What should I add to my first new reef tank?
Soft corals, in particular, leather corals are the best choice for a new tank. After adding your first leather corals you can also add mushroom anemones. This includes mushrooms like Ricordea, Rhodactis, and Discosoma. Mushroom grow rather quickly and spread out into large fleshy discs.
How long should you wait to put coral in a new tank?
Corals can be added to a new reef tank when your tank has completed its nitrogen cycle that roughly takes 2-8 weeks. Nitrogen cycling and getting rid of algae blooms will clear the way for you to add corals as early as possible.
When should I do a water change on a new reef tank?
As a rule, you should perform a 10 to 20 percent water change in your tank every one to two weeks. Doing so keeps the nutrient levels in the water stable and removes excess waste products from your fish. Failing to do so can begin affecting your marine life in negative ways—making them sluggish or even killing them.
What is new tank syndrome reef tank?
It may take several weeks for the biological filter to become fully active. During this development phase, ammonia and nitrite can climb to dangerous levels. This condition is known as New Tank Syndrome. New Tank Syndrome frustrates many aquarists by delaying stocking or even harming aquatic life.
Do you need to cycle a tank for corals?
It is not necessary to cycle your reef tank before adding corals. Corals have a low bioload and do not produce a lot of ammonia. However, it is better to cycle your tank first because the water parameters will be more stable. Stable water conditions are essential to grow corals.
How long does it take for a reef tank to cycle?
Keep in mind you’ll want to allow for at least six weeks for your tank to cycle before purchasing all the fish you will want. You must add the fish only a few at a time into the aquarium during the cycling process to not overwhelm the growing nitrifying bacteria.
Can you do too many water changes in a reef tank?
Doing too many water changes can have an effect on some corals and some beneficial algae. Bacteria is primarily in the live rock and sand, so water changes will not hurt your bio filter, and can remove the contaminant, so from that standpoint, no.
Can I cycle my tank with clownfish?
Option 1: With Fish One or two small fish is all you will need for most small to medium-sized tanks. Many people prefer to use damsels, chromis, or clownfish because they are readily available, hardy, and cheap.
Can you cycle a tank with clownfish?
Of course it does. Damsels (to include clownfish) are very hardy and generally survive the experience.
Is 50 percent water change too much?
The benefits of water changes must be balanced by the stress caused by a sudden change of your tank’s water chemistry. If tank water has similar pH, GH and KH as tap water, changing 50% (or more) of the water at one time will not affect fish.