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One of the best things that people can do these days is purchase reef livestock from a place that understands what corals truly need. Whether you are purchasing frags or entire colonies make sure their corals are healthy and happy. These creatures require proper calcium, magnesium, strontium, pH, and alkalinity to ensure proper coloration and growth. The corals for sale that they offer should also be fed regularly and kept under proper lighting as corals have a symbiotic relationship with the zooxanthellae within them. This algae produces food for the coral by utilizing light to provide the coral with nutrients for proper growth.

There are several different types of corals which include LPS corals, which stands for Large Polyps Stony corals. There is SPS corals, which stands for Small Polyp Stony corals. Softy corals, which are corals such a leather corals, Xenia coral, Mushroom corals, Colt coral, and Zoanthids. Zoanthids are certain type of coral that comes in many color variations which makes it a favorite among hobbyists. However, all Zoanthids should be placed further away from neighboring corals. Some examples of LPS corals are corals such as Hammer, Frogspawn, Acan, Lobophyllia, Trachyphyllia and Duncans, and Scolmyia. These corals consist of a single larger polyp of several large polyps grouped together to form a singular coral.

SPS corals are one of the most sought after corals for sale. They usually resemble the branches of tree and each branch is covered with dozens or hundreds of smaller polyps. SPS corals can also come in many different color variations and styles. Several types of stony corals are Acropora, Montipora, Stylophora, Seriatopora and Pocillopora. SPS corals are one of the most light intensive corals on the market. They need a good light source and can usually always benefit from being placed higher up in the aquarium.

Corals are a truly great addition to any reef tank. They can always benefit from supplemental feeding and need a tank that is properly maintained to ensure their growth. When researching corals make sure to be aware of how aggressive they are as some corals can produce different types of defenses that will cause them to potentially effect the neighboring corals. There are even a number of fish that will nip at corals and invertebrates and you will want to be aware of these as well. .

Quality test kits should also be purchased if you are considering purchasing corals for your reef tank. These test kits can ensure that your water parameters will always stay favorable to the corals. Proper water movement is also needed to keep corals in your reef tank. Small Polyp Stony corals often require higher water flow, while Large Polyp Stony corals require water flow that is moderate.

The food you feed your corals is almost as important as the water quality for your corals to thrive in your aquarium. Corals feed off of smaller particles also known as plankton. Both zooplankton and phytoplankton will go a long way when it comes to seeing your corals at their best. There are two methods for feeding corals. One is target feeding. This is where you take some sort of feeding device such as a turkey baster and feed the coral directly. The next is water column feeding. This is where you add plankton to your aquarium and the polyps of the coral will collect the particles out of the water column on their own. The best time to feed corals is at night. When the lights are off the majority of corals extend their feeding tentacles in anticipation of any free floating food that may be moving about the tank. However, you can elicit a feeding response during the day should you add a small amount of food to the tank. This will usually cause the coral to extend their tentacles once they have senses the food in the water.

Corals a great addition to almost any reef tank. They are a responsibility and require adequate attention in order to survive. With all the different colors and types of corals available, it's almost an endless array of variety that you can add to your home reef tank, bringing beauty to your home for years to come.