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Introducing new corals to your aquarium isn't as simple as just dropping them in and hoping for the best. After shipping, these delicate organisms are already under stress due to changes in water chemistry, temperature, and lighting. Without proper acclimation, the shock of a new tank can lead to long-term health issues or, in the worst case, the loss of your new coral.
Every experienced reefer understands that knowing how to acclimate corals properly is crucial to their survival and future growth. Gradually acclimating corals to your tank's specific salinity, pH levels, and other water parameters is what sets them up to thrive. In this guide, we'll walk you through a proven acclimation process that seasoned reef aquarists use to ensure their coral collections remain vibrant and healthy.
November 21, 2024
Before you even begin the coral acclimation process, you'll have to make sure your tank setup and environment are ready for the new arrival. This phase is crucial to minimize stress on the coral and help it adjust to its new surroundings smoothly. Here's what you need to do to prepare:
One of the first steps in ensuring a safe introduction is using a quarantine tank. YOU HAVE TO QUARANTINE YOUR CORALS! This will help protect your main display tank from potential pests and diseases that could be hitchhiking on the new coral. It doesn't have to be fancy—a simple 10-20 gallon tank will do. Keep it as bare as possible to make cleaning easy, but include the following essentials:
Keeping a quarantine tank on standby ensures you're always ready when new corals arrive.
Before adding coral to your quarantine tank, it's critical to ensure the water parameters in both the quarantine tank and display tank are stable. Corals are highly sensitive to fluctuations in temperature, pH, and salinity. Here are the ideal ranges:
When corals are introduced to a new tank, the sudden intensity of tank lights can be overwhelming, as they've been shipped in the dark for around 24 to 48 hours during transit. Dimming or turning off the lights for a day or two can reduce this shock. Once the coral has settled, you can slowly ramp up the light intensity over several days.
Before you start acclimating corals, it's a good idea to thoroughly inspect them and, if necessary, dip them to remove any pests or parasites. Under strong light, examine your coral for signs of hidden pests. We recommend taking a good look at the coral and its base, where pests and their eggs are commonly hidden.
Once you carefully remove any pests you find, consider using a coral dip before placing the coral in your quarantine tank. Keep in mind that not all corals tolerate every dip solution, so proceed with caution and always follow the manufacturer's instructions for the best results.
Properly acclimating corals to your tank is essential to minimize stress and ensure the health of your new additions.
Follow this step-by-step guide to safely introduce your coral to its new home:
When your coral shipment arrives, you'll first want to inspect the box for signs of damage or rough handling. If you notice any dents or tears, take a photo for documentation. Shipping can be a stressful experience for livestock, and any damage could affect the coral's condition.
Once you've checked the package, carefully open the box and take out the coral bags one at a time. Coral bags often have multiple layers, so remove the outer bags and cut the top off the innermost one. Be gentle when doing this to avoid spilling water.
After opening the bag, you need to acclimate the coral to the tank's temperature. You can either roll down the top of the bag to create a floating ring, or use a clip to hold the bag upright on the water's surface. Place the bag in your quarantine tank and allow it to float for 15-30 minutes.
Make sure the bag remains floating and doesn't sink. If it does, adjust it so the coral isn't submerged too quickly. Having some pre-mixed saltwater ready to top off your tank afterward is a good practice since you may lose a small amount of water during acclimation.
Once the temperature has stabilized, slowly introduce tank water into the coral's shipping water. Fill the bag gradually over a few minutes, until about 75% of the bag is tank water. If necessary, remove some water from the bag midway through to avoid overflow.
This process gives the coral time to adjust to the differences in water chemistry, preventing osmotic shock, which can happen if the transition is too sudden.
Once the bag contains about 75% tank water, carefully remove the coral from the bag and place it directly into your quarantine tank. Make sure you discard the shipping water—it should never be poured into your tank, as it may contain harmful pollutants or pathogens from transit.
When placing the coral in the tank, it's recommended to position it mid-tank or lower to begin with. Depending on the coral type, you can move it higher in the tank over the next 1-2 weeks as it becomes accustomed to the intensity of your tank's lighting.
Congratulations on your successful coral acclimation! After observing your corals in the quarantine tank for two to three weeks, monitoring for pests or diseases, and ensuring they’ve adjusted well to your water parameters, it’s time to move them to their permanent home in the display tank.
Corals should be exposed to air as little as possible during the transfer. While most corals can handle brief air exposure, it’s best to minimize it. To do this:
Pro Tip: Never hesitate to seek advice from more experienced reefers or professional aquarists if you encounter issues with coral acclimation. The reefkeeping community is rich with knowledge, and there's always someone who can offer insights based on their own experiences.
Once your coral has been acclimated and placed in your tank, you'll have to keep a close eye on its health and behavior. The first few days to weeks are critical as your coral adjusts, and monitoring can help you catch any early signs of stress or issues.
During the first few days after acclimating corals, it's normal for them to show some signs of adjustment stress. This could include reduced polyp extension, mucous production, or mild discoloration as they adapt to their new water chemistry, lighting, and flow conditions. However, it's important to distinguish between normal adjustment and signs of more serious issues.
As you monitor your coral, look for specific warning signs that could indicate more significant issues:
Beyond the initial adjustment period, continue to monitor your coral's long-term health. Watch for sustained growth, healthy coloration, and polyp extension, all of which indicate a thriving coral. Regularly testing your tank's water parameters—such as nitrate, phosphate, alkalinity, calcium, and magnesium—ensures the environment remains stable.
Want to see for yourself where our WYSIWYG coral frags come from? Take a behind-the-scenes look at our indoor coral farming facility in this video, and get a glimpse of the thriving parent colonies that make it all possible!
At Pacific East Aquaculture, we understand that your success in reef keeping starts with healthy, vibrant corals that arrive ready to thrive. Every coral from our Maryland state-licensed and inspected coral aquaculture facility is cultivated in optimal conditions under the care of our experienced team, ensuring it arrives at your door in peak health. And with our experience in handling and shipping delicate livestock, your order is protected from transit stress. We pack every coral with care, using time-tested methods to guarantee live arrival, even in challenging conditions.
Ready to find the newest member of your reef aquarium? Check out the entire selection of WYSIWYG coral frags available at Pacific East Aquaculture today.
Shop WYSIWYG Coral FragsIf you want more information or still have questions about coral acclimation, explore our comprehensive FAQ section below for detailed answers and expert advice.
While it's possible to acclimate multiple corals at the same time, it's important to keep them in separate bags or containers during the process. This ensures that water from different corals doesn't mix, which could potentially spread pests or harmful pathogens.
Soft corals generally tolerate lower light and flow conditions, making them easier to acclimate compared to LPS or SPS corals. LPS corals require moderate light and flow, while SPS corals often need high light and strong water flow. The acclimation process is similar, but placement in the tank should reflect the coral's specific light and flow needs for optimal growth.
It's best to wait a few days before feeding newly acclimated corals. During the acclimation period, corals may be too stressed to properly absorb food, and feeding too early can increase waste and affect water quality. Once the coral has settled, you can begin offering target feedings based on the species' needs, such as zooplankton or other coral foods.
