How to acclimate Corals & Dipping. (With pics!)

Discussion in 'Reef Aquarium Articles and How To's' started by DevinH, Apr 4, 2013.

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  1. DevinH

    DevinH Montipora Capricornis

    Joined:
    May 18, 2012
    Messages:
    1,015
    Location:
    Louisville, Kentucky
    Hello all,


    This is a guide of how I acclimate my corals.

    I use the following accessories

    AccuDrip
    Small 1 gallon bucket
    Coral RX

    Corals ordered from 3Reef Sponsor:
    Http://www.HappyCoral.com



    Step 1: Removing packaging

    Notice how good Happy Coral packs their corals.
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    Yep, they even use warmers in the colder months and coolers in the warmer months.
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    All smaller bags put into one large bag in case of any leaks
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    Step 2 - While leaving the corals in their bags with the water they came in float them, make sure NONE of your tank water is getting in these bags. I float for 15-30 minutes.
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    Step 3 - Remove the corals and begin draining the water they came in into where you will be acclimating them, in this case, a clean Red Sea Coral Pro salt bucket.
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    Happy Coral takes an extra step in protecting your coral by individually wrapping them as well.
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    Below are the 7 frags I ordered. Some corals may need to be acclimated separately rather than all together, please do you research on that.
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    Step 4 - Setup your AccuDrip to run from the DT to your acclimation chamber and begin to drip. Some people may suggest different acclimation times, I myself do a 1 hour minimum acclimation.
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    Below is the priming bulb for the AccuDrip - No getting water in your mouth! You can also see how many Drops Per Second are being sent to your Acclimation chamber.
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    Picture below is how you adjust the drip speed of the AccuDrip. I prefer 2 drips a second to 3 drips a second.
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    Step 5 - Time to dip your coral! Dipping your corals is very important. This will rid the corals of any pests/hitch hikers that may not be good for your tank, also good for dipping freshly fragged corals/damaged/sick corals. Follow the instructions carefully!
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    Step 6 - After following the dipping instructions, place the corals on the sand bed. Slowly raise the corals over the course of a few weeks, not exceeding 3-4 inches per week to allow time for the corals to acclimate to your lighting. Corals may not open for several days.
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    Last edited: Apr 4, 2013
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  3. DevinH

    DevinH Montipora Capricornis

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Louisville, Kentucky
  4. Marshall O

    Marshall O Giant Squid

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Central MA
    I have never drip acclimated corals, even ones shipped overnight. I just float the bags until the temperature is the same, use a bucket that I fill with half water they came in, and half tank water, dip with Coral Rx, and add to the tank (obviously start them off low in the tank). I have done this with SPS, LPS, mushrooms, and ricordeas with no issues that I could notice. Curious to see if others drip acclimate or not.
     
  5. skurious

    skurious Sailfin Tang

    Joined:
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    Messages:
    1,720
    Location:
    Cedar Rapids, IA
    im bad about acclimating, I think if get one of those drip acclimators then I will follow the property procedures.

    thanks for the write up.
     
  6. oldfishkeeper

    oldfishkeeper Giant Squid

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Cincinnati
    Nice write up Devin. I always appreciate step by step with pictures. Thank you for taking the time to do this as a reference. Good job! :)
     
  7. DSC reef

    DSC reef Giant Squid

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    Location:
    Cocoa, Florida
    Awesome write up and great pics. I acclimate like marshall O.
     
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  9. NYGiants

    NYGiants Coral Banded Shrimp

    Joined:
    Aug 26, 2010
    Messages:
    354
    Great write up! I will def be using this technique with my first coral that I receive on Wednesday... Thanks!