True corals are characterized by the presence of bony parts (sclerites) and the fact that their polyps work together as part of a larger structure. In contrast, the comparatively large polyps of zoanthids and mushroom anemones are each a distinct creature.
Several types of soft corals
As has already been mentioned in this article, the descriptor, this word is used to categorise a wide variety of animals with distinct features.
The Importance of Caring for Soft Coral
It would be, to put it mildly, difficult (or wrong) to provide care instructions for a collection of corals as large and diverse as this one. Here, though, I will make an attempt to focus on the most easily available varieties.
Many of the species are used extensively because they are thought to be appropriate for novices. Which features should one look for in a newly formed Montipora coral? You may expect good growth from these resistant plants since they need just low levels of light and moderate amounts of water flow, and they can tolerate aquarium conditions and, to a lesser extent, fluctuations in water quality. This is due to the fact that they may thrive with only an average quantity of light and water flow.
The similarity between toadstool, cabbage leather, finger leathers, devil’s hand, Capella, pulsing xenia, colt corals, and other corals may be better understood in this light. Normal reef aquarium water is fine for these corals to grow in.
Is there a way to speed up the development of soft coral?
Providing your tank with additional light (in the form of more PAR or a higher value of PAR) and feeding it often can help your soft coral grow more quickly. To ensure that my aquariums have enough food for all of my fish, I have used everything from freeze-dried cyclops and Reef Roids to simply blasting thawed frozen meals through the powerheads. In addition to the aforementioned nutritious phytoplankton, I have also been feeding rotifers and baby brine shrimp to the inhabitants of my aquariums.
Water chemistry and analytical techniques
Regular aquarium water testing for nitrates, pH, and salinity is essential for keeping soft corals alive and well. Checking ammonia and nitrite levels in the water is also important during tank setup; they were mentioned before. Ideally, the temperature should be maintained at around 76 degrees Celsius, the specific gravity should be around 1.025, and the pH should be in the range of 8.2 to 8.4. Keeping the water’s parameters at these readings shouldn’t present too many difficulties as long as a high-quality salt mixture is used.
