Starter Corals

Discussion in 'New to Reefing' started by Marine_Newbie, May 28, 2005.

  1. Marine_Newbie

    Marine_Newbie

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    I am still researching the setup of my first reef tank. Two books read recently have been very informative.

    Ultimate Marine Aquariums, by Michael S. Paletta
    Reef Secrets, by Alf Jacob Nilsen & Svein A. Fossa

    Since a lot of practical information comes from fellow hobbyists, I ask your advice on starter corrals.

    My thoughts are:

    Pulse Xenia, Xenia
    Button Polyp, Protopalythoa
    Mushroom Anemone, Discosoma
    Button Coral, Scolymia
    Leather Coral, Sarcophyton dura
    Sea Mat, Zoanthus
    Hairy Mushroom, Rhodactis
    Kenya Tree, Capnella imbricata
    Clove Polyp, Clavalaria
    Blue coral, Heliopora coerulea

    Since I can't find any guidelines on stocking rates, like they do for fish, IE. 1 inch of fish for every 5 gallons of water; how do you know how many to stock in the tank? Since some are listed as 'semi-aggressive' how do you keep them from bothering each other as they grow to full size? How do you know if they are compatible?

    Regards
     
    Marine_Newbie, May 28, 2005
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  2. Marine_Newbie

    Chris

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    There are alot of opinions on stocking guides. Some people want little or no fish while others want tons of fish. The main thing is that you do it slowly so your tank can handle the bio load. Otherwise you will spike it with nitrates and possibly kill all of your corals. I have 7 fish in a 55 gallon and still run at 0 nitrates.
    Do it slowly so you don't end up doing massive water changes.
     
    Chris, May 28, 2005
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  3. Marine_Newbie

    Marine_Newbie

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    Easy Corals

    Thanks Chris. What do you think of the selection of corals? Would you consider them easy to care for?
     
    Marine_Newbie, May 30, 2005
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  4. Marine_Newbie

    Chris

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    Jhnrb is the coral expert on here, Lets see what he thinks about your choices.
     
    Chris, May 30, 2005
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  5. Marine_Newbie

    fishman

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    Keep reading it helps but I have had trouble with xenia .I have killed it 3 times ,but the Kenya Tree will do well right from the get go .Just keep your lighting in mind when you select corals . Good luck. Lighting is why I lost the Xenia I think,but I will try it again because i like it .
     
    fishman, May 31, 2005
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  6. Marine_Newbie

    jhnrb

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    I would not recommend the blue coral at this time. maybe later when you get more experiance. the rest of the list is doable but you will have to deal with the chemical warfare that will take place with good filtration and proper placement of the corals. circulation will be a high priority. at this point I would recommend you purchase the following book; Corals (the super simple guide to) by james w. fatherree copy right 2004 by T.F.H. ISBN 0-7938-3456-2 www.tfh.com. this book is 136 pages long, paper back, and i paid 12 dollars retail for it. it is by far the best purchase i have made. it has more information on the selection, matinance, and propagation of corals page for page than any other book i have pruchased in a down to earth plain simple presentation. once you read this book you should be able to determine the correct corals and stocking level for your system. hope this helps.
     
    Last edited: May 31, 2005
    jhnrb, May 31, 2005
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  7. Marine_Newbie

    Marine_Newbie

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    Thanks to one and All

    Folks, Thanks for the great advice. Next stop is Amazon for the book.

    Regards
     
    Marine_Newbie, May 31, 2005
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  8. Marine_Newbie

    minireefer

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    I agree to the fact most shall do ok with moderate lighting.mushrooms and polyps should be easy starters. The Blue Fire Coral requires moderate water flow,proper level calciums and other minerals for good skeletal growth, and its is suggested that halide lighting with the right spectrum is best for this coral.Hence JHNRB recommendation to hold off for now.
     
    minireefer, May 31, 2005
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  9. Marine_Newbie

    Marine_Newbie

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    Thank You

    Thanks, Jasen. Very good advice, makes sense.
     
    Marine_Newbie, Jun 1, 2005
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