Adding corals question

RAMMD · 08/19/2013, 09:17 PM

Im in the process of stocking my aquarium and I have a few questions regarding my stocking density. A little information regarding the tank and setup. The aquarium is a 220g display with a 3-4" DSB And approximately 400# of LR. Has a 50 gallon sump and fuge with macros and all the typical accesories including skimmer, UV sterilizer.....

Lighting: 3 radion XR30 w pro LEDs
Circulation: 4 vortech mp40 pumps

The aquarium has a clean up crew in place and all the water parameters are perfect. Ie the ammonia, nitrite and nitrate are all 0. There are no fish yet but I have a stocking list that was approved by one of the moderators (snorvich).

My main question: what is a reasonable number or corals to introduce at once? The corals are all easier to care for species such as zoos, star burst, mushrooms....I plan on adding livestock very slowly but would like to introduce 3 - 4 small frags to reduce my shipping costs. Is this reasonable or is it too much to add at one time. I have experience with FOWLR setups and I have a 140 and 100 g but this is my my first attempt at a reef. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
RAMMD

ct_vol · 08/19/2013, 10:26 PM

The corals you listed should not have a problem being introduced in quick succession or all at once for that matter. Just be careful when adding your fish. You want to make sure you add them slowly enough that you don't disrupt your nitrate cycle. The increased bioload can cause another Ammonia spike, even if your tank has already been initially cycled.

Jopalmighty · 08/19/2013, 10:55 PM

Adding coral to your tank won't increase bioload. As long as your tank parameters are stable you can add much coral as you like. I cycled my tank with a lot of mushrooms and other softies and everything survived. Good luck with the coral. It's very addicting.

RAMMD · 08/19/2013, 11:23 PM

Thank you for the help and quick response. I'm glad there is a website where hobbyists have so much experience and are willing to share their knowledge so that new reef keepers don't make costly mistakes. Once again, thank you for your help on this matter!

08/19/2013, 09:17 PM	#1
RAMMD Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Atlanta, Georgia Posts: 14	Adding corals question Im in the process of stocking my aquarium and I have a few questions regarding my stocking density. A little information regarding the tank and setup. The aquarium is a 220g display with a 3-4" DSB And approximately 400# of LR. Has a 50 gallon sump and fuge with macros and all the typical accesories including skimmer, UV sterilizer..... Lighting: 3 radion XR30 w pro LEDs Circulation: 4 vortech mp40 pumps The aquarium has a clean up crew in place and all the water parameters are perfect. Ie the ammonia, nitrite and nitrate are all 0. There are no fish yet but I have a stocking list that was approved by one of the moderators (snorvich). My main question: what is a reasonable number or corals to introduce at once? The corals are all easier to care for species such as zoos, star burst, mushrooms....I plan on adding livestock very slowly but would like to introduce 3 - 4 small frags to reduce my shipping costs. Is this reasonable or is it too much to add at one time. I have experience with FOWLR setups and I have a 140 and 100 g but this is my my first attempt at a reef. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, RAMMD

08/19/2013, 10:26 PM	#2
ct_vol Reefing On My Mind Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Kempton, IL Posts: 8,083	The corals you listed should not have a problem being introduced in quick succession or all at once for that matter. Just be careful when adding your fish. You want to make sure you add them slowly enough that you don't disrupt your nitrate cycle. The increased bioload can cause another Ammonia spike, even if your tank has already been initially cycled. __________________ Randy Volunteers, Blackhawks, Titans, Cubs!!!! Current Tank Info: 185g waiting to be built, 120g SPS/Anemone Reef, 120g SCA in the works, 58g mixed reef w/ 6x39w T5, 125g grow out w/ Reef Breeders

08/19/2013, 10:55 PM	#3
Jopalmighty Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Columbus, OH Posts: 95	Adding coral to your tank won't increase bioload. As long as your tank parameters are stable you can add much coral as you like. I cycled my tank with a lot of mushrooms and other softies and everything survived. Good luck with the coral. It's very addicting.

08/19/2013, 11:23 PM	#4
RAMMD Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Atlanta, Georgia Posts: 14	Thank you for the help and quick response. I'm glad there is a website where hobbyists have so much experience and are willing to share their knowledge so that new reef keepers don't make costly mistakes. Once again, thank you for your help on this matter!