| Aquarium owners once accustomed will hope to one | | | | period, snails and crabs if you have chosen them, can |
| day have many different kind of coral in their own | | | | be added. The tank should now be functioning as |
| saltwater tank - this is an absolute dream! Starter | | | | though you have already filled it with fish, so install a |
| kits can be purchased where you can take easy | | | | protein skimmer. Check to see that you have the |
| steps into growing your own piece of coral. This is a | | | | correct lighting and that the filters are doing their job. |
| much better way to start and is highly recommended | | | | The light should not be left on for any longer than 10 |
| against buying coral from a shop. Growing your own | | | | or 12 hours a day, as this can promote the growth |
| coral ensures that it is acclimatised to your tank. | | | | of algae. Once snails or crabs have been added, you |
| Before starting to set up and care for a coral | | | | should wait 2 more weeks. |
| aquarium, knowledge in this area is required as it is | | | | You have now reached Week 6, which is when you |
| not an easy process. It takes time which is | | | | can proceed with the next stage of adding your first |
| worthwhile in being able to showcase your own | | | | pieces of coral. For saltwater aquariums you will find |
| grown coral aquarium to its best. For some people, | | | | different types of coral including the common ones |
| buying fake coral is the easier option, when all it | | | | like Bullseye Mushroom coral, Button Polyp, Hairy |
| takes is patience of about up to 12 weeks, to create | | | | Mushroom Coral and the Yellow Polyp. The coral |
| your own piece of paradise underwater. A wonderful | | | | should be attached to live rock at the bottom of the |
| sense of achievement and a worthwhile project. | | | | tank when you add it. You can wait another 2 weeks |
| Firstly, you need to start off by assembling your | | | | - all the patience is worth it. It is now the 10th week |
| aquarium. Find an ideal area of your home to display | | | | when you can add Aquacultured Coral with types |
| the aquarium. Read the instructions carefully on how | | | | named Pumping Xenia, Spaghetti Finger Leather Coral |
| to set it up as in a freshwater tank. Before you add | | | | and Starburst Polyps as part of your collection of |
| the water, there are a few simple rules to follow. | | | | many. Again these should be placed on live rock as |
| The bottom of the tank is where you pour the sand | | | | with the first set of coral. |
| first, then followed by the addition of dechlorinated | | | | Your reef aquarium has now been successfully set up |
| water. Salt needs to be mixed in next, until it reaches | | | | and by the 10 to 12 week period, you will be ready |
| a specific gravity measuring 1.205. Decide where you | | | | to begin adding your choice of fish to your created |
| want to arrange your live rock after the water and | | | | underwater world. The process of setting up your |
| salt, then install the heater and finally, the hood of | | | | coral aquarium is a long and drawn out, but one well |
| the tank. You should then wait approximately 4 | | | | worth if for the long years ahead. Your own |
| weeks for the tank to settle before going ahead | | | | spectacularly created coral aquarium will give you |
| with the next move. | | | | years of enjoyment as you care for it and your living |
| Once the 4 weeks is over, it is time to add the first | | | | creatures. The aquarium will be something to be |
| living creatures to your tank. This will ensure that the | | | | admired and very relaxing in your home. Watch how |
| water is tested for the correct salt balance and | | | | your family and friends are impressed by your |
| stays that way, before you add your fish. During this | | | | creation! |