What to look for on a LFS coral

[lrs183]

Hello,

This coming weekend or next week I am thinking about (nervous excited lol) taking the plunge on my first coral. I'm not sure as to what kind yet but I figure it will be a softy as I've heard they're hardy.

My questions are as follows

What indicators of health can I look for?
What signs of disease are able to be seen?

And most important (to me) are pests such as red bugs, flatworms etc able to be seen? If so, how close do I need to look? I know aefw is apparent almost impossible to see. But what about other stuff?

Thank you!

[lrs183]

Anyone?

[thegrun]

Here is a good website listing many of the common corals in the trade and their requirements. https://sites.google.com/a/asira.org/www2/caresheets It is important to understand the needs of any coral or fish before adding it to your tank. I look at the health of all the corals in a store before purchasing, if you see a lot of dead or dying corals find another store. I always dip all corals when I bring them home before adding them to my system.

[lrs183]

When people say dip, as I commonly see it, what do you mean exactly? How long and in what?

Can you visibly see things like red bugs if it had a bunch on it?

[LJLKRL]

Originally Posted by thegrun

Here is a good website listing many of the common corals in the trade and their requirements. https://sites.google.com/a/asira.org/www2/caresheets It is important to understand the needs of any coral or fish before adding it to your tank. I look at the health of all the corals in a store before purchasing, if you see a lot of dead or dying corals find another store. I always dip all corals when I bring them home before adding them to my system.

That is a freaking awesome link. Thanks so much for posting this!

[lrs183]

Yes it is. I just got home and had a chance to view it. Thank you very much!

[saltym3]

Great link

[worm5406]

That is a REAL great link!!

Thanks for posting it!