How to Acclimate an Open Brain Coral

Brain coral is in the family Trachyphylliidae. It is considered by the aquarium industry as a large stony polyp coral. Brain corals usually originate from the waters off of Australia, the Indo Pacific and Fiji. These corals come in an array of beautiful colors, but the main ones used for the aquarium industry are usually clear, green red and tan. These corals can make an ideal addition to any home reef system and are easy to care for. As with any coral, acclimation plays an essential role in the health and well being of any new species you introduce. Proper acclimation will ensure that your coral stays healthy and disease free.

Things You'll Need

  • Non-reactive container
  • Aquarium tubing
  • Hydrometer
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Instructions

  1. Acclimation

    • 1

      Place the shipping bag into the container you will use for this process. Make sure the container is big enough to hold not only your new coral, but all the water that is in the bag as well. Open the shipping back and let out the oxygen. Slowly pour the water from the bag into the container. When the bag is empty, slowly tip the bag on its side and gently remove the coral from the bag and place it into the container. Let the coral set for about five minutes so that it can stretch out and overcome some of the shock of being transported.

    • 2

      Move the container containing the coral into close proximity of your home tank. You'll want the container that contains the new coral slightly lower in position then the target aquarium. This will allow gravity to create a natural siphon rather than using your mouth (saliva can introduce foreign bacteria causing infection). Submerge the entire tube into your home tank. This will allow the water to push out the air in the tube to start your siphon.

      Remove one end of the tubing and place it into the container containing your new coral. Let the water from your home tank drain into the container until it fills up, then remove the tube and place it out of the way. Let set for about ten to fifteen minutes. Then remove about half the water and repeat this process about three to four times.

    • 3

      Compare the specific gravity in your tank versus the container, using the hydrometer. If the gravity of the container and the target tank are off, then you will need to repeat the process in step two, until both are equal. When the specific gravity of the target tank and the container are identical, then it's time to place your coral into its new home.

    • 4

      According to LiveAquaria.com, Open brain corals like medium to low light, medium water flow and a sandy bottom placement. Optimal water conditions are noted as 72° to 78° F, dKH 8 to 12, pH 8.1 to 8.4, sg 1.023 to 1.025.

      Make sure you have a nice open spot for the coral so that it can open up, which will usually take a few days. If the coral does not open up, make sure no other corals or invertebrates are making contact with it.