Let's dive into the essential water parameters you need to monitor for a successful reef tank, listed loosely in order of importance:

1. Salinity: Salinity, or the concentration of dissolved salts in the water, should mimic the natural levels of seawater, typically around 35 parts per thousand (ppt). Use a refractometer or hydrometer to measure and adjust as needed.

2. Temperature: Stable temperature is crucial for reef inhabitants. Aim for a range of 75-79°F (24-27°C) to prevent stress and disease.

3. Alkalinity: Alkalinity measures the water's ability to buffer against pH changes. It should typically fall between 7-12 dKH (degrees of carbonate hardness) to support coral growth and stability. What ever number you pick, try to stay there. Corals depend on stability and don't do good with changes.
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4. Calcium: Corals require calcium for skeletal growth. Maintain levels between 380-450 ppm (parts per million) for healthy coral development.

5. Magnesium: Magnesium levels should be around 1200-1400 ppm. It helps regulate calcium and alkalinity levels, preventing issues like precipitation.

6. Nitrates: Keep nitrate levels low, ideally below 5 ppm, as high nitrates can lead to algae outbreaks and negatively impact coral health.

7. Phosphates: Maintain low phosphate levels (ideally below 0.03 ppm) to prevent excessive algae growth and promote coral health.

8. Trace Elements: Trace elements like iodine, strontium, and iron are needed in trace amounts. Use high-quality reef supplements to replenish these elements as they are consumed by your tank's inhabitants.
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Fish serve as both guardians and navigators within our ecosystem. Aim for biodiversity in your fish selection—create a harmonious mix fulfilling roles like algae grazers and predators. Cleaner fish are fascinating additions that establish cleaning stations for others, highlighting symbiotic relationships. Herbivorous fish help maintain equilibrium by controlling algae growth. Each fish contributes to the ecosystem's balance. Some fish are typically aggressive, some are shy and some even look at corals as a food source. Researching fish ahead of time can save you a lot of money, loss and stress in the long run. 

Biodiversity is the key to resilience. A diverse ensemble equips the ecosystem to adapt and recover from challenges. Introduce species thoughtfully, fostering an array of interactions that mirror natural systems. A great way to get instant biodiversity is to grab some sand or a piece of rock from a fellow reefkeeper's aquarium. Adding live rock and corals from different sources can also boost diversity, making your reef ecosystem more resilient. 

​1. Tank: Selecting the right tank is the first step. Opt for a tank size that suits your space and budget, keeping in mind that larger tanks offer more stability and room for coral growth. Reef tanks are typically made of glass or acrylic, with rimless options for a sleek look. We prefer "reef ready" tanks with an overflow built in to make it easy to add a sump below the display tank. Then you can hide your filtration down below in the cabinet.

2. Filtration System: Effective filtration is crucial for maintaining water quality. Most reef tanks use a combination of mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration. A quality protein skimmer helps remove organic waste, while live rock and sand serve as biological filters. We have ReefOctopus skimmers on our systems. Most reefers do not use canister filters anymore. They can get clogged easily and cause problems. Instead many reefers are using "filter socks" to catch detritus as it flows into the sump.

3. Lighting: Proper lighting is essential for the growth and coloration of corals. LED lights have become popular due to their energy efficiency and programmability. Generally "Blue" versions of lights are for coral reef aquariums and "white" spectrum lights are for fish only tanks. Corals are photosynthetic and need brighter lighting than fish only aquariums. You can use wattage as a guideline and aim for around 90+ watts per LED light for a small tanks 10-75 gallons and 180 watt LED lights for 75+ sized aquariums. We use Ecotech Radion Blue lights for our grow out tanks.

4. Heating and Cooling: Maintaining stable temperature is vital. A heater will keep your tank warm, while a chiller may be necessary to prevent overheating in hot climates. Invest in a reliable thermometer to ensure temperature stability. Titanium heaters are available that offer better protection against breakage over glass heaters.

5. Water Circulation: To mimic natural reef conditions, strong water circulation is needed. Powerheads and wave-makers help create turbulent water flow, ensuring that corals receive nutrients and oxygen. Sicce is a great and reliable brand for pumps.

