How to acclimate your new corals.

This is a question I get a lot, and while you can ask a dozen different people the best way to acclimate corals and get a dozen different answers, some coral acclimation tips are universal. 

Step 1: Equalize the temperature. Float your newly arrived corals in your aquarium, with the shipping bags still fully sealed, for about 10-15 minutes. This will allow the temperature to to equalize to your aquarium's temperature.

Step 2: Acclimate to your water and inspect. Open the bag and mix with some water from your aquarium at about a  50/50 ratio. Pour the water into a plastic container and inspect the specimen carefully so you can identify and remove any unwanted microalgae.

Step 3: Remove any unwanted reef pests from your new additions. The most important thing you can do for your new corals (and your existing corals), is to be sure you perform a coral dip on the new corals before introducing them to your tank. This can help eliminate parasites and pest organisms from your newly acquired little gems, and prevent them from wrecking your existing reef! I recommend using any of the following; Brightwell MediCoral, Coral RX Coral Dip, AquaVision Coral Dip, Two Little Fishies ReVive Coral Cleaner, or SeaChem Reef Dip.

The fact that there is an abundance of these products available from a variety of manufacturers really underscores the importance of performing dips! Be sure to follow the manufacturers directions closely.

Most dip instructions will have you add a specific amount of dip to you 50/50 water mix from step 2 above, allow the corals to sit in the mixture for a certain period of time, use a turkey baster to gently jet the medicated water into the nooks and crannies of the coral. After the recommended dip time period has elapsed, be sure to rinse it in a separate plastic container with clean aquarium water.

Step 4: Place the newly acquired specimen into your tank and wait for it to de-stress from the shipping. In no time at all it'll be extending it's polyps wanting to be fed!

The dip process may seem lengthy and a bit confusing, but it really is a simple process and it should only take an additional 10 minutes or so to do it. The long term benefits are immeasurable! It is easier and more cost effective to treat a new coral before it is introduced to your system, than it is to eradicate a pest problem from an established reef eco-system!