anyone use Living color corals or Decocorals or Natures image corals in tanks and please do not repeat that they are a pain to clean etc saw some recent tanks with excellent water quality the artificial pieces get no dirtier then live rock with poor water quality. I was thinking of using both for a FOWLR tank I already did reefs for 23 yrs I need a change to something different/ Would love to see photos of such! THANKS!
artificial corals
- Thread starter j tavares
- Start date
Yeah, public aquariums do use them and we still have problems keeping them clean from algae. Not just detritus, but algae growth on them is a PITA as well. And saying algae grows only because of poor water quality is an ignorant statement, IMO. 
IMO, I think its a neat idea, but I don't really like the look all that much. If I was to choose between a FOWLR with only live rock and one with liverock and fake coral, I'd do without the fake coral.
That's just my personal opinion though. Whenever I go out to saltwater shops with my mom, she's always trying to convince me to get some fake corals or anemones or wanting to buy some for her tank. She likes the look, but like I said, I think its all about personal preference.
IMO, I think its a neat idea, but I don't really like the look all that much. If I was to choose between a FOWLR with only live rock and one with liverock and fake coral, I'd do without the fake coral.
That's just my personal opinion though. Whenever I go out to saltwater shops with my mom, she's always trying to convince me to get some fake corals or anemones or wanting to buy some for her tank. She likes the look, but like I said, I think its all about personal preference.
Sorry you feel that is an ignorant statement but after 25 yrs marine experience and with three Medical degrees and a strong science Background I Have proved several times with strong water movement and excellent filtration and Husbandry I can maintain impeccable tanks without problems By the way I am a Medical Pathologist and before You call anyone ignorant You should know with whom you are speaking! Just curious What are your credentials and How many years experience with Marine aquariums can you claim?
justgeorge
New member
It's not that advice around here isn't friendly, it's that you're not looking for advice you're looking for people to agree with you.
Sorry, I'm with the people who think they look tacky.
Sorry, I'm with the people who think they look tacky.
tmc1313
Active member
J Tavares, I keep many types of tanks. Here is a couple of pics of my FO with synthetic corals and Fake Live Rock believe it or not. The first shot is the tank set up one year ago. The second is a shot from yesterday. As you can see I removed some of the rock and coral to allow for swimming room, but the tank is basically the same one year later. I agree, it doesn't look like day one, but with regular maintenance has been very easy to care for. Just wanted to share.
I am not looking for an arguement I mean I thought this was all a Passion for most of us .I was looking for photos to get Ideas as you know Lots of fish cannot be kept safely with live corals and was trying to cut the added expense of live corals along with fish and also the added expenses of lighting, reactors etc . I have already kept reef tanks for 23 plus years and only was looking for other ideas Thats all.
matthewscars
New member
G-G-G-Google.com!
AquaKnight
Active member
I'm not sure how close you are to Philly or Ft. Lauderdale, but Big Al's has lots of artifical corals throughout their tanks and is a pretty big dealer (forget the brand though). Maybe contact them? Take a look
http://www.bigalsaquariumstores.com/store_tour.cfm
Also, RC member wakesetter has a 300gal FOWLR with the fake stuff. Try contacting him.
http://www.bigalsaquariumstores.com/store_tour.cfm
Also, RC member wakesetter has a 300gal FOWLR with the fake stuff. Try contacting him.
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Dear shekki I am sorry you seem to think I am not telling the truth but I would be real slow to critisize anyone .I hold three separate board certifications in Medicine and have 35 yrs experience with aquariums most of that being Marine reef tanks At one time I ran a fairly sizeable Medical Laboratory and before most people in the states were familiar with berlin style reef tanks I was in contact with German Aquarists some of who also were Physicians and scientists interested in procuring possible substances from certain Marine organisms as possible tools to be used in medical studies and treatment protocols. Due to confidentiality I cannot divulge those but too bad the hobby I have a passion for has now people who think they can slam others protected by the the computer and whose credentials in that arena are also suspect. Also I thought thi swas a friendly forum why are you so quick to doubt sir and who made you the judge of others thoughts or feelings!
I use a couple of fake corals in my small F.O. tank, the brand is decoral they are available here in the UK not sure about the US
They look realy bright and tacky at first but after around 6 months to a year they die down a bit and look a little more natural. I have cleaned mine once in 2 years and I have this down to a good mantenance routine on my tank which keeps everything pretty much spotless.
They look realy bright and tacky at first but after around 6 months to a year they die down a bit and look a little more natural. I have cleaned mine once in 2 years and I have this down to a good mantenance routine on my tank which keeps everything pretty much spotless.
