which is worthwhile in being able to showcase your own grown coral aquarium to its best. For some people, buying fake coral is the easier option, when all it takes is patience of about up to 12 weeks, to create your own piece of paradise underwater. A wonderful sense of achievement and a worthwhile project.
Firstly, you need to start off by assembling your aquarium. Find an ideal area of your home to display the aquarium. Read the instructions carefully on how to set it up as in a freshwater tank. Before you add the water, there are a few simple rules to follow. The bottom of the tank is where you pour the sand first, then followed by the addition of dechlorinated water. Salt needs to be mixed in next, until it reaches a specific gravity measuring 1.205. Decide where you want to arrange your live rock after the water and salt, then install the heater and finally, the hood of the tank. You should then wait approximately 4 weeks for the tank to settle before going ahead with the next move.
Once the 4 weeks is over, it is time to add the first living creatures to your tank. This will ensure that the water is tested for the correct salt balance and stays that way, before you add your fish. During this period, snails and crabs if you have chosen them, can be added. The tank should now be functioning as though you have already filled it with fish, so install a protein skimmer. Check to see that you have the correct lighting and that the filters are doing their job. The light should not be left on for any longer than 10 or 12 hours a day, as this can promote the growth of algae. Once snails or crabs have been added, you should wait 2 more weeks.
You have now reached Week 6, which is when you can proceed with the next stage of adding your first pieces of coral. For saltwater aquariums you will find different types of coral including the common ones like Bullseye Mushroom coral, Button Polyp, Hairy Mushroom Coral and the Yellow Polyp. The coral should be attached to live rock at the bottom of the tank when you add it. You can wait another 2 weeks - all the patience is worth it. It is now the 10th week when you can add Aquacultured Coral with types named Pumping Xenia, Spaghetti Finger Leather Coral and Starburst Polyps as part of your collection of many. Again these should be placed on live rock as with the first set of coral.
Your reef aquarium has now been successfully set up and by the 10 to 12 week period, you will be ready to begin adding your choice of fish to your created underwater world. The process of setting up your coral aquarium is a long and drawn out, but one well worth if for the long years ahead. Your own spectacularly created coral aquarium will give you years of enjoyment as you care for it and your living creatures. The aquarium will be something to be admired and very relaxing in your home. Watch how your family and friends are impressed by your creation!
About the Author
Abhishek is an avid Fish Lover and he has got some great Aquarium Care Secrets up his sleeves! Download his FREE 105 Pages Ebook, "Aquarium Care Made Easy!" from his website http://www.Wonder-Homes.com/636/index.htm . Only limited Free Copies available.
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