LPS Coral Care, dipping, and adding to your aquarium

LPS Coral care for reef aquariums

LPS corals, or Large Polyp Stony corals, are a popular choice for aquarium enthusiasts. These corals are named after their large polyps, which are visible to the naked eye. They are known for their bright, vivid colors and unique shapes, making them a popular choice for reef tanks.

There are many different types of LPS corals, with some of the most popular being Brain Coral, Torch Coral, and Hammer Corals. These corals require a bit more care than their soft coral counterparts, but they are still relatively easy to maintain.

One of the benefits of LPS corals is that they are relatively resilient and can adapt to different lighting and water conditions. However, they do require strong lighting and regular water changes to thrive. It is recommended to provide them with a moderate to high flow of water to help remove waste and prevent debris build-up.

Feeding is also an important aspect of LPS coral care. While they can survive on microorganisms and other organic matter found in the water, they will benefit from additional feeding. LPS corals can be fed with small, meaty pieces of fish and shrimp, and some species also benefit from phytoplankton and other small organisms. Here at Koralkingdom we feed our LPS corals sinking fish pellet foods with high protein.

In terms of tank setup, it is recommended to provide LPS corals with a solid base, such as live rock or sand, as well as ample space to grow and expand. It is also important to ensure that the water conditions are stable, including temperature, pH, and salinity.

Overall, LPS corals can provide a beautiful addition to any aquarium. While they require a bit more care than soft corals, they are still relatively easy to maintain with the proper lighting, water conditions, and feeding. It is important to do research and seek advice from experienced aquarists before adding any new species to your tank.

Adding LPS corals to your aquarium 

LPS (Large Polyp Stony) Corals are a beautiful addition to any aquarium, and their health and success in the aquarium are dependent on proper acclimation and dipping. It is important to acclimate and dip corals to prevent the introduction of harmful pests and diseases to your tank. Here's how to acclimate and dip your corals to ensure their longevity and continued growth in your aquarium.

Acclimating Corals and Dipping Corals

1. Turn off aquarium lights: Acclimating corals is a stressful process for them, and turning off the aquarium lights can reduce their stress levels.
2. Float the bag: Once you receive your corals, float the bag in the aquarium for around 5-10 minutes. Ensure the water temperature in the bag matches the aquarium temperature before proceeding.
3. Slowly drip water: After floating for 20 minutes, empty the contents of the bag into a bucket or container filled with aquarium water. Then, take a small airline tubing and drip the aquarium water into the container every few seconds. This allows the coral to slowly acclimate to the new water conditions.
4. Mix a coral dip: In a separate container, mix a coral dip according to the package instructions. The dip will usually contain ingredients like iodine, potassium, and other antiseptics that will kill unwanted pests.
5. agitate the water for around 5 to 10 minutes.
6. Rinse the coral: After the dipping process, rinse the coral in a separate container filled with aquarium water to ensure all the dip has been removed.
7. Place the coral: After the drip acclimation process is complete, you are now ready to place the coral into the aquarium.

In conclusion, acclimation and dipping of all your new corals are a crucial step in successfully adding them to your aquarium. Proper acclimation and dipping can prevent the introduction of harmful pests and diseases to your tank, ensuring the continued growth and health of your corals. Follow the above guided steps to make sure your corals adapt well to your aquarium. 

Remember to check out more guides at Koralkingdom.

Keeping and maintaining LPS corals long term

Keeping corals healthy in an aquarium requires more than just a beautiful display. It involves careful consideration of water quality, lighting, and food sources. A crucial factor in maintaining long-term coral health is providing a stable and consistent environment.

One of the most important steps in maintaining good coral health is regular water quality testing. Water parameters such as temperature, pH, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate should be tested regularly, and adjustments should be made as needed. Investing in a quality skimmer can also help to remove excess nutrients and improve water quality. 

Another crucial factor in maintaining coral health is proper lighting. Corals rely on light for photosynthesis, which means they need a balanced spectrum of light to thrive. A lighting system that provides both blue and white light can help to create an ideal environment for coral growth. Additionally, it's important to consider light intensity and duration to prevent overexposure.  Koralkingdom uses the Mobius app for their templates for lighting.  It can work for AI and Radion products and we highly recommend you try it.

Feeding corals can also play a role in their long-term health. While some corals can survive on photosynthesis alone, many require additional food sources. Feeding your corals a varied diet of small, nutrient-rich foods, such as zooplankton, can help to keep them healthy and promote growth.  Reef roids and other small particle foods are great.  We first dissolve the food into a cup of aquarium water then pour it in front of a power head to disperse the food to the corals.  Turning off the Sump pump for about 15 minutes would help the food not get filtered out delivering more food to your corals.

Proper husbandry practices can also help to prevent common coral diseases or pests. Quarantining new additions to the aquarium and maintaining good water quality can help to prevent the spread of diseases, while proper cleaning practices can help to remove unwanted algae or pests.

In summary, maintaining long-term coral health in an aquarium requires careful consideration of water quality, lighting, and feeding practices. By providing stable and consistent environments, corals can thrive, adding to the beauty and diversity of your aquarium.