Coral Care FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions

The essentials are a tank (60 cm or larger), a full-spectrum marine LED, a protein skimmer, a powerhead, a heater, a hydrometer, and salt mix. Soft corals can be started with simple equipment, but SPS may require a calcium reactor or dosing pump. Budget around $350–1,050 USD. For details, see our Coral Keeping Beginner Guide.

Soft corals are recommended for beginners. Zoanthids, green star polyps (GSP), mushroom corals, and leather corals are particularly hardy. They come in many colors for collecting fun. See our Top 5 Corals for Beginners article. Browse actual listings in the Coral category.

The ideal temperature is 24–26°C (75–79°F). Target: specific gravity 1.023–1.025, pH 8.1–8.4, calcium 400–450 ppm, KH 7–11 dKH, magnesium 1,250–1,350 ppm. Keep nitrate below 10 ppm and phosphate below 0.03 ppm. Weekly 10–15% water changes maintain stability. For more on water quality, see our User Guide.

Corals rely on symbiotic zooxanthellae for photosynthesis, making proper lighting essential. Full-spectrum marine LEDs are standard, with blue wavelengths being key. Soft corals need low to moderate light; SPS corals need high intensity. Run lights 8–10 hours on a timer. Modern LEDs with app control are popular. If unsure, consult a breeder through our Coral category.

A frag is a small piece cut from a mother colony. Corals regrow from properly cut fragments, making this a popular trade format. Frags are sold on small plugs and are much cheaper than whole colonies ($7–35 each), ideal for building a diverse beginner collection. Learn more in our Coral Frag Trading Basics article.

Bleaching occurs when zooxanthellae are expelled. Causes include elevated temperature (above 28°C / 82°F), sudden water changes, abrupt lighting changes, and stress. Keep temperature stable at 24–26°C, avoid parameter swings, don't change lighting suddenly, and maintain proper flow. Early bleaching may reverse if conditions improve. If concerned, contact us or consult a breeder.

Yes, but compatibility matters. Clownfish, firefish, and blue-green chromis are reef-safe. Avoid butterflyfish and certain angelfish that eat corals. Fish waste provides some nutrients but excess is harmful. For compatibility advice, ask a breeder through our Coral category.

Corals are double-bagged with seawater and oxygen in insulated boxes with seasonal heat/cold packs. Open promptly, temperature-match, and drip-acclimate for 30–60 minutes. Keep corals under low light on arrival day. For details, see our Live Coral Shipping & Receiving Guide.

On BreederDirect, you can buy directly from verified coral breeders. Get detailed info on growing conditions and parent colonies. Fair prices with no middleman, plus post-purchase support. Pay-after-inspection is supported. For details, see our User Guide.

A minimum of 60 cm (16 gallons) is recommended. Larger volumes mean more stable water quality and temperature. A 60 cm tank is enough for a few soft corals, but 90 cm or larger is ideal for SPS or diverse collections. For step-by-step setup instructions, see our Coral Tank Setup Guide.