How Do I Place Coral in My Tank?

Coral pieces add beauty and variety to any saltwater aquarium. Reef tank enthusiasts must consider many variables when placing coral into an existing saltwater fish tank, such as coral aggression. Some coral have defensive and protective mechanisms such as sweeper tentacles. Other issues are lighting, spacing and water movement. The best way to place coral pieces properly is to understand what types you already own and which types you plan on placing into your saltwater aquarium.

Things You'll Need

  • Saltwater tank
  • Scrap paper
  • Pencil
  • Coral
  • Waterproof epoxy
  • Rubber bands or plastic cable ties
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Instructions

    • 1

      Draw a diagram of the existing saltwater tank with scrap paper and pencil. Draw where you have existing coral pieces and what types they are. Measure out the distances between them.

    • 2

      Consider the type of coral species you want to place into your tank. If it is hard coral, you need to give it at least 6-inches of space around it because these have sweeper tentacles as part of their defensive mechanism. They will sting and attack other coral, which kills them. Also space is needed for growth.

    • 3

      Space soft coral pieces about 3 inches apart. They are not as aggressive as hard coral but they need lots of light. Be sure their mucous and terpenoids do not touch other coral to prevent any harmful results.

    • 4

      Squeeze a dab of waterproof epoxy to set your coral into place. Soft coral pieces are prone to tipping over and once that happens they can die. Rubber bands or plastic cable ties can also be used if the placement is not permanent.

    • 5

      Place brighter colored coral pieces closer to your lighting sources. These tend to need more light for growing because they have pigments to protect them from ultraviolet light in shallow ocean depths. It is for this reason that soft coral tends to need more light.