Coral Community
Reef lighting and water flow.
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A reef aquarium is a growing community. Two colonies that fit beside each other today may eventually occupy the same space, and similar colors or trade names do not guarantee compatibility. ## Contact can change the picture Tentacles, living tissue and other interactions can af…
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A new coral, a cleaned light cover or a changed fixture can alter exposure even when the aquarium looks familiar. An acclimation record makes the transition easier to understand. ## Start with the previous conditions Ask about earlier illumination and where the coral was positi…
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PAR is useful reefkeeping language, but the acronym and the number on a meter are often used interchangeably. Knowing what is being measured makes comparison more meaningful. ## A defined band of light Photosynthetically active radiation traditionally describes light in the 400…
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The first available gap in the rockwork may not be a useful long-term position. A placement plan should consider previous conditions, current exposure and room for the colony to change. ## Ask about the previous home Save the best-supported identification and ask the seller or …
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A powerhead percentage says little about the current that reaches a particular coral. Rockwork, pump direction and neighboring growth can create a very different local flow pattern. ## Look beyond the pump setting Observe the animal from more than one angle. Is tissue continuou…
