How to Take Care of the Coral in Your Saltwater Tank

Coral is a beautiful way to add color and interest to your saltwater tank, but it does require proper care to remain vibrant and attractive. Coral is an animal, and as such, you need to understand what type of light is needed, how to feed it, and the right water conditions needed for it to thrive. Once you understand how to care for your coral, you and your fish will be able to enjoy it for many years to come.

Know the Correct Saltwater Tank Water Parameters

Coral requires certain parameters to grow properly:

• Gravity 1.023–1.025 
  • Alkalinity 2.1–2.5 mEq/L 
  • Temperature 76–81°F 
  • Magnesium 1200–1280 ppm 
  • Calcium 400–430 ppm 
  • Ammonia, Nitrate, and Nitrite 0 ppm 
  
  To keep these levels at their optimum, you’ll need to routinely do partial water changes and use saltwater aquarium additives to supplement the water. Water changes are the most economical option and can also help you avoid over-supplementing, which could be dangerous to your coral’s health. You should also keep in mind that reef tanks will need their levels tested often. Don’t forget the importance of a good protein skimmer—but this should go without saying. Many tasks, such as monitoring and controlling temperature, can be accomplished with the aid of aquarium controllers.

Maintain Water Flow within the Tank

Coral is found naturally in turbulent waters, so you should mimic this environment within your saltwater tank. Use specially designed surge devices to keep the water moving. The water flow will benefit your coral by bringing food to it, washing away mucus that might develop, and washing away sediment that could have fallen onto the coral. Arrange your surge devices in a way that keeps the water agitated. Water flow that moves in only one direction could damage the coral.

Get the Ideal Lighting

The amount of light you need will depend on the type of coral you have. Stony or hard coral needs high-intensity lighting. Soft corals are easiest. Some need higher lighting levels, while others are fine without it. Regular full-spectrum LEDs are normally the least expensive and will work with every coral except for some of the advanced SPS corals. T-5 HO fluorescents should also be sufficient, but they produce excess heat and must be replaced every 9-12 months. Mushroom corals like low lighting, while corallimorphs thrive under high levels. Zoanthids also like a little higher light intensity. The lighting will be one of the costlier aspects of your saltwater tank. You’ll have the initial cost of the lights as well as the energy bill for running them for eight to twelve hours per day.

Feed Your Coral the Right Food

Hermatypic corals feed off of the zooxanthellae that also live in your tank. As long as they are provided with enough light, they will be fine. Feed polyp stony coral small amounts of coral food while the lights are off and their polyps are extended. Be careful not to overfeed, as this can pollute the water.

Having coral in your saltwater aquarium can add a splash of color that will set off the beauty of your fish and the surrounding tank décor. Aquatic Warehouse has everything you need to keep your coral healthy. If you need advice on how to care for your coral, or if you have any questions about saltwater aquarium supplies, drop by our store in Kearny Mesa or call our expert staff at 858-467-9297.