Have you ever thought that a reef tank is no less than a piece of art? Fortunately for you, this natural art requires less time and effort and has a fantastic effect on the spectators. Coral reefs are majestic, and if you wish to add them into your tank, all you need is good planning. Here’s a complete guide on the best options for a fish tank coral. Let’s dive right into the world of beautiful corals!
Can you add Corals on the top of a Tank?
It is necessary to understand that light, weather, and water conditions are different for different places inside the tank. All these factors contribute to the longevity of your little aquarium. If you plan to introduce corals in your upper tank, make sure to pick a coral that can survive here.
Not many people know, but the top layer of a tank is the most challenging area to fill with a reef. Those who are keeping them for the first time may not even get successful in filling the tank. Only the experienced reefers can fill up to the reef tank’s top layer with differently arranged corals.
Which Corals to add to Your tank?
The two most popular choices for fish tank coral are SPS corals such as Acropora and Montipora. Each one of these requires different conditions, placement, and setting. Here is an evaluation of general requirements necessary to sustain corals on the top of a tank.
Lighting
The biggest problem that hits while adding corals to the top rockwork, and the bottom line is the lighting condition. The light inside a tank is usually measured in Photosynthetic Active Radiation (also called “PAR”). As you may know, most corals are photosynthetic means; they produce their food in the presence of sunlight, so this parameter to measure light becomes extremely practical. If the PAR value is higher in a tank, it will allow more light to reach these corals ensuring better health and growth conditions.
When light reaches from top to bottom, most of its intensity is lost. Contrary to the assumption, the light doesn’t get lost linearly. If, for example, there is an 800 PAR light reaching the top of the tank, only 6 PAR might go below the surface. And while getting to the bottom, it may reduce to 400 PAR. It shows that light availability decreases from the top to the bottom layers.
Lighting is a major consideration while placing corals at the top of a tank. Putting them at the top means that they will receive maximum light, which is not always a good thing. There are chances that they may not tolerate it and die. That’s why you see more coral reefs at the bottom of an ocean than in top layers. So what you will be mainly looking for are the corals, which can tolerate the light well to fill the top layer.
Water Flow
Understanding water flow is no rocket science! It’s just plain old common sense. Water flows more on the top layers as compared to the bottom of the ocean. The same thing is true for a tank where the top level has more water flow. If you are placing corals at the top layer, ensure that they can stand the water flow and are not damaged by it. There are different corals types, and some of them are soft corals such as zoanthids and mushrooms. These soft corals cannot live on the top of a tank. So either moves them away and adjust them according to the powerhead. Pick hard corals that can grow well on top layers.
Growth Pattern
If the light and water flow are controlled, the corals will start growing in no time. But while these corals grow, it is necessary to understand the pattern of their growth. Usually, those corals which grow straight in the linear form are the best for the top tank. They can tolerate the light and flow better than other corals, which may grow horizontally. If you place horizontally growing corals, there are chances that space will be filled, and the aquarium will look crowded.
Best options in top rock corals
There is a list of top choices that go perfectly for filling the top of a reef tank without any delay. You can pick any or combine them to cover your aquarium.
Acropora Coral
The first and the best option for the top of your fish tank coral is Acropora coral or probably its closest species, an Acropora. These two are notoriously stubborn and can grow into a new coral reef tank raised by a first-timer. Thus, Acropora is sometimes called the king of a top reef tank, which can live and survive better than all other corals. Unlike most corals, Acropora loves the high availability of light, more flow, and growing upwards, strengthening their structure. There is absolutely nothing that can go wrong with an Acropora colony.
Birdsnest Coral
Birdsnest Coral is a small polyp stony (SPS) type of coral, probably the most water tolerant coral. If this is your first time with corals, birdnest will make sure to meet your expectations as it is least bothered by the changes in water and can live in any circumstances. But it doesn’t give a reason to completely ignore the water quality and placement next to a powerhead. Maintaining water quality is necessary not only for corals but also for other tank mates. Likewise, water flow must be moderate, if not perfect, to allow all species to grow. It’s just that if someone is experimenting with the top corals, birdnest makes the right choice.
Pocillopora Coral
Pocillopora stands between Acropora and birds nest coral in terms of management and the difficulty level of maintenance. Based on how you plan to grow it inside your tank, it can fall on either side of this difficulty scale. If you have already dealt with birds nest coral, handling up pocillopora for filing in the top of a reef tank will become easier. If not, this situation might be challenging for you.
Pocillopora may not be the first choice or the easiest handling of SPS coral. But the reason to prefer it over several other corals is their outlook. These corals are beautiful and attractive, so adding them to the top layer gives your little tank a complete coral reef look.
Nephthea Leather Coral
If you are more into soft corals, the Nepthea leather coral is a good option. It stands out for its astonishingly distinct look. You may not know this, but this Nepthea leather coral was once an endangered species. It is now commonly available, and hobbyists like to add it to their reef tanks for good reasons.
It can tolerate medium light and flow. Also, it follows an upward growth arrangement, which most SPS corals do. For this reason, adding them to the top of rocks is a practical idea.
Candy Cane Coral
Candy cane coral is a long polyp stony coral (LPS). These long polyp stony coral (LPS) corals are generally not ideal for filling the top of reef aquariums. Unlike small polyp stony (SPS), these long polyp stony corals (LPS) need lesser light and low flow. They have a fleshy body that can’t stand extreme aquatic conditions. However, some experienced hobbyists can successfully grow them on the top of the reef tank by adding an LPS on higher levels. You can never place a long polyp stony coral on the top of a small polyp coral. They only grow well when light and flow conditions are moderate.
The Final Word
If you are new to this hobby, don’t panic because it will take time for things to settle. The fish tank coral grows fast but expecting them to grow within a couple of hours is unrealistic. Adjust your controlling factors and pick the corals, which can tolerate the aquatic conditions well. Try to pick corals that are brightly colored as they can add more aesthetic beauty to your tank. If you only need a pop of color, choose the single polyps such as zoanthids.
Don’t give up if you don’t see progress in your first experience. Never lose hope! This whole process can teach you patience and some first-hand experience on what not to do when you’re adding corals on top of the reef tank