How To Add A New Coral To Your Tank

To acclimatise a new coral into your aquarium, it is important to avoid simply placing it directly in its new position. By following a few simple steps, you will avoid shocking the livestock, and give it the best chance of thriving in its new home.

Slowly introduce water

It is best practice to place your coral in a separate container, and the slowly add water from your tank to the container. This will help your coral cope with any changes in water chemistry and temperature once it is placed in the tank. Half a cup of water every few minutes should do the trick, taking no more than 30 minutes altogether.

Use a coral dip

It is recommended to use a pest control dip to make sure the coral is rid of any unwanted hangers-on and parasites which could be harmful to your aquarium. The marine fish shop staff should be able to advise you on the best pest dips to use.

Turn the aquarium lights off

Corals are extremely sensitive, and they can be shocked by being placed immediately under strong aquarium lighting. It is very easy to cause stress and damage to the coral with high level lights, so it is important to let it adjust gradually.

Release the coral into your tank

Once you have successfully acclimatised your coral in a separate container, and carried out a pest control dip, you can find a suitable position in the tank for it. Place it on the floor rather than a higher shelf. Make sure it is in a shady spot, with the correct amount of flow for its species. They can require either moderate or strong indirect flow.

Gradually increase the light levels until it reaches its optimum level; this process should take at least a few days. Some corals will eventually require intense light to bring out their vivid colouring.