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Reef
Only
Frequently Asked
Questions |
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What types of
corals are good for beginners?
The easiest corals for the beginner are the soft corals and
their close relatives. Mushrooms, polyps such as zoanthid and
star polyps, and various leathers are very easy
and typically are very hardy choices.
Once a tank has matured through its algae cycle and the new
owner is used to the routine of caring for the tank, it is
possible to add the large polyp corals such as brains,
frogspawns, and torches.
Assuming that there is adequate lighting, eventually it is
possible to move up to the most sensitive corals,
the colorful small polyp stony, or S.P.S., corals.
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What fish and inverts typically do
well in a reef and what fish should I avoid?
As a general rule, most gobies and blennies make good reef
inhabitants. For the most part, they are small and not
very aggressive. Cardinal fish, anthias, basslets, and
fire fish are also good additions to your reef.
Invertebrates like fire shrimp, cleaner shrimp, and peppermint
shrimp as well as a wide variety of snails are commonly found in
reef tanks. Small to medium size hermits and nassarius
snails that stir the sand are helpful and welcome in the reef.
Many wrasses such as fairy and flasher wrasses make good reef
inhabitants, but beware of non-reef safe wrasses that like to
eat other reef inhabitants.
Reef tanks should be devoid of most butterflies, full-sized angels,
triggers, parrot fish and other coral eaters. Lionfish
are also not a good match for reef tanks as they tend to consume
most small reef fish. Likewise, fuzzy dwarf lions are not
a good idea because they are extremely difficult to keep.
While NorthSide will carry some delicate fish for the advanced
aquarist, NorthSide will not carry fish that are not likely to
survive in captivity, and the fuzzy dwarf is one of these fish.
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Is a calcium
reactor necessary for keeping hard corals?
A calcium reactor is not necessary for keeping hard corals. One may
choose to put a calcium reactor on a reef aquarium, but they can
be problematic and a risk to your tank. NorthSide
recommends calcium reactors only to advanced aquarists who
realize the potential risk involved.
Instead of having a calcium
reactor, the average reef aquarist should add calcium and
alkalinity components several times per week to maintain levels
necessary for coral growth. For persons seeking very
aggressive coral growth, calcium levels and carbonate hardness
should be tested on
a very regular basis to ensure oversaturation is not
reached. Oversaturation of calcium causes all calcium to
precipitate from the water, instantly dropping calcium levels.
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What kind of lighting do I need
for a coral reef tank?
Please refer to our
lighting section for further details.
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