[DMNCLNR]

Why does my coral do this? Is this bad for it. Im thinking its was of letting out waste, but don't know...


This thing has survived when everything else in my tank was wiped out. That explains the discoloring!

[RyanG]

Mine does usually let out waste like this.

How was your tank wiped out?

[DMNCLNR]

I believe it was the high nitrate levels. I am not sure what caused it, but i think it was my temperature getting too high. I had a fairly new coral, and I think it started to die and .let off toxens. Killed almost everything, Even my damsels. My tank had even started to stink a bit. when I cleaned it out there was so much waste in the tank and filter!

[Lucky Star]

I feel dumb asking this, but really would like to know.

I'm really new at adding coral to my tank. I've had my 45 gal for about 14 months now, with fish only. Until recently I started adding coral, 1 small kenya tree and a frag of clove polyps. Both are doing well. My questions is how do you know what to add, and where to put it?

I've read up that spacing is key and that corals will sting each other to death, but have then seen pictures of tanks that are stacked with different corals barely inches apart. How is this possible without some chemical warfare that would kill surrounding corals?

More questions will come over time, but my main concern right now is knowing what to add. Once I add new coral and have it spaced far apart, will there still be chemicals being produced into the tank? What will those chemicals do to my fish?

So far coming into the hobby has been a challenge, but nothing has been so hard as finding information on corals and how to set up a reef tank.

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance
Lucky Star

[Reef-Daddy]

Well, In my opinion... there isn't such a thing as a dumb question. I believe that placement in the tank depends on 3 things:
1) Light requirements
2) Waterflow requirements
3) Space (to grow) and eye appeal

While some types of anenome will take awhile to find a permanent home, they will probably be your most concern for bothering other corals. Most corals will not move around much but may be aggresive (like my Red Mushrooms) in that they spread like crazy.:eek: I've never read much about chemical reactions, but the reference I have gives the following about each species: Max size, Range (where it comes from), Min Aquarium size, lighting, Foods & Feeding, Aquarium suitability/Reef Aquarium Compatibility, Captive Care.

Mushroom polyps
These fleshy polyps do best in areas of moderate to lower lighting and gentle currents.


Goronians Need Dim Lighting
When kept in brightly illuminated tank, it tends to become covered with cyanobacteria or algae, which will eventually kill it. I've since moved mine to some shady areas in my tank.

There are probably a hundred other things to consider (which you'll probably get here) but in the end, it's YOUR call. Get a vision, or look at somone elses' display that you like, decide how much you want to spend, find a good source for doing research (I bought a book) so you know other facts, salenity, temperature, etc., and buy from someone you trust or that comes recommended by someone you trust.
Hope that helps Lucky!

[Lucky Star]

Thanks Reef Daddy, all the info is greatly appreciated! I dont think I'll ever stop learning when it comes to fish and coral> That's just one of life's great mysteries for me!


Thanks a million,

Lucky Star

[reefaddict]

Another good source of info on corals and the requirements of each is the book "Corals, a quick reference guide" by Julian Sprung. Shows light requirements, water flow, hardiness and agressiveness as well as great pictures and other information.

[chicago coral]

go to drsfostersmith.com as you look at each species there is detailed info on that coral and if you still want to know more about that species e-mail them and they will answer you that same day.start out with non aggressive corals or different color mushrooms in one corner and zoos and button polyps in another some different xenias at midlevel right next to some pipe organ looks awesome