These days a lot of corals are sold by a marketing naming convention, the problem with this is theres no defacto standard when it comes to naming corals by fancy names and a lot of reef keepers get caught up in the naming hype. Don't get caught in the hype, buy it because you like it.
Read our top reefkeeping tips that ever reef keeper should remember for a happy healthy hobby.
Dipping newly purchased coral is something that should be done from the very start of a marine tank. Its makes for good husbandry and helps avoid problems down the line. Unfortunately combinations of excitement, lack of knowledge and inexperience mean many people don't and may never do unless they have a problem.
First things first and often overlooked is making sure your stock is in good condition before you actually purchase it! Any good retailer should never sell stock that isn't ready to go and we pride ourselves on conditioning stock before it leaves us. if you are unsure about the health of something then simply do not buy it. If it is a known fussy feeder then ask to see it eat. If you are unfamiliar with a particular species then ask or research them. We have free to use wifi which is always handy but we are more than happy to talk you through requirements of a potential purchase.