Quarantining new corals is a critical step in protecting your reef tank from harmful pests, parasites, and pathogens. This guide walks you through the why, when, and how of coral quarantine—covering setup essentials, observation periods, dipping protocols, and what signs to watch for. Safeguard your reef’s health with proactive quarantine practices every responsible aquarist should follow.
Even healthy-looking corals from trusted sources can carry:
Flatworms (AEFW, red planaria)
Nudibranchs (zoa eaters, monti-eaters)
Spaghetti worms, vermetid snails, bristleworms
Algae spores or bacterial infections
Quarantine prevents introducing these pests to your main display—saving time, money, and livestock.
Equipment
Purpose
5–20 gallon tank or tub
Holds coral during isolation
Heater
Maintain stable 77–78°F
Light (basic LED or T5)
Moderate PAR (80–120)
Small powerhead or air stone
Provides flow and oxygen
Egg crate or frag rack
Keeps frags elevated
Test kits
Monitor parameters
Cover
Reduce evaporation
Optional: Protein skimmer or sponge filter if QT lasts longer than 2 weeks.
Product | Use Case |
|---|---|
ReVive Coral Cleaner | General disinfectant dip |
Bayer Advanced Insect Killer | Kills AEFW and pests (NOT for inverts) |
Iodine (Lugol’s) | Tissue disinfectant, frag healing |
CoralRX | Mixed pest control |
Hydrogen peroxide (3%) | Spot treatment for algae/tissue issues |
⚠️ Never dip SPS in hydrogen peroxide. Always rinse corals after dipping.
Use a magnifying glass or macro lens
Check for eggs, bite marks, or discoloration
Trim suspicious tissue/frags
Mix dip solution per label
Dip coral for recommended time (usually 5–15 mins)
Swirl gently or use baster to dislodge hitchhikers
Rinse coral in fresh tank water before moving to QT
Keep coral under light and flow
Feed as normal (target feed LPS)
Use turkey baster every few days to blast pests
Watch for eggs, tissue loss, or parasite signs
Redip before placing into your main reef
Scrape off any visible algae or pests
Acclimate coral to display tank lighting and flow
Label and separate QT tools from display tank gear
Do not mix inverts or fish into coral QT
Test parameters weekly—treat it like a mini reef
Avoid chemical filtration (GFO, carbon) unless needed
Photograph weekly to track changes or issues
Pest | Sign | Common Hosts |
|---|---|---|
AEFW (flatworms) | Bite marks on SPS | Acropora |
Zoa nudibranchs | Zoa retraction, frilly white worms | Zoanthids |
Vermetid snails | Web-like strands, irritation | All corals |
Red planaria | Rust-colored worms | LPS, zoas, softies |
Monti-eating nudis | Tissue loss on Montipora | Montipora corals |
Quarantining corals isn’t just for experts—it’s reef insurance. Taking 1–3 weeks to isolate, inspect, and treat new additions can save your entire tank from months of pest battles and losses.
Even trusted coral sellers can unknowingly pass along hitchhikers. Quarantine is the responsible path for any serious reef keeper.
Discover Dream World Corals' exclusive, ethically sourced WYSIWYG corals, delivered safely with our 72-hour live arrival guarantee.
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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.
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