Proper acclimation is essential for ensuring the health and survival of your new coral in its new environment. Corals can be sensitive to changes in water parameters like temperature, salinity, and pH, so taking time to acclimate them reduces stress and increases their chances of thriving.

Steps to Acclimate Your Coral:

1. Temperature Acclimation:

• Float the sealed coral bag in your tank for 10-15 minutes to match the temperature of your aquarium water.
• Add ½ cup of water from your quarantine aquarium into the coral bag. Wait 5-10 minutes and repeat this step 1-3 times until the coral bag is full.
• Remove filled coral bag from aquarium and remove coral. Never release water from the coral bag into your aquarium.

1. Inspect:

• Before placing the coral in the tank, inspect it for any pests or unwanted organisms. Gently remove any undesirables before adding the coral into your quarantine tank.

1. Placing the Coral in Your Tank:

• Once the acclimation is complete, gently place the coral in its desired location within your quarantine tank.
• Start with low light or a shaded area, especially if the coral has come from a lower-light environment. You can gradually move it to its final placement after observing how it reacts to the light and water flow in your tank.

Important Tips:

• Monitor Parameters: Ensure that your tank’s water parameters (salinity, pH, alkalinity) are stable and within the coral’s preferred range.

By following these steps, you give your coral the best chance to adjust and thrive in its new home!

Yes, it is highly recommended to dip your new coral before adding it to your display aquarium. Dipping helps remove potential pests, parasites, and harmful hitchhikers like flatworms, nudibranchs, or algae that could harm your tank's ecosystem. Here’s a quick guide on why and how to dip:

Why Dip Your Coral?

• Pest Removal: Corals can harbor tiny pests that are hard to see with the naked eye. Dipping helps eliminate them.
• Prevent Disease Spread: Dips can also help remove harmful bacteria or fungus that could cause coral diseases.
• Protect Tank Health: Introducing corals without dipping risks contaminating your tank with unwanted organisms that could harm other corals or fish.

When to Dip Your Coral:

• It is recommended to dip your coral 10-24 hours after acclimating into a quarantine tank, but before adding to your main display.

How to Dip Your Coral:

1. Use a Coral Dip Solution: There are several reef-safe coral dip solutions available, such as iodine-based or commercial coral dips.
2. Follow the Instructions: Always follow the recommended dosage and soak time on the product you’re using.
3. Rinse the Coral: After dipping, rinse the coral in clean saltwater before adding it to your tank.

Skipping the dip process can lead to long-term problems in your tank, so it’s always better to be cautious.

The ideal aquarium parameters for live coral depend on the specific species of coral (LPS, SPS, or soft corals), but in general, keeping stable and optimal conditions is key for coral health and growth. Here are the ideal water parameters for most reef aquariums:

1. Temperature:

• Ideal Range: 75-80°F (75-80°F24-27°C)
• Importance: Corals are sensitive to temperature fluctuations, so maintaining a stable temperature is crucial. Avoid rapid changes to prevent coral stress or bleaching.

2. Salinity (Specific Gravity):

• Ideal Range: 1.023 - 1.026 (32-35 ppt)
• Importance: Salinity is vital for coral health. Use a refractometer or hydrometer to measure salinity, and ensure it stays within the recommended range.

3. pH:

• Ideal Range: 8.1 - 8.4
• Importance: A stable pH supports coral growth and overall tank health. Sudden changes can cause stress or harm to corals.

4. Alkalinity (KH):

• Ideal Range: 8 - 12 dKH (142 - 214 ppm)
• Importance: Alkalinity helps stabilize pH levels and supports the coral’s ability to build its skeleton, especially in SPS corals.

5. Calcium (Ca):

• Ideal Range: 400 - 450 ppm
• Importance: Calcium is crucial for skeletal growth in stony corals (SPS and LPS). Low calcium can lead to slow growth or weakened coral structures.

6. Magnesium (Mg):

• Ideal Range: 1300 - 1400 ppm
• Importance: Magnesium supports proper calcium and alkalinity balance. It’s essential for preventing calcium precipitation and maintaining coral health.

7. Nitrate (NO3):

• Ideal Range: 1 - 10 ppm (higher end for soft corals, lower for SPS)
• Importance: Corals need some nitrates, but too much can cause algae growth and stress corals. SPS corals prefer lower nitrate levels, while soft corals tolerate slightly higher levels.

8. Phosphate (PO4):

• Ideal Range: 0.01 - 0.03 ppm
• Importance: High phosphate levels can lead to algae overgrowth and hinder coral growth. 

9. Ammonia (NH3) and Nitrite (NO2):

• Ideal Range: 0 ppm
• Importance: Ammonia and nitrite are toxic to corals and other marine life. They should always be at undetectable levels in a healthy reef aquarium.

10. Lighting:

• Ideal Range: Varies by coral type:
• SPS corals: High light (PAR 200-400)
• LPS corals: Moderate light (PAR 100-200)
• Soft corals: Low to moderate light (PAR 50-150)
• Importance: Corals rely on photosynthesis via their symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae), so proper lighting intensity and spectrum are key.

11. Water Flow:

• Ideal Flow: Moderate to high, depending on coral type.
• SPS corals: Prefer strong, turbulent flow.
• LPS corals: Prefer moderate, indirect flow.
• Soft corals: Prefer lower, gentle flow.
• Importance: Proper water movement helps corals remove waste, absorb nutrients, and maintain health.

12. Phosphate-to-Nitrate Ratio:

• Ideal Range: 1:16 Redfield ratio (for balancing nutrient levels)
• Importance: A proper nutrient ratio helps prevent algae blooms and supports coral health.

Maintaining these parameters consistently is critical for a thriving reef aquarium. Regular testing and monitoring help to ensure your corals stay healthy and grow successfully.

Your corals will be carefully packed and shipped to ensure they arrive healthy and stress-free. Here's what to expect during the shipping process:

1. Secure Packaging:

• Each coral is placed in a sealed bag filled with water to maintain stable conditions during transit.
• The bag is then secured inside insulated packaging to protect the coral from temperature fluctuations.

2. Fast Shipping:

• We use overnight shipping to minimize the time the coral spends in transit and to ensure it arrives as fresh as possible.
• Shipping is scheduled to avoid weekends or holidays to prevent delays.

3. Live Arrival Guarantee:

• We offer a live arrival guarantee, meaning your coral is covered if it arrives dead. (please review our guarantee policy for details and conditions).

4. Notification and Tracking:

• You will receive a tracking number as soon as your order ships, so you can monitor the delivery and ensure you're available to unpack the coral as soon as it arrives.

We take every precaution to ensure your corals are delivered safely and arrive in optimal condition for a smooth transition into your aquarium.