When people start a saltwater aquarium, they do so because they have an irresistible urge to create a miniature version of the ocean in their living room. They want all the paraphernalia: the brightly colored fish, the sinking plants, the half-rotten pirate ship, and the coral reef. Growing a coral reef in your saltwater aquarium is the ultimate goal of many saltwater aquarium hobbyists.
Beginners starting a saltwater aquarium are not advised to attempt a reef aquarium. Start with a fish-only aquarium and familiarize yourself with it. Once you've mastered this technique, you'll be ready to add one of the toughest breeds of coral to your aquarium.
Before you rush out to buy reef coral, keep in mind that you are not adding an elaborate rock to your aquarium. Polyps are tiny invertebrates. These polyps all work together to form the calcareous structures we call coral reefs. Before adding the reef to your saltwater aquarium, you must remember that the life of these polyps depends on your ability to provide them with the proper food, light, and water.
Good water quality is especially important if you want your coral reef to survive. A sudden water change can cause the polyps to go into shock, which will cause your reef to become discolored.
Your aquarium should be filled with clear water, which will allow the coral reef to take full advantage of your lighting. Coral needs a strong current of water, equip your aquarium with a filter that circulates water throughout your aquarium. Avoid linear current.
When you have chosen a variety of corals for your saltwater aquarium, do some research on lighting. Some corals have special lighting requirements.
Remember that corals, like all living organisms, need you to feed them. For a long time, it was believed that coral reefs only needed minimal nourishment. This belief was triggered by the idea that coral reefs were poor in nutrients. People assumed that reefs used photosynthesis to feed themselves.
In reality, most corals should be fed at least once a week (every two or three days is recommended). Most corals need to be fed foods that must be frozen or refrigerated. Throw away any food that has been opened for more than five months, it becomes stale. You can consider buying liquid or bottled food for your coral.
The size of the polyps in your coral reef will tell you a lot about their dietary needs. If you have large fleshy polyps, you can feed them large chunks of food, ground meat, and large zooplankton. If your coral reef is made up of small polyps, remember that they cannot digest large pieces of food. These polyps will starve to death in an aquarium filled with food too large for them.
If you have completed your homework and are diligent and patient, you can experience a very beautiful and successful coral saltwater aquarium.