The easiest way to view and enjoy coral is to visit an aquarium. If you are thinking of growing coral in your home aquarium, Be prepared to invest in more than you would for a simple fish only aquarium. A good sized tank may be the simplest purchase. Remember it is a salt water environment, so you will need special filters and pumps and heaters and chillers to maintain the water moving, clean and at the right temperature.
Special attention will be required in selecting the lighting too. You will want to see them but they are sensitive to light. If it is too bright or the light changes they will recoil into themselves until they get accustom to the change in the lighting conditions. Their colour is actually from the algae that live on the coral.
I have not tried to identify any of these species but if you are interested, there is a lot of interesting information on the internet.
There are soft coral and hard coral varieties. The soft ones sway in the water currents that bring them food. Some even pulse on their own as if not knowing if they want to go out or stay in. Maybe you have a dog like that.
Now for the more part of this blog. A few showed up late for the Wordless Wednesday roll call.
Would you rather go swimming to see these wonderful life forms?
I remember my cousin sending me coral from Bermuda, years ago- NOT sure you’re supposed to be sending coral out of Bermuda but it was done. Anyhow- some coral is something to behold. But never thought of growing coral….a very interesting article. WOW- if willing to invest in it, of course, I can grow my own coral- with the right lighting and all, of course.
What you received was probably dead coral that would have been the home for today’s living coral.
I love to SCUBA dive and have seen many beautiful coral reefs all around the world. I love to see them live and honestly have never thought about creating an environment at home to see them.
For me, to see them ina the vast ocean is the way to see them, not in a ‘small’ 55-gal tank. My dad had many fish tanks growing up and never tried a salt water environment dues to the complexities of maintaining it. Thay could also be a reason why I don’t want to have my own coral tank at home.
Thanks for sharing, Doug!
Even a 10 gallon fresh water tank can be a weekly chore that takes time away from other things that may be more enjoyable or profitable.
Once again beautiful pictures! If all goes as planned we will be taking Lia to Ripley’s on her week long 3 year old celebration!
Have a great week of celebration