JasonBJones
New member
I am curious if others have a similar step in their acclimation procedure.
After dipping any new frag, I set it on a paper towel for 10 to 15 minutes to dry it out some. This serves a couple of purposes. First, it is much easier to spot pests this way. I have a hard time seeing AEFW when the frag is wet because they generally blend in with an acro's skin color. However, when the coral dries the skin becomes a flat color while AEFW are still reflective and shiny and are much easier to spot. It is also easier to spot red bugs this way, but the effect is more notable with AEFW.
Second, by the time I am done inspecting the coral thoroughly it has likely been out of water for 20 to 25 minutes. At that point it is generally sliming up a little bit. Then the coral is placed in the tank and it takes a bit of time for the slime to come off so the coral acclimates slowly to the new tank water.
I have used this method for 7-8 years to great success. The only time it ever has a detrminental impact is on some smooth skinned acros, which tend to brown out. I am not sure whether it is from the aggresive dipping procedure I use or leaving the coral out. But I think the effects are worth it for the ability to spot pests. So far, knock on wood, I have been able to avoid getting any pests in my tank since I began this procedure.
After dipping any new frag, I set it on a paper towel for 10 to 15 minutes to dry it out some. This serves a couple of purposes. First, it is much easier to spot pests this way. I have a hard time seeing AEFW when the frag is wet because they generally blend in with an acro's skin color. However, when the coral dries the skin becomes a flat color while AEFW are still reflective and shiny and are much easier to spot. It is also easier to spot red bugs this way, but the effect is more notable with AEFW.
Second, by the time I am done inspecting the coral thoroughly it has likely been out of water for 20 to 25 minutes. At that point it is generally sliming up a little bit. Then the coral is placed in the tank and it takes a bit of time for the slime to come off so the coral acclimates slowly to the new tank water.
I have used this method for 7-8 years to great success. The only time it ever has a detrminental impact is on some smooth skinned acros, which tend to brown out. I am not sure whether it is from the aggresive dipping procedure I use or leaving the coral out. But I think the effects are worth it for the ability to spot pests. So far, knock on wood, I have been able to avoid getting any pests in my tank since I began this procedure.
