Introducing new corals to your reef tank is an exciting moment. However, proper acclimation and dipping procedures are vital for the health and longevity of your corals. This guide will walk you through every step needed to safely transition corals into your aquarium, safeguarding your investment and protecting your reef from harmful pests.
Corals are sensitive marine organisms. Even minor changes in water chemistry, temperature, or stress from shipping can harm them. Acclimation gently introduces your coral to your tank’s environment, while dipping ensures no unwanted hitchhikers like parasites or harmful organisms enter your system.
Neglecting these steps can lead to:
Coral bleaching
Tissue recession
Pest infestation
Coral death
Float the sealed bag containing your coral in your aquarium or sump for approximately 15–20 minutes. This ensures the water inside the bag matches your tank’s temperature, minimizing thermal shock.
Open the shipping bag carefully, then gently transfer the coral and shipping water into a clean, reef-safe container.
Use airline tubing to slowly drip water from your display tank into the acclimation container. Set the drip rate to about 1–2 drops per second, and allow the container’s water volume to double over a 20–30 minute period.
After acclimation, gently remove the coral from the container. Do not introduce shipping water into your tank. Briefly inspect the coral and gently rinse it in a separate container of clean aquarium water.
Popular and trusted dip solutions include:
Revive Coral Cleaner
Coral RX
Lugol’s Iodine
Bayer Advanced (use cautiously, primarily for experienced reefers)
Prepare your chosen dip solution in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, using a separate clean container and fresh tank water.
Place your coral gently into the dip solution, ensuring complete immersion. Soak the coral for 5–15 minutes, depending on the sensitivity and species.
During dipping, gently agitate the coral with a pipette or turkey baster. This helps dislodge pests or debris effectively.
After dipping, transfer your coral to another clean container with fresh aquarium water to rinse off the dip solution thoroughly.
Sensitive Corals: Species such as Acropora or Goniopora require shorter dips or a diluted solution to prevent stress.
Freshly Cut Frags: Newly fragged corals should be dipped cautiously with reduced dip times.
Pre-Dipped Corals: Even if previously dipped by the vendor, a brief, gentle dip and inspection are recommended.
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At Dream World Corals, we meticulously select, quarantine, and ship our corals with extreme care. While our frags and colonies arrive healthy and pest-free, acclimation and dipping are indispensable for your reef’s overall success and safety.
Always wash your hands thoroughly before handling corals.
Use dedicated containers and tools solely for coral care.
Keep a record of dipping and acclimation methods for future reference.
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Dream World Corals is a trusted online coral retailer specializing in hand-selected, ethically grown WYSIWYG corals. With an unwavering commitment to reef health, we provide hobbyists of all levels with premium corals backed by expert care, safe shipping, and our industry-leading 72-hour live arrival guarantee. Our mission is simple: help your reef thrive.
