Coral Question

[Anonymous]

I am now thinking about the corals. I have added an Catalaphyllia jardinei and a Fungia.
I plan on adding some Rhodactis, Actinodiscus, and Discosoma mushrooms. I will also have Sinularia, Sarcophyton, and Sclero and/or Dendro nephthya. My question is: Can I add stony corals such as Acoropora, Pocillopora, and Stylophora and then add the "softies"? TIA

 

[Anonymous]

^

 

[DK]

Theoretically, if the tank is big enough, the water parameters are perfect, corraline algae is growing all over the place and the halide lighting is just right, you could have a "garden style" tank that would also support SPS corals. You should decide what you really want and set up your tank accordingly. Remember, patience is the key - and I still don't have enough!!!

 

[reefworm]

Steve,
Sorry if I sound like a broken record to anyone, but Borneman's Aquarium Corals is a definitive source for information on questions like this one. If you don't own a copy, and you're looking into more and varied corals, buy one before you buy the corals. You'll be glad for the increased confidence you'll have in making your decisions. A great volume for general coral knowledge and care, and for species-specific information. Well worth the money. Check w/Jason at Premium Aquatics.

regards,
rw

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the reminders, DK. This is not going to be a garden, it will be a back reef from Tonga. These are the corals found in that area. I just don't know about adding softies to an established tank of hard corals. The reason for the question is the toxins produced by the softies when introduced to a new environment, not to mention the typical chemical war they like to wage.

 

[Anonymous]

Reefworm,
Since I don't own that particular book, could you let me know what it says in regards to adding soft corals to an established stony tank, or visa versa? None of the books I have or have read address this question. There is a lot of information out regarding the chemical warfare, but as far as I can tell, none that address the "best" way to do this. TIA

 

[reefworm]

Steve,
Depending on the size of your tank, you can establish microhabitats that mimic the same kind of zonation in the natural reef where certain species of coral tend to predominate. Borneman cautions against too much mixing of types - "It is a common mistake to place anything and everything within the same display. Corals show a high degree of aggression toward each other, and careless purchase of incompatible species is easily avoided. Furthermore, corals are adapted to specific environments, and a reef tank has a finite limit of habitats." p. 364. He goes on to say that within those limitations, a reef keeper can try to approximate conditions of lighting, water movement and proximity to other types, but leans toward a one-habitat per tank approach. A reef crest stony colony, or lagoonal w/more fishes and more sparce population of softies would be two such examples. He cautions very careful planning before mixing such habitats, which it sounds like you're doing. Although these restrictions sound limiting, they may in fact result in a more lifelike displays. HTH. I still recommend you purchase this excellent volume

Best of luck w/your plans!

regards,
rw

 

[Anonymous]

Reefworm,
Thanks, I do plan on buying it in the near future. There has already been a lot of research done. As I said before each of the corals I have chosen come from a very specific zone. Perhaps if I had been more specific and clearer, I would have gotten the answers I was looking for, I am not good at communicating in this medium, it takes too long to hunt and peck

. The species are Acropora chesterfieldensis, Acropora horrida, Acropora tortuosa, Acropora austere, Pocillopora damicornis, and Stylophora pistillata. All but one of these corals, according to my research, don't require strong light or current and feed on zooplankton. They all can be found in the back reef zone, as can the Sarco and Sinularia. I only plan on having one Sarco and 1-2 Sinularia. Even the fish going in will be found in Tonga and inhabit the back reef. Maybe I was clear enough to get an answer. I am suprised that you can't read my mind

. Thanks for the response.