Corals 101

[Xclusive Reef]

Hi is there a corals 101 for new people looking for info? Please post links. Looking to get info from a-z as far as temp, testing, what and how to dose etc.

 

[Tahoe61]

Most soft coral tanks only require routine water changes, no dosing is needed.
Soft corals/octocorals is a vast group to detail the requirements but most do not supplementation of trace elements if routine water changes are performed.
What soft coral would you like to keep? What lighting do you have?
Liveaquaria.com has a great soft coral section and tips on husbandry.

 

[Xclusive Reef]

I read people dosing cal and mag I think for corals..?

 

[Tahoe61]

Soft corals require only routine water changes.
Stony corals= Large polyp and small polyp need consistent optimal values of Ca/Magnesium and Alkalinity. As stony corals grow they utilize elements to build the calcium cabonate skeletons. Those elements are used and must be replaced to maintain the health of the corals. To maintain values close to normal salt water dosing is required. See link below for more detailed information.

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rhf/

Initially the typical new hobbyist does not need to dose. Once the hobbyist acquires stony corals and those corals begin to grow supplementation is required.

Liveaquaria.com does a good job of offering husbandry methods.

Most on line vendors offer specifics as to the coral types they sell.

Moving thread to Reef Aquarium Discussion. :-)