GARF'S MOST OFTEN ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED

What types of corals should I add to my reef system and when should they be introduced?

When you have decided that corals are in your future, we here at GARF suggest going with fast growing and hardy soft corals. Our favorite mixture to send out to new reefers are mixed Zoanthid plugs, Gold Crown Leathers from Palau, Green Button polyps (Palythoa and Zoanthids), and encrusting Gorgonians. These corals are all very different from one another. We have had great success shipping these colorful and hardy organisms. All of our captive raised coral packages cost only $100.00 for 5 different corals.

When you have experienced sweet success with your soft corals it is time to move into the more sensitive soft corals and the wonderful small polyp stony corals. The Xenias are a wonderful addition to any reef system, but their sensitivity to changes in temperature makes them a challenge to raise. These 'pulse corals' come in a variety of colors and once they are established, they will spread throughout your aquarium. Some of the SPS corals that we raise here at GARF include many colors of Acropora including green, purple, pink, and blue along with several colors of Pocillapora, Stylophora, and Montipora. We can custom mix your order so you receive the most hardy colorful types first.

Although many corals will survive in a new system, we here at GARF have found much higher survival rates in small polyp stony corals placed in established systems. In systems six months or older, there tends to be fewer algae blooms and more coralline algae growth, both of which are important to coral survival. When establishing a new reef system it is important to keep in mind that your aquarium will, without a doubt, undergo several algae blooms. This is not a major problem and is completely natural, but sps corals corals should not be added during this cycling period. By adding the proper mixture of Reef JanitorsÅ you will help to keep this algae problem under control with minimum effort on your part.

Because all of the corals here at GARF are captive raised, availability varies daily depending on what is ready to be harvested. Through our research here at GARF we have found that smaller pieces of coral ship much better that larger colonies. Not only does this ensure the arrival of a live coral, but it also allows you to watch the colony grow and spread throughout your reef system. We have also found that captive raised corals survive shipping and live longer than wild caught corals.

Corals raised in an aquarium are stronger
Corals raised in an aquarium for several years become acclimated to the artificial lighting, nutrients, and the extensive handling experienced in a coral farm. Corals will actually accumulate in their skeleton the minerals and nutrients found in your tap water. Alf Nielson, a famous researcher from Norway, found traces of Yidrium in the skeletons of his corals. Yidrium is very rare and found in the tap water in Nielson's area. Corals do actively uptake minerals and trace elements so it is important to use reputable additives such as Seachem products and Instant Ocean.

Corals are a wonderful addition to any marine aquarium. By using the proper equipment and having a positive attitude, there are no limits as to how far you can take this hobby. Thank you for purchasing captive raised corals - and remember: Save a Reef and Grow Your Own!!

We took this new picture of Sally Jo's baby cardinal fish - it is growing very fast!

The coral on the right is the rare Bali Giant Xenia. The large coral is a yellow soft coral. The branch is one of the smaller type Gorgonians.

---

Use this site to solve your reef aquarium algae problems, and help support our research!!!