Where to start with corals?

JJ4417

JJ4417

New member
Well, after the raffle last night, I realized how little I know about corals. When the collector frag was up and the name was said and half the room oohed and awed for a couple of seconds, it strck me that I had no idea what it was, but had an overwhelming desire to try and grow it out. This was only overshadowed by my desire not to kill it.

So the frag swap is coming up, and it seems like a good place to start. I would like to go, but I have no idea where to start learning about corals, or what my system can support. I really want to get a crash course in the next two weeks. (And I am still trying to get over the guilt of not being able to bring anything.)

I'm running Jon's old tank that sat in front or YR. A 20 gal, running 3 65w pcs. Current stock is a lot of kenya trees that I want to replace, a yellow and a green clown goby, seaweed blenny, some kind of urchin, and cleaner shrimp. Only filtration is the LR and a little hob 200gph filter.

I know very little about lighting and less about corals. Jon said I can keep almost everything he sells with my current set up. I would like to attempt the easier sps for the short term, with the long term being a collector grow out tank. (Ya know after the invitable upgrade.) Also short term, a standard reef with maybe a couple more zoa rocks, hammer or frogspawn, and a couple more small fish. Not really interested in shrooms for some reason.

Can anyone throw down some links or books on where to start with corals for aquariums or intermediate lighting info? Book cost not an issue, I would rather spend it on a book first than on a small frag that I have no business keeping and it dies on me.

Thanks guys.
 
wetwebmedia.com is a great place for info. My suggestion is to start with Mushrooms and zoanthid corals. Very easy to care for and are forgiving of less then optimal water conditions
 
I learned by cruising the retail sites, most are seperated into a retail friendly format that will help you learn what is from what and up your id IQ

www.marinedepotlive.com

is a good one to start with, the organization for both the fish and coral is straight forward and will help.

Dr. Fosters and Smith is good as well as Reef Farmers with give you a good place to start.

Start slow with the Softies and research what you want before you buy.

I equate reef tanks to dynamic, 3D puzzles. With each piece you add, the more difficult it is to keep a balance.
 
JJ4417, i don't have much info on the books. but know that the annual membership/support here on RC is worth its weight in gold for the Search capability :D.

i think i parked next to you last night if you had the USAT stickers on your ride. i bet you can teach me a lot about triathlon :).
 
Thanks for the sites...I'll add em to my favorites. Can anyone shoot me a link to a basic lighting faq? I mean what are my pc's equivalent to since the tank is only 20g? Most of these sights are saying high, med, or low light but don't have a description.

I only have one sticker on my ride...140.6. :) You might have parked next Shauna...she had the little tan 4 runner with a usat sticker on it. I don't know about teaching anyone anything, but I've picked up a tip here and there over the last couple of years.

Anyone recommed a book or two? Is Bornman's coral book any good? I saw a couple by Calfo as well. (I would rather have a book or two so I can read at work, they get a little tweaked if we use the computer for non-work stuff.)
 
Ooo another tri guy...?

btw, what did you get? I think I overheard John donating some frags for an event?
 
Thanks Dots. That's what I needed. The big set of books...is it just an ocean book, or does it speak to keeping corals?

Yea, I'm a tri guy. Just running right now. I haven't been on the bike since Idaho. I've got two big dogs that need exercise, and I am only working out once a day, so running is it. Thinking about Vineman half...
 
It is specifically a coral book that describes the types and locations of them. Its very technical and is a resource in helping SPSers id the 130+ Acropora and as many Montipora species, (Book 1) as I have seen it primarily used for. It is a very technical tool that is based on the wild orgin and natural locations of the pieces. It helps if your wanting to create a certain area, or are looking for a clue on placement for care.

Its not a basic book on reef aquariums or equipment but more of a field/biological reference.

it can also be found online, but I found the books themselves more accessible. I would recommend these due to the cost, the last set you buy when you are sure you want to stay in it, as it is not a "casual" set and more of reference/text book type.

here is the online form that looks like the book......look just how many "acros" there are..........but is missing the 50 or so pages that talk about structure and how to id them, its invaluable to me.

http://whelk.aims.gov.au/coralsearch/coralsearch.php
 
jj4417- Hey neighbor, I also live in Lincoln (twelve bridges), I've got several books that you can borrow to learn from. And although I'm not an expert on all this stuff, i can help you out with the basics and the thought process'. let me know if you need any help- Lance
 
pm sent rock.

thanks for the info folks. day off, so I'll get a lot done today and hit the frag swap thread...
 
The two books I would recommend you start with are:

The Consciencentious Marine Aquarist by Bob Fenner (also has www.wetwebmedia.com )

Aquarium Corals : Selection, Husbandry, and Natural History by Eric Borneman

After you read these books you will have the basic foundation to realize that there is an endless amount to learn in this hobby.
 
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