Frequently Asked Questions
Here’s a list of frequently asked questions (FAQ) related to saltwater.
1. What are saltwater corals?
Saltwater corals are marine invertebrates that are commonly kept in reef aquariums. They are essential for creating a thriving, diverse ecosystem and come in many varieties, such as SPS (small polyp stony), LPS (large polyp stony), and soft corals.
2. How do I care for saltwater corals?
To successfully care for saltwater corals, you must maintain stable water parameters, including appropriate temperature levels, salinity, pH, alkalinity, calcium, and magnesium. Proper lighting and water flow are also crucial, as each species has unique requirements.
Recommended parameters are:
Alkalinity (ALK): 8.0 – 9.5 dKH
Keep stable - large swings can stress corals and cause tissue loss or colour fading.
Calcium (CAL): 420 – 450 ppm
Supports strong skeletal growth. Monitor closely if using a calcium reactor or dosing two parts.
Magnesium (MAG): 1350 – 1400 ppm
It helps maintain balanced calcium and alkalinity levels; low MAG can lead to instability and poor oral health.
3. How often should I feed my saltwater corals?
Corals generally do not need to be fed daily, as they get much of their nutrients from the water and the symbiotic algae within their tissues. However, occasionally feeding them plankton or specialized coral food can support their health and growth.
4. Can I place saltwater corals next to each other?
It depends on the species. Some corals are peaceful and can be placed near other corals, while others may be aggressive and sting nearby corals. Researching the specific needs and behaviours of the corals you are keeping is essential.
5. How do I acclimate my saltwater corals to a new tank?
We recommend floating the coral bags in your tank for 15-20 minutes to acclimate the temperature. Afterward, you can place the corals into your tank. You can also perform a drip acclimation to ensure they adjust to the water parameters gradually.
6. What is the difference between SPS, LPS, and soft corals?
- SPS (Small Polyp Stony) corals are hard corals that require stable water conditions and intense lighting. They grow slower but form beautiful structures.
- LPS (Large Polyp Stony) corals are also hard but have larger, fleshy polyps. They are easier to care for compared to SPS corals.
- Soft Corals are non-stony corals with a more flexible, leathery texture. They are typically easier to maintain but can still add beauty to your reef tank.
7. Do I need special lighting for my saltwater corals?
Yes, corals require specific lighting to thrive. The type of light needed depends on the species of coral. SPS corals typically need intense lighting (such as LED or T5), while LPS and soft corals require moderate lighting. Make sure the light spectrum mimics natural sunlight.
8. What is the best way to clean saltwater corals?
Cleaning your corals involves gently blowing off debris using a turkey baster or a coral-safe brush. You can dip the corals in coral-safe solutions to remove any pests or contaminants, but be careful not to damage their delicate tissues. We suggest using a turkey baster to gently blow off any debris from the frags and inspect them before adding them to your reef aquarium. If you prefer to dip, we recommend no more than 4 to 5 minutes.
9. How do I know if my corals are healthy?
Healthy corals have vibrant colours and full, open polyps. They should be firmly attached to the substrate, and the tissue should not appear shrivelled or discoloured. If your coral shows signs of bleaching (loss of colour), it could indicate poor water conditions, insufficient lighting, or stress.
10. Do corals need to be quarantined before adding them to my tank?
Yes, it’s recommended that new corals be quarantined before being added to your main tank. This helps prevent the introduction of pests, diseases, or unwanted organisms that could harm your reef ecosystem.
11. Can I use tap water for my saltwater coral tank?
Tap water is not recommended due to its potential to contain harmful chemicals and minerals. Using reverse osmosis (RO) or deionized (DI) water is ideal, ensuring the water is impure-free.
12. How do I prevent pests in my coral tank?
To prevent pests, dip new corals in a coral-safe solution, scrutinize them, and quarantine them before adding them to your main tank. Additionally, maintaining stable water parameters and avoiding overcrowding can help minimize the risk of pests.
13. How can I promote coral growth?
To encourage healthy coral growth, maintain stable water parameters, provide proper lighting, and ensure consistent water flow. Feeding your corals occasionally with plankton or coral food can enhance their growth and colour.
14. Why are my corals not opening?
Corals may not open due to poor water conditions, insufficient lighting, low flow, or stress from acclimation. Check your tank’s parameters and ensure the environment suits the specific coral species you are keeping.
15. What is WYSIWYG?
WYSIWYG stands for "What You See Is What You Get." This means the coral frag you see in the photo is exactly what you will receive.
16. What are the parameters of our systems?
Our systems are maintained at the following levels:
- Alk: 8 - 9
- Ca: 420 - 450
- Mg: 1350 - 1450
- Po4: 0.03 - 0.06
- No3: 10 ppm
- Temp: 77 - 79°F
- pH: 7.8 - 8.2