How to prep for coral?

[Jason Brown]

Background:
I have had my 20G tank up for about 6 weeks now, was practically instant cycled with cured LR and LS. Going through the brown algae phase on my rock, but looks like some coralline may be growing in spots, although I can't tell because the real reef rock is already purple. I have a clown and a chromis in there now, both very happy. My CUC is 8 blue-legged hermits and 2 of each astrea, cerith and margarita snails.

Question:
My question is how do I start to prep for coral? I have a radion xr15w pro gen 3 light arriving in the next 1-2. Currently using instant ocean sea salt, with enough left for approx. 9 weeks of WC's at my current 4G/week change. Should I switch to something like instant ocean reef crystals now or can I wait until right before I add my first piece? My wishlist of coral includes mainly euphyllia (sp?) frogspawn, torch, hammer, bubble, but I also love the look of brightly colored zoas and montipora! My clown would probably host in one of these, but if I could add an anemone that would be great. Obviously in a small tank I won't be adding all of this, just a picture of what I would like to have in a perfect world.

TIA!

 

[ebushrow]

Background:
I have had my 20G tank up for about 6 weeks now, was practically instant cycled with cured LR and LS. Going through the brown algae phase on my rock, but looks like some coralline may be growing in spots, although I can't tell because the real reef rock is already purple. I have a clown and a chromis in there now, both very happy. My CUC is 8 blue-legged hermits and 2 of each astrea, cerith and margarita snails.

Question:
My question is how do I start to prep for coral? I have a radion xr15w pro gen 3 light arriving in the next 1-2. Currently using instant ocean sea salt, with enough left for approx. 9 weeks of WC's at my current 4G/week change. Should I switch to something like instant ocean reef crystals now or can I wait until right before I add my first piece? My wishlist of coral includes mainly euphyllia (sp?) frogspawn, torch, hammer, bubble, but I also love the look of brightly colored zoas and montipora! My clown would probably host in one of these, but if I could add an anemone that would be great. Obviously in a small tank I won't be adding all of this, just a picture of what I would like to have in a perfect world.

TIA!

I think you will be fine with the instant ocean for the 9 weeks....I would switch over to a more coral specific salt after that....the corals you list are not high calcium users (except for the monti) .....just go slow...research each coral before you buy it and test your water right before each W/C to see what your consumption is. Remember stability is key....also be sure you dip all your corals before you introduce it.

My suggestion is to start with the frogspawn as they are pretty forgiving of fluctuations white you get used to everything. 1 coral at a time is the best other advice I can give you.

 

[pdt7361]

Get yourself some good test kits and keep track of at least your Alk, cal, and mag...they are the most important when it comes to your coral.
Outside of that, start easy and work your way up. Zoas are pretty hardy and a good starter. A frogspawn upfront is also a good idea as they are easier and gives you some good motion in the tank.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

just go buy some corals.
cheap corals are the best corals. Expect losses in a new tank. Stony corals will require more dosing. IO is fine.
Read Randy Farley CHem articles. Water changes are you friend just don't strip nutrients.
Use a two stage dip one for algae one for bugs or one that does both (QT for corals is best)