Setting Up A Saltwater Reef Tank
When it comes to setting up a reef tank, the types of coral you choose to stock your tank will have a direct impact on your success. If you are new to the saltwater aquarium hobby, you may want to start off small with a few hardy species of coral and work your way up to the more “advanced” species. Unless you do a little research beforehand, however, you may not know what types of corals are considered “beginner” species. We will provide you with a general overview of the different types of corals used in reef tanks so you can be sure to stock your tank properly.
IF WE DO NOT HAVE IT IN STOCK WE CAN ORDER IT
Our Inventory Changes Daily, Stop In Today Or Call Us At:
239-888-5345
SOFT CORALS
This group of corals belongs to the order Alcyonacea which includes several suborders and families. Unlike hard corals, soft corals have fleshy skeletons that may exhibit various types of movement. The bodies of soft coral are made up of spiny sclerites which provide structure for the coral while also creating a spiky texture that deters predators. These corals are more flexible in terms of placement in the reef tank as well – they can adapt to low-light conditions as long as they receive adequate nutrition. Soft corals come in a wide range of shapes and colors and they are also capable of expanding and retracting.
HARD CORALS
Corals grow in compact colonies made up of individual “polyps” spineless animals that are typically only a few millimeters wide and a few centimeters long. Hard corals, also called stony corals, often exhibit a branching or plated structure and they are generally more difficult to keep than soft corals. There are two types of hard coral large polyp stony (LPS) and small polyp stony (SPS). LPS corals have smaller skeletons with voluminous tissues growing on the top these corals may use water inflation to help keep their shape. SPS corals have dense, heavy skeletons made up myriad tiny polyps which form a sort of ‘skin’. This type of coral is adapted to strong water flow but requires a great deal of sunlight to thrive.
Saltwater Fish
We feature marine life from around the world. With our direct line of import we offer some of the best prices in the industry. In addition, we can have our collectors bring in those hard to find show pieces. We are sure to have just about anything a saltwater hobbyist might be looking for.
Saltwater Corals
Our store takes great pride in offering high quality corals from top quality aquaculture facilities and premium collectors. Many times, we hand select some of the best pieces available. With the ability to hold over 1000 1" frags we certainly have plenty to choose from.
Used Aquarium's
It's our belief that your hobby should be affordable as well as enjoyable. We work hard to negotiate the best prices we can get on all our used tanks and pass the savings down to you. Our inventory changes daily so come on in or tell us what your looking for and we'll find it.
Freshwater Fish
We have the most diverse collection of freshwater fish in Southwest Florida. We even house over a dozen species that are endangered or extinct in the wild. We breed some of our own fish right in the shop, and deal only with top quality breeders right here in our State.