Habitat & Setup Articles
A list of coral keeping articles about "Habitat & Setup".
37 articles
Mixed-Coral Tank Layout Planning | Co-existence Examples for SPS, LPS, and Soft Corals
When culturing different types of corals in a single tank, understanding each group's ecological niche—including their position in the food chain, light requirements, and water flow needs—and realizing competition avoidance through placement is key to success...
Choosing Substrate for Coral Tanks: Comparing Bare Bottom, Powder Sand, and Live Sand with Maintenance
The choice of substrate for a saltwater coral tank is directly connected not just to appearance but also to water quality management and the ecology of marine life. Here we organize the characteristics of bare bottom, powder sand, and live sand, and the management approach suited to each.
Nutrient Management in Soft Coral Tanks | Balancing Nitrates and Phosphates with Zooxanthellae and Trace Elements
While soft corals are often said to require less rigorous nutrient management than SPS corals, extreme eutrophication or oligotrophy can lead to polyp retraction and color loss. Let's clarify how to think about balancing nitrates, phosphates, zooxanthellae, and trace elements.
Saltwater Aquarium Quarantine (QT) Systems | Pathogen Management and Setup Methods for New Introductions
Explaining the importance of quarantine (isolation) processes when introducing new corals and organisms, along with practical setup methods. An implementation guide to realize preventative husbandry, from QT tank sizing and feeding to pathogen checking procedures and timing for introduction to the main tank.
Cardinal Fish and LPS Coral Symbiosis | How to Select and Maintain Symbiotic Fishes
Most LPS corals host small symbiotic fish. Understand the natural symbiotic relationship with cardinal fish and learn how to create an aquarium environment where both corals and symbiotic fish thrive comfortably.
Interactions Between Branching Corals and Amphipods | Micro-ecosystem Around Soft Corals
Around soft corals such as mushroom corals and branching corals, small crustaceans and amphipods tend to gather. This article covers the interactions between these small organisms and corals, as well as the ecological balance within an aquarium.
Protein Skimmer and Reactor Coordination | Equipment Role Division and Placement Tips
In a coral aquarium, effective operation of multiple equipment requires proper role division and placement of protein skimmers, calcium reactors, and dosing systems. This guide covers the operating principles of each device, considerations for coordination, and system-wide balance.
Utilizing UV Lighting and Deep Blue LEDs for SPS Color Enhancement | Combining UVA and Visible Light
In addition to conventional metal halide and T5 fluorescent lighting, combining UVA lighting and deep blue LEDs can bring out the fluorescent colors of SPS corals more deeply. This article summarizes the role of each light source, considerations for implementation, and safety management guidelines.
Symbiotic Organisms in Coral Reefs | The Relationship Between Symbiotic Shrimp, Crabs, Small Fish, and Coral
An introduction to representative examples of shrimp, crabs, and small fish that form symbiotic relationships with coral, and the basics of observing these relationships in aquariums.
Calcium Reactors for Reef Tanks | Maintaining KH and Calcium Automatically with CO2
An overview of the automatic maintenance system for KH and calcium using a calcium reactor—distinct from manual dosing or dosing pumps—along with key considerations for setup.