The majority of saltwater aquarium coral and algae grow quickly and are easy to care for making them ideal for the novice aquarist. In one year a soft coral can double in size and quantity. To keep soft corals healthy you need to make sure that a strong current is available. You can do this using powerheads. Never direct them at the coral but allow the current to wash the surrounding areas. You will need excellent water quality at a specific gravity around 1.025 and a pH of 8.3.
Soft corals differ from hard corals by their tentacles – soft corals have eight while hard corals have tentacles in multiples of six. Usually soft corals have no external skeleton, but numerous tiny spicules located in their body tissue. The corals exist in colonies that are made up of a hollow cylinder, called a polyp. This polyp has hair-like flagella that are used to pump water throughout its body. Saltwater aquarium coral and algae are the masters of the marine environment!
The coral’s main body is made up of an inner and outer layer. These layers are held together by connective collagen fibers. The inner layer of the coral is made up of digestive cells and the collagen layer makes the coral stable. Saltwater aquarium coral and algae can actually live together in harmony. Soft corals might also have symbiotic dinoflagellate algae or ‘zooxanthellae’ living inside their bodies.
These algae provide the coral with food. They are repaid by getting a safe home to live in. Almost all corals feed on zooplankton from the water which they catch using their tentacles. Corals that don’t have these organisms might need to be fed with a special micro feed. Make sure that whatever saltwater aquarium coral and algae you choose you understand its nutrient requirements.
Saltwater aquarium coral and algae combinations defend their territory from unwelcome guests by putting out toxic chemical compounds. These toxins make sure that nearby animals and algae don’t grow as well as they would normally. The chemicals also defend them against fish and crustacean predators. When it comes to soft corals, snails are likely to be a problem. They bury themselves in the polyp and eat the coral. Soft corals are able to move around, but only very slowly. They make a path by excreting toxins but once they feel safe they will probably stay put.
Soft corals live in a colony so they reproduce by asexual budding. This is where a tiny replica of itself is broken off from the main body. The “copy” goes on to establish a new colony and territory. There are also corals that reproduce by spawning. The polyps have both male and female organs so sperm and eggs are released alternately to make new colonies of coral. Saltwater aquarium coral and algae are indeed fascinating creatures!
Saltwater aquarium coral and algae are an important part of your marine tank so make sure you know how to care for them properly by studying the needs of each an every organism in your tank. The saltwater aquarium coral and algae that you choose should be appealing to you but also be able to live happy, healthy lives in your marine tank. By all means pick the ones you enjoy the most but make sure that your saltwater aquarium coral and algae are happy too!
Enjoy choosing the right saltwater aquarium coral and algae for your reef tank!