6. Test Kits: Regular monitoring of water parameters is essential. Invest in test kits for alkalinity, calcium, magnesium and nitrate to start off. This helps you make informed adjustments to maintain water quality. We prefer Salifert test kits or Hanna. If you were to get one kit make it an alkalinity test kit.

7. Refractometer or Hydrometer: These tools measure salinity to ensure the proper saltwater concentration for your reef inhabitants. Keeping your water's salt level stable is the most basic step. We recommend using a refractometer. They are affordable and super easy to use. Put a few drops on the glass, hold it up to a light source and the salinity level will be displayed instantly.

8. Substrate and Live Rock: Choose a suitable substrate (sand or crushed coral) and/or live rock for a natural look and biological filtration. You can save money by buying dry reef rock and "seeding" it with live reef rock and/or sand from an established reef tank. 

9. Protein Skimmer: This equipment helps remove dissolved organic compounds from the water, improving overall water quality. Reef Octopus skimmers with an overflow sensor float switch are amazing ...but really any skimmer will get the job done. 
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10. Sump and Overflow System (Optional): Larger tanks often benefit from a sump system, which increases water volume, houses equipment, and aids in water filtration. With a sump system you can add evaporation water to the sump and keep your display tank completely full all the time. It's really the way to go!
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When you are ready for corals we offer a Beginner's Coral Pack to get you started with corals that are great for new reef aquarists. Buy corals that are more hardy until you get the swing of things!

What is the Best Light Spectrum for Corals?
​Selecting the ideal light spectrum for your corals can significantly influence their coloration and overall health. While preferences vary depending on the coral species and your tank setup, the following guidelines can help:

• Blue Spectrum: Blue light (around 450-480nm) is crucial for photosynthesis, color expression, and overall growth. It enhances fluorescent pigments in corals, intensifying their vibrant colors.
• White Spectrum: A balance of white light (around 10,000K) complements the blue spectrum, providing the full spectrum of visible light for optimal color rendition.
• UV Spectrum: A touch of UV light (around 380-400nm) can enhance coloration and fluorescence, though caution is needed to avoid excessive UV exposure that might stress corals.
• Avoid Green and Yellow: Corals absorb less light in the red, green and yellow parts of the spectrum, so focusing primarily on blue and white light is recommended.

​In conclusion, the captivating hues of corals are a testament to their well-being and environment. By mastering the art of lighting, maintaining water quality, managing nutrient levels, providing proper nutrition, and minimizing stress, you can unlock the full spectrum of colors within your reef. A thriving coral ecosystem is not only a visual delight but also a sign of a healthy, balanced underwater world where beauty and vitality coexist in perfect harmony.
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Coral propagation is not only an exciting aspect of reefkeeping but also a vital practice for conserving coral populations and supporting the health of marine ecosystems. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore various coral propagation methods, including fragging, budding, and tissue culture. We'll provide step-by-step instructions along with essential safety precautions to ensure successful propagation while safeguarding the well-being of your corals.

Method Overview: Fragging involves carefully breaking off a portion of a healthy coral colony to cultivate a new one.
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Step-by-Step Fragging Process:

1. Gather Equipment:
   • Coral fragging tools (fragging saw, bone cutters, coral clippers)
   • Safety gear (gloves, eye protection, face mask)
   • Frag plugs or discs
   • Superglue gel or epoxy
   • Container of clean saltwater from aquarium
2. Select the Coral Colony:
   • Choose a healthy, thriving colony with strong growth patterns.
3. Prepare the Frag:
   • Using appropriate tools, carefully cut or break a fragment from the main colony. Most corals will need at least one full polyp to create a successful frag. Some corals like Mushrooms and Leathers can be cut into sections with a clean razor blade.
   • Trim away excess tissue and debris to create a clean frag.
4. Attach to Frag Plug:
   • Apply frag glue or epoxy to the base of the frag.
   • Attach the frag to a frag plug or disc, allowing it to securely bond.
   • Allow glued coral frag to cure in a small container of tank water. Discard water when finished.
5. Place in Tank:
   • Choose a location for the frag in an area with suitable lighting, water flow, and space.
   • Wear gloves and rub some superglue gel underwater on the rock location where you would like to place your coral. Then glue the bottom of the coral to be placed. Combine the coral frag with the glue spot on your rock and twist a few times so the two portions of glue bond with each other.​

Method Overview: Budding involves allowing natural coral polyp division to create new colonies.

