Acclimation

Proper Acclimation of New Corals

Proper acclimation helps reduce stress and gives new corals the best chance to adjust successfully after shipping. Because corals have already experienced darkness, temperature shifts, and transit stress, a calm and careful introduction is important.

This process is simple and should take less than 30 minutes.

Step 1: Turn Off or Dim the Lights

Corals should not be exposed to intense lighting immediately after shipping. Turn off or dim your aquarium lights before opening the shipment to help reduce light shock.

Step 2: Transfer the Coral to a Small Container

Carefully empty the coral and shipping water into a clean small tub or container. If preferred, individual corals can be placed in separate containers, but many hobbyists acclimate multiple corals together when appropriate.

Step 3: Slowly Add Aquarium Water

Add small amounts of aquarium water to the container every few minutes. A good starting point is about 1/2 cup at a time until the coral has gradually adjusted to your tank’s parameters.

This helps reduce stress from changes in salinity, pH, and temperature. The acclimation process should generally be completed within 30 minutes.

Step 4: Dip if Needed

Many hobbyists choose to dip new corals before placement to help reduce the risk of introducing flatworms, nudibranchs, red bugs, and other unwanted hitchhikers.

If you choose to dip, follow the product directions carefully and rinse the coral in clean aquarium water before placement. For hobbyists looking for added protection against flatworms on incoming corals, Wormageddon Flatworm Coral Dip can be used as part of the intake process.

Step 5: Place the Coral in Lower Light and Appropriate Flow

After acclimation, place the coral in an area with lower light and appropriate flow so it can adjust gradually. Avoid placing newly arrived corals directly under intense lighting.

Most corals benefit from a few days of adjustment before being moved higher in the tank if needed.

Step 6: Observe Closely

Monitor the coral over the next several days for signs of stress, tissue damage, pests, or poor polyp extension. Early observation can help you catch problems before they spread.

If you use a quarantine system, acclimate the coral there first before introducing it into your display tank.

Final Tip

Take your time, keep the process simple, and avoid rushing new arrivals into bright light or high flow. A calm, careful acclimation process can make a major difference in how well new corals settle in.

Questions about new arrivals or coral care? Contact Coral Life at [email protected].