Live Stock Strategy Question

Here is a question.... is there any advantage or disadvantage to start with small frags or larger specimens??

M

 

When you get a frag, it’s cheaper than a large colony.
Coral are like plants in the sense that they grow.
So it’s like buying a seedling, instead of a tree or bush.

The only disadvantage is, most coral grow slow, so it will take longer to look like a reef.

 

Ricordeas are a great starter coral, Its what I started with and they are very colorful. As for the size question, Depends how patient I guess you are, Instant reef vs Watch it grow slowly(some cases faster)... Lots of money vs more economical.

 

Thanks. Seedlings and watching it grow are fine... and part of the fun. Frags it is.

Mark

 

I like buying frags and small/baby fish, thin I watch them grow;D

 

Mark

with easy corals like GSP, Zoanthids, Anthellia , small frags are great IMO as they can grow at decent rates under the right conditions so the smaller you start, the longer you can keep them before they take over

if you eventually decide to move to the more advanced corals, frags are an ideal way of developing the additional disciplines you need to learn in order maintain these

Steve

 

+1 on frags and growing in. Not only do you get to watch them grow in but you have something that has grown up accustomed to your setup and parameters. I believe it makes them more hardy in the long run having grown in certain conditions unless your tank is unstable in which case it might not necessarily be a benefit.

Just in case this hasn't been mentioned before be careful with some types of coral, especially some of the "starter" ones because they can grow out of control and can very easily become a pest. Some types of mushroom, Discosoma genus I believe mostly (Ricordia are much less likely to become a pest I think due to reproductive rate), can really take over tanks and can be difficult to get rid of as well as GSP and Xenia/Anthelia.
No offense Steve, didn't mean to pick on your post it was just convenient.

 

I will consider myself successful when I start getting "pest" corals that are growing that well.

M

 

I have read that small frags under 1 or 2 inches have a higher survival rate in tanks.
Ricordeas are as easy as mushrooms, I like greens, reds and super blues.
zoos are easy too, just do not touch them if you have cuts(it could be BAD), they like more light than mushrooms so put them high.
MOST IMPORTANT
test your water every week for nitrate/ph/kh/ maybe calcium too.
if and once your levels are stable <15,/8.2/8-12 and above 350ppm
you can keep any coral you like.

 

I think my tank is stable with good parameters now, but I am waiting a few weeks just to make sure. I also want to finish building my system. I have a few things still coming in... AC Jr. Controller, automated two-part dosing system for Ca/Alk/Mg. I am building into my cabinet refill ports for Ca/Alk/Mg/ATO/Water Changes. I should have all that finished in the next two weeks and then be ready to sart slowly adding corals and a few fish.

Slowly getting there.... I am actually going to be somewhat bummed when I finish the set up... it has been lots of fun. I plan to add things very slowly since my bioload will changing a lot with both growth and additions, I want to go slow and make sure everything stays stable.

M