Step-by-Step Budding Process:

1. Observation and Selection:
   • Observe corals with multiple polyps and identify those showing signs of budding (new growth).
2. Prepare New Colony:
   • Gently detach the budding polyps from the main colony using coral clippers or bone cutters.
3. Placement and Care:
   • Secure the newly budded polyps onto frag plugs or live rock.
   • Position them in an area with appropriate lighting and water flow.

Method Overview: Tissue culture involves cultivating coral fragments in a controlled environment outside of the main tank.

Step-by-Step Tissue Culture Process:

1. Gather Supplies:
   • Sterile tools and equipment
   • Sterilizing solution (bleach or hydrogen peroxide)
   • Tissue culture medium (gel or liquid)
2. Preparation and Sterilization:
   • Sterilize tools and containers to prevent contamination.
   • Cut a small tissue sample from the coral colony.
3. Transfer to Culture Medium:
   • Place the tissue sample in a container with tissue culture medium.
4. Monitor and Cultivate:
   • Keep the container in a controlled environment with suitable temperature and lighting.
   • Regularly monitor and care for the growing fragments.

Buy Aquacultured Corals Online

Creating a captivating underwater landscape filled with vibrant corals is an art form that goes beyond arranging beautiful organisms—it's about understanding their needs and behaviors to establish a thriving and visually stunning marine ecosystem. In this guide, we'll delve into the intricate world of coral placement and aquascaping, exploring the factors that contribute to optimal growth, aesthetic appeal, and the well-being of your reef inhabitants.

• ​Lighting: Different corals thrive under varied light intensities and spectrums. Research the lighting preferences of each species to ensure proper placement.
• Water Flow: Coral polyps need sufficient water movement to bring nutrients and carry away waste. Some corals prefer gentle flow, while others thrive in stronger currents.
• Compatibility: Certain corals can have aggressive tendencies, extending sweeper tentacles that can harm neighboring species. Plan placements that prevent unwanted interactions.

Varying the heights of your corals adds depth and dimension to your aquascape. Taller corals placed towards the back create a sense of distance, while shorter ones in the foreground add visual interest.

Group corals with similar needs together to ensure consistent lighting and water flow for each group. However, leave enough space between different coral types to prevent overcrowding and territorial conflicts.

Balance the distribution of corals across your tank to avoid visual clutter and ensure that each coral gets adequate access to light and flow. Aim for symmetry but also incorporate asymmetrical elements for an organic look.
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Leaving areas of open sand within your aquascape offers visual breathing room and prevents corals from encroaching on one another. It also provides ample space for fish and invertebrates to move.
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Aquascaping is an ongoing process. As your corals grow and adjust to their surroundings, some rearrangement might be necessary. Regularly observe the behavior and interactions of your corals to ensure they are thriving.

*Aquariums pictured above were photographed at the Electric City Aquarium and Reptile Den in Scranton PA. 

1. Source:

• Aquacultured corals are propagated in controlled environments, reducing the need to harvest corals from natural reefs.
• Wild-caught corals are harvested directly from the ocean.
• Maricultured corals are grown in a sustainable way in the ocean on big metal racks and then shipped to wholesale buyers around the world.

2. Hardiness:

• Aquacultured corals are often more adaptable to aquarium conditions due to acclimatization efforts.
• Wild-caught corals can be more sensitive and more challenging to maintain, requiring expert care. Retailers will often keep wild-caught corals for many months before offering them up for sale.

3. Environmental Impact:

• Choosing aquacultured corals supports sustainable practices that aid in reef conservation.
• Harvesting wild corals can have negative ecological consequences, contributing to reef destruction and ecosystem disruption. 
  

If your corals are bleaching the first thing you should do is think back on if you've made any changes or have added anything to the water within the last few days. Sometimes it takes a couple days for a coral health issue to progress to an extent that it is apparently visible. Here are some common causes of coral bleaching that we see in the aquarium hobby...

Lighting - Most often corals bleach from the par of your lighting being too much for the coral to handle. If this occurs the coral will eject it's zooxanthella in an attempt to regulate it's bioactivity. For this reason many reefers start their corals down low and gradually expose them to higher par until they are happy in the final location chosen by the hobbyist. This process may need to be stretched out over the course of a few weeks. Nutrients (nitrates) also play a role in how much light a coral can handle. Typically corals can benefit from higher par only if there are nitrates present in the water. A coral that was doing just fine in high par can begin to bleach if your nitrate levels drop too low. 

Temperature - If you are the unlucky person who has discovered your aquarium heater has become stuck in the "on" position and your water is hot then you know how this can be devastating to your home reef aquarium. Depending on where you live, hot summer days can be enough to raise your tank's temperature to critical levels. We recommend a tank temperature of 75-78F and we set ours at 76F. Bleaching may occur somewhere around 85F and gets worse the higher you go. If you discover your tank is too hot we recommend you don't remove the corals unless the water is cloudy. Let the tank temp come down slowly on it's own and add sealed bags of ice to help if needed. It is important not to do anything too stressful and to make any changes as slow as possible. ​

Alkalinity/PH 
Changing Alkalinity levels too quickly is a leading cause of coral bleaching or death. We recommend testing every batch of newly mixed salt water for Alk levels before doing a water change. Also if you are dosing for Alkalinity try to raise or lower it as slow as possible. We shoot for less than 1dKH per week if making adjustments. Also it is very important to never dose a water chemistry product if you can't or didn't test levels. There is no need for guesswork with all of the great affordable testing equipment that is available to us hobbyists.

Alkalinity is a measure of the ability of the water to neutralize acids, and it is important for coral health because it helps to maintain a stable pH level in the water. Coral polyps, the tiny animals that make up a coral reef, need a specific range of pH to survive and grow. If the pH level in the water becomes too low or too high, the coral can become stressed, which can lead to bleaching or death.

Alkalinity plays a key role in regulating the pH level in the water. If the alkalinity is too low, the water will be more susceptible to changes in pH, which can harm the coral. On the other hand, if the alkalinity is too high, the water will become more alkaline, and the coral will also be stressed. It is important to maintain the appropriate level of alkalinity to ensure that the pH level stays within the optimal range of 7-12 dKH for the coral and to limit changes to less than 0.2 dKH per day.

Toxins and Contaminants
​There are other stresses on coral that can lead to bleaching. The "quick cures" sold online that promise fast results to combating common issues faced by aquarists can cause problems. Many of these can have adverse effects on coral health and should be used with caution or avoided altogether. If you are thinking of using a product to change something in your tank be sure to always follow directions and think of how it may effect other parameters.

Toxins can also be added to your water from certain corals or pests. Nepthea coral is known to secrete a toxic compound into the water that can be harmful to other corals. Flatworms are also very toxic when they die. Sea cucumbers have also been known to release toxins if they were to die in your tank. Check for issues and if you find an animal that has died take care to remove as much of it as possible.

Talk to Other Reefers
There are a ton of great resources out there for finding and diagnosing problems with your coral health. Join your local reefing club or group online and chat with fellow reefers about your problem. You'll find that there are a lot of people willing to give you advice. It's a good idea to weigh the advice based on the persons professionalism and years of experience. Advice that is given by many seasoned reefers should be considered more reliable but may not always be the best option. Do your research and remember that nothing good happens quickly. Go slow and try not to make big changes and your reef will reward you with great colors and growth.

Recovery
If we have a coral that is bleaching then what do we do? First we inspect for "critters" or any nearby corals that might be stinging it. Then we clean, dip and move the coral to a lower par lighting area. If it's just one of your corals that is bleaching then moving it to a lower lighting area typically solves the problem. It may take weeks or months to regain it's color and dosing live zooxanthella may help the coral recover. If more corals are bleaching in different parts of your tank (that were otherwise doing fine previously) then we go right to checking nitrates. If they are reading zero then you can raise them with sodium nitrate or by feeding more often. Your corals may be starving and a little nutrition can make them happy.

If you have any other ideas to be added to this list, please let us know in the comments!

Read: More Tips on Gifting Corals