How Do I Set Up A Saltwater Aquarium To Raise Coral?
Have you ever wanted to raise coral in a saltwater aquarium? When most people go to begin a saltwater aquarium, they do so because they have a desire to create a miniature version of the ocean in their living room. Besides the brightly color fish and flowing plants, they’ve been intrigued by growing a coral reef in their saltwater aquarium, the ultimate goal of many a saltwater aquarium enthusiast.
If you’re a beginner, it’s not advised that your first attempt with a saltwater aquarium is to try and raise coral. Start with a mini-pod or small saltwater aquarium and become familiar with all the ins and outs of saltwater aquariums first. Once you have mastered the creating and maintaining of a saltwater aquarium, you will be ready to add one of the hardier breeds of saltwater coral to your tank.
Before your purchase your coral reef, keep in mind that you are not just adding an elaborate rock to your tank. Coral are called “Polyps” which are tiny invertebrate. These polyps work together to form the limestone structures commonly known as coral reefs. Polyps require special care and food, proper lighting, and water. Just “dropping” them into your saltwater tank and forgetting about them will likely kill them.
Critical to coral surviving (and to any saltwater life form) is having good water. An abrupt change in your water can cause any of your fish or your polyps to go into a state of shock. It this happens you’ll know because your coral reef will change color. Be sure your saltwater aquarium is filled with clear water, which will allow the coral reef to get the full benefit of your lighting.
Polyps also require a strong water current, so you will need to outfit your tank with a filter that circulates the water throughout your entire tank or get one of those power jets. Be sure your current creates a swirl of water, rather than a linear current.
Be sure to research the coral you are considering purchasing as each different breed of coral may require specialty lighting.
Coral, like all living creatures, requires the correct type of food. Most coral need to be fed every two to three days. It was believed that coral reefs only needed minimal food supplies, because corals were nutrient poor. And then other folks assumed that coral reefs used photosynthesis for feeding. Both of these assumptions have been proven wrong. Coral require food that has to be frozen or refrigerated – in other words food that is fairly fresh. Once coral food becomes stale, it is no longer good for the coral.
Coral size is a determinant in figuring out how much food you can provide your coral reef. If your coral has large fleshy looking polyps you will be able to feed them large pieces of food, minced meat and large zooplankton.
Smaller polyps require smaller pieces of food, as your coral needs to be able to digest the food. So keep in mind the size of your polyps when feeding your coral.
It would be a terrible experience to have your coral die because it has starved to death because it cannot digest the food you have provided.
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To read more about saltwater aquariums, visit: http://www.Squidoo.com/how-to-set-up-a-saltwater-aquarium.
To get your utlimate guide to setting up your saltwater aquarium visit this link: Utlimate Guide to Saltwater Aquariums
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