How to Securely Place Corals on Live Rock in Reef Tanks
1. Choosing the Right Live Rock
- Stability: Select rocks with flat surfaces or crevices to prevent coral displacement. Fragile corals (e.g., Acropora) require stable placements to avoid breakage.
- Chemical Safety: New rocks should be cured to remove toxins (e.g., copper) that can harm corals.
2. Placement Techniques
- Epoxy Adhesive: For heavy corals (e.g., Brain corals), use reef-safe epoxy to bond the base to the rock. Apply a small amount, press gently, and hold for 30–60 seconds until set.
- Rubber Bands: Soft corals (e.g., Mushrooms) can be temporarily secured with rubber bands wrapped around the rock and coral base. Replace them with adhesive once the coral attaches naturally.
- Frag Plugs: Small corals (e.g., Zoas) are best glued to ceramic plugs first, then placed in rock crevices for stability.
3. Species-Specific Considerations
- LPS Corals: Place at the base of rocks to prevent polyps from trapping debris. Ensure moderate water flow to avoid tissue necrosis.
- SPS Corals: Position higher in the tank to maximize light exposure (PAR 200–400). Avoid direct contact with aggressive neighbors to prevent chemical warfare.
- Soft Corals: Many (e.g., Leather corals) attach naturally to rocks. Ensure gaps of 5–10 cm from other corals to prevent competition.
4. Post-Placement Care
- Acclimation: Place corals in low-light zones initially, gradually moving them to target locations over 2–4 weeks to avoid stress.
- Monitoring: Check for signs of poor attachment (e.g., coral falling) or tissue recession. Adjust flow/light if needed.
Conclusion: Proper coral placement on live rock requires stable substrates, species-specific techniques, and post-placement monitoring. Combining adhesives, natural attachment, and gradual acclimation ensures long-term success.