Reef Guide

What are Coral?

Corals are sophisticated animals that are composed of a skeleton made of Limestone(Calcium Carbonate)and/or soft fibers(Gorgonin). There are over 6000 species of coral and seemingly endless color variations. The majority of these colonial organisms are composed of hundreds or even thousands of heads, called polyps.

Water Parameters

"Welcome to the fascinating world of reef aquariums! To successfully care for corals, it's essential to understand the precise water parameters they require. Let's dive into the scientific details:

  1. Temperature: Corals thrive within a specific temperature range, ideally between 75°F to 84°F (24°C to 29°C). This temperature range mimics the tropical marine environments where they naturally occur.
  2. Salinity: Ocean water has a salinity of approximately 35 parts per thousand (ppt). Maintaining this salinity level is crucial for the health of your coral, as it ensures the correct osmotic balance.
  3. pH Level: Corals prefer a stable pH level in the range of 8.1 to 8.4. This range supports the calcification process essential for coral growth.
  4. Alkalinity (KH): Alkalinity, measured in degrees of carbonate hardness (dKH), helps stabilize pH and supports coral skeleton formation. Maintain alkalinity between 7-12 dKH.
  5. Calcium: Corals rely on calcium to build and maintain their calcium carbonate skeletons. Calcium levels should be maintained in the range of 380 to 450 ppm (parts per million).
  6. Magnesium: Magnesium levels should hover between 1250 to 1350 ppm. Adequate magnesium facilitates calcium carbonate precipitation and helps maintain pH stability.
  7. Ammonia, Nitrite, and Nitrate: To ensure the health of your corals, keep ammonia and nitrite levels undetectable. Nitrate however can be in between 1-20ppm
  8. Phosphates: Corals prefer low phosphate levels, as high levels can encourage the growth of undesirable algae. Aim to maintain phosphate levels below 0.03 ppm.
  9. Water Flow: Proper water circulation is crucial for delivering nutrients and oxygen to corals and removing waste products. Different coral species may have varying flow preferences.
  10. Light: Lighting is a key factor for corals as they rely on photosynthesis. The intensity and spectrum of light must match the specific requirements of the coral species in your care.

By mastering these scientific details, you'll be well on your way to providing a stable and thriving environment for your corals. Each species may have slightly different preferences within these parameters, so it's important to tailor your care to the specific needs of the corals you choose to keep. Happy reef keeping!"

LPS (Large Polyp Stony) Coral

What Are LPS Coral?

LPS coral are known for their stony calcium carbonate skeletons and colorful, Large fleshy polyps(heads).

In a natural reef environment, LPS corals are typically found in the lower to mid-level zones of the reef where they can receive moderate to low light and moderate water flow.

Lighting

LPS often like low-moderate lighting or 50-150 par .

  • Pro Tip Not just LPS, but almost all corals and plants will grow toward what they need. When LPS and soft corals are exposed to too much light, they will shrivel up to get away from the light. Conversely, when there is not enough light, they will extend to reach for more.

Flow

Since LPS normally have large meaty heads low-medium flow is ideal.

  • Pro Tip If your pumps are too strong you may experience polyp bailout. The goal in a reef tank is to simulate a oceans natural current . Often times that's not direct flow but more water movement.

Supplements and Feeding

LPS coral are known for their awesome feeding events and tend to grow faster with feeding. Here at Coastal Coral, we feed a mixture of Reef Roids (Crude protein), and Mysis/Brine shrimp.

  • Pro Tip LPS do exceptionally well with target feeding. We have found that a turkey baster or syringe works well.

SPS (Small Polyp Stony) Coral

What Are SPS Coral?

SPS are characterized by their relatively small polyps and are most known for their intricate and delicate skeletal structure and vibrant colors. Common SPS includes Acropora and Montipora.

Lighting

SPS often like moderate-high lighting or 150-250 par .

  • Pro Tip Lighting is crucial for all coral but especially SPS .You can always turn a powerful light down but never a weak light up .If you want a SPS dominate tank we highly recommend led lighting.

Flow

SPS often require moderate-high flow.

  • Pro tip We have found that a mixture of high and low or random flow can make for some pretty happy SPS coral .

Supplements and Feeding

SPS coral have small polyps and with that comes smaller food options . Copepods, zooplankton, marine snow are favorable food sources .

  • Pro Tip When feeding SPS add your favorite mixture of food to your strongest powerhead for broad dispersion.

Soft Coral

What Are Soft Coral?

Soft corals are corals that do not produce hard calcium carbonate skeletons. Instead, soft corals have a flexible, leather like skin, and often colorful appearance.

Lighting

Soft Coral often do well in low to medium light.

  • Pro Tip When designing your aquascape plan for low-light and shaded areas . Cliffs, caves, and plating corals can provide excellent shade

Flow

Soft Coral do well in low-medium flow.

  • Pro Tip Any coral that receives too little water flow will often collect detritus and may become irritated from the buildup of debris on or around it. Watch carefully for signs of build up.

Supplements and Feeding

Soft corals tend to grow exceptionally well with elevated levels of nutrients in the water.

  • Pro Tip Dosing Amino Acids can greatly boost coral growth along with recovery and immunity to diseases.