Ready for Corals?

[Shep]

Hey,

So my tank has been set up for a little over a month. It has 3 fish and a few inverts. All of my parameters are where they should be and stable at those levels. I do not have much algae growing yet, the rock still looks mostly barren. I am just wondering when is a good time period to start adding corals to a tank and how do you know when your tank is ready for them? I have never had a reef tank before and just want to get as much information as possible.




Thanks
Shep

 

[salt_for_brains]

If all your parameters are in the acceptable range and you are not having any severe swings you are ready. You can throw a couple softies in there or try LPS as long as your lighting is sufficient. Just remember to light acclimate the coral to your lights.

 

[Aquarian]

+1

 

[reefnoob]

Yep. Start slow with the easy corals.

 

[mariobrothersleeve]

What type of corals interest you?

 

[Shep]

What type of corals interest you?

I really like any that are colorful, to start with I am thinking of some polyps.

If all your parameters are in the acceptable range and you are not having any severe swings you are ready. You can throw a couple softies in there or try LPS as long as your lighting is sufficient. Just remember to light acclimate the coral to your lights.

I think my lighting is, I have the reefbreeders value fixture, at about 10% its lights the tank up so if I need more I can.

 

[mariobrothersleeve]

Now, today..... I went to my lfs and he hasn't changed the water in months. Man, he can grow favia, lps, and softies. I couldn't believe how well the tank is with the little care and attention it has had. I'm talking on a 2x2 in area, he has 6x6 growth.
Now this is against everything I believe in sps growing, but I've seen some amazing tanks with little care and technology. I'm speechless with most of it, but his sps was browning out ( to much nutrients). I wish I went down a different route I suppose, he uses Marineland reef lights with a 120g. So long story short, low light and laziness with a little luck can grow some spot on corals. Stay thirsty my friend.

 

[salt_for_brains]

The reef breeder light will be more than enough light for whatever you want to put in your tank;)

 

[2XAl]

I really wanted the reefbreeders but have had good luck with the good 'ol T5. You can grow anything with that fixture.