| As more and more people set up saltwater | | | | florescent tubes for lighting, it may be better to |
| aquariums, more are also adding coral to the | | | | place the coral closer to the surface. This species of |
| décor. As with any living thing, it is best to | | | | coral prefers low movement of the water. Be sure |
| understand the creature and how to care for it | | | | not to place it in any direct current. Doing so will |
| properly before bringing it home. Coral is no different | | | | cause the coral's vesicles to remain closed. This will |
| as it is a live animal that you will be adding to your | | | | eventually result in death. |
| tank. The care and maintenance of coral should be | | | | When you have the coral situated in the aquarium, |
| well understood before making the final decision to | | | | you must remember it is a living animal and must eat |
| add this beautiful animal to your aquarium. | | | | just as your fish do. For bubble coral, feed it shrimp |
| The most common species of coral that are used in | | | | or small pieces of clam one to two times a week. |
| aquariums are called bubble coral. Due to the fact | | | | Place the food morsels on the polyp of the coral. |
| that they are so common, we will use this species as | | | | Any food that is trapped by the tentacles or among |
| a guideline. Within the bubble coral family, there are | | | | vesicles, will be eaten almost immediately. It is |
| three subspecies. They are simple bubble coral, pearl | | | | important not to overfeed the coral or your fish. |
| bubble coral and grape bubble coral. They are all | | | | Algae is a pest that will cause damage or even death |
| cared for in the same way, so they will be referred | | | | of the coral. Keep the algae as controlled as possible |
| to as bubble coral throughout the rest of the article. | | | | by scheduled and routine cleaning of your aquarium. |
| One of the most important things to know about | | | | Bubble coral may also get flat worms. These worms |
| your coral is how to space them when you add them | | | | are easily spotted and usually appear as circular spots |
| to the tank. Bubble coral have long tentacles which | | | | on the coral's vesicles. They are not a cause for |
| are armed with stinging cells. Mostly, they remain | | | | alarm and usually do little damage if any. However, if |
| retracted until nightfall, when they are extended to | | | | you notice a significant amount or a large population |
| aid in feeding habits. These tentacles will sting | | | | of these worms, you will have to take action as they |
| neighboring coral if they are close enough. Be aware | | | | could cause death. |
| of this as you position the coral in your tank and try | | | | Coral is a wonderful addition to any aquarium. Many |
| to keep coral pieces at least 6 inches away from | | | | people are uninformed as to how to care for this |
| others. | | | | animal. It is advised that you learn all you can about |
| As your consider the placement. Also take into | | | | the animal, how it functions and lives before adding it |
| consideration the available lighting where they are | | | | to the aquarium. Once you have the knowledge and |
| placed. If you have additional light sources aside from | | | | can properly care for it, coral will help to create a |
| the tube in the hood, bubble coral should do well | | | | studding underwater paradise. |
| anywhere in the tank. If you are using the included | | | | |