First Coral

[bb72]

I stopped by the LFS today and was looking at some zoanthids, I am thinking about geting started with these. What do I look for to make sure I would be getting a healthy coral? If I get these what is the best way to acclimate them? I was thinking about buying them late in the evening and using a drip, so that by the time I put them in the q-tank only my actinics will be on. How long to drip? Also I noticed a few aiptasia on the rock they are attached to, can I get rid of these before I put it in the tank. If so, how? I have no aiptasia in the tank now (and dont want any).

[Reefland]

If there is Aiptasia on the rock, do not get it. It simply isn't worth the risk to pick up some nice zoo's; there are many more to be found.

But for future reference, there isn't really a need to drip acclimate a coral as the salinities and temperatures of the 2 tanks should be very similar. All you need to do is float the bag for 15-20 minutes in your tank and then move the place the coral in your desired spot.

What you need to acclimate corals to is lighting as it is often very different from LFS to the hobbyist's tank. If the lighting in your tank is significantly more intense than the LFS, there are a couple of ways to go about accilimating the coral from starting them low in the tank and slowing moving up to actually using screen or cloth to shade the coral while it acclimates.

[bb72]

Scott Z.

That is what I was afraid I would be told the LFS told me that they could be gotten rid of with some kind of "juice", but I have heard that they are very difficult to get rid of. How can I find a place where I can get "quality" and pick out which one I want? Does anyone live in Louisiana that can help me find a good LFS around Baton Rouge or N.O. area? I live in Ascenion Parish so either one would be close enough. I dont want to mail order if I can help it. I would really like to pick the one I want. Just acclimate to the lights? That is good to know. Would it be better to do it late in the evening after "lights out" or does it not matter?

[Reefland]

Ninong might be able to help you with some local stores that you can visit.

As far as acclimating to the light, no it really doesn't make a difference whether it is day or night when they're added.

Don't let my post mislead you, Aiptasia can be erradicated with "kalk paste" and Joe's Juice but to buy anything that knowingly has an Aiptasia on it is a mistake. If you don't get rid of it completely, you will end of with a plague of them and the risk simply isn't worth it in my opinion.

[bb72]

Thanks Scott Z.,

I would have wasted my time trying to acclimate them. I am not going to buy those Zoanthids it is not worth it to me, if I cant get rid of the Aiptasia. Can any place guarantee that I wouldn't get them or is that just a chance you take? With 100 pounds of LR I haven't had any Aiptaisa. Have I just been lucky?

[Reefland]

Well....

Any good reputable place will not have Aiptasia in their tanks. If they're in a tank you're buying something from, your taking a bigger risk than I ever would! Can anyplace gaurantee it? Sure they could; if they are confident in their husbandry and quarantining they should! If you were to get something from my tank I could gaurantee you wouldn't get any Aiptasia from it.

[bb72]

That is why I like this site so much!!! They told me I would be taking a risk no matter where I bought from. I would never have known any better. Now if Ninong or any one else could recommend someone fairly close to my area, I should be in better shape.
THANK YOU Scott Z.

[saltjunkie]

becareful with zoos, as they can excrete a poison... and you wouldnt want to rub that into your eyes or eat a burger without washing up......

[kat_reefer]

Hi
I use the http://groups.yahoo.com/ web link to meet with other Louisiana Reef Keepers. It's a great site. You must register to join the site. Good Luck.
Kat

Scott Z.

That is what I was afraid I would be told the LFS told me that they could be gotten rid of with some kind of "juice", but I have heard that they are very difficult to get rid of. How can I find a place where I can get "quality" and pick out which one I want? Does anyone live in Louisiana that can help me find a good LFS around Baton Rouge or N.O. area? I live in Ascenion Parish so either one would be close enough. I dont want to mail order if I can help it. I would really like to pick the one I want. Just acclimate to the lights? That is good to know. Would it be better to do it late in the evening after "lights out" or does it not matter?

[bb72]

Thank you Kat reefer thier next meeting is actually about two minutes from my house. I didnt realize their was anything like this out there.

[kat_reefer]

Did you register at yahoo groups?? Are you going to the meetings. I have met Mark. He is very helpful. I live about 90 miles down south so I don't think I am going to make the meeting. I am a retired librarian ...

Thank you Kat reefer thier next meeting is actually about two minutes from my house. I didnt realize their was anything like this out there.

[bb72]

yeah I registered. I am not sure if I am going to go yet. Mark? From Marks Marine Aquarium? 90 miles south of Baton Rouge? You must live right on the Gulf?

[kat_reefer]

No, Mark is a member of the club. Yes, I live surrounded by water. Well almost.

yeah I registered. I am not sure if I am going to go yet. Mark? From Marks Marine Aquarium? 90 miles south of Baton Rouge? You must live right on the Gulf?