In need of some color...

[InTheDark]

Hi guys,
I am just starting out with my aquarium. Right now I just have some fish with live rock with very little coralline algae. I like the way the purple coralline algae adds some color the tank. From what I have read it will grow in time. The fish are great but I don't have any coral yet so overall my live rock is pretty boring. Is there anything that I can do, besides adding coral, to add some color to my tank? Is there any other kind of algae that is not harmful that I could encourage to grow? Any advice would be appreciated

[Steve McKay]

Before you get corals,here's something to read.

It is unwise to add any coral to a reef tank from one to three months after initial setup. This varies depending on your specific tank and the speed of cycling. During this time there can be dramatic swings of ammonia, nitrite, and pH. Calcium, carbonates, and other critical elements are also lacking at this point.

After this time soft corals are generally the best animal to place in the tank first. You should have no more diatom algae or “local problematic” areas in the tank. Soft corals for the most part they are less susceptible to any small fluctuations that happen from here on out. They are a lot less dependent on calcium bicarbonate for skeletal growth and digestion. The nutrient pathways needed for the survival of soft corals is also usually establish by this point.

The next step is probably adding corals referred to LPS (large polyp stonies). The best time to start adding these animals is after the tank has been set up for 5-7 months. Ideally you should have started to see small patches of coralline algae with a diameter of 3mm or more.

The last corals should be the SPS (small polyp stonies). These require excellent water conditions and good advanced knowledge and experience. These are also some of the most rewarding and colorful corals in the world. It is well worth your time and money to wait 9-12 months before adding these animals. They need vary stable and specific conditions. When you start to see many patches of coralline algae larger than the size of a quarter it is a good biological sign that your tank may be ready for these corals.

Do you have a cleaning crew,if not there are some interesting animals you can add such as a Skunk Cleaner Shrimp.

[twisted]

steve pretty much summed it up! take your time so you can enjoy your tank for years to come. maybe some zoas will add some color. lots of flavors too. just study up on how to properly acclimate your addition. dont take the lfs advice on this. its real easy to find the proper time and method for your coral. follow it by the book, there are no shortcuts, or only this amount of time. learn about corals and look at everything online before you make purchases so you get the corals you really want instead of the ones that just took up all the good spots. good luck with your tank and stick around and read the stickys and enjoy!

[InTheDark]

Thanks for the advice guys.

I forgot to mention that my tank has cycled long ago. The tank was given to me by a friend and it had been setup for years. We had it moved... water, live rock and all, by a local aquarium service. I had a saltwater aquarium years ago when I was a teenager (long time ago ) but things have changed since then so I am becoming re aquainted with all the new ways.

My cleanup crew consists of 4 Peppermint shrimp, 3 small hermit crabs, and another small crab that stays hidden under the liverock by day. I have about 12 small fish, some of which will have to be given away before I go with any coral.

Twisted, what exactly are zoas?

[Parrothead]

Here's a site with some pics, I don't know about the supplier, its the first it on a google search

Zoanthids.com Live Salt Water Zoanthids and Palythoa Coral For Sale

[Parrothead]

Just covering for my man Twisty

[julesjt]

I am no expert but it seemed mushrooms were hardy for me and could help you get some color.

[MyNameIsJoe]

Mushrooms and zoas are pretty hardy and bring plenty of color. Another hardy coral is the Kenya Tree. I have 5 -6 of these (small ones) and they seem to be thriving. Check out the leather corals as well to add some variety. This is based on my experience. Good luck..

[Steve McKay]

Here are a few links to corals.

Saltwaterfish.com - Reef Fish, Marine Fish, Coral, Aquarium Supplies & more

Saltwater Fish, Buy Saltwater Fish, Exotic Saltwater Fish, Large Saltwater Fish

Vivid Aquariums | Tropical Fish Store in Los Angeles for Reef Aquariums

Home

Welcome to Pacific East Aquaculture

Enjoy!

[Parrothead]

Mushrooms are nice but they multiply a little to quickly for my personal taste, gives me flash back to Noah and the ark, he had to keep telling the rabbits, only two, only two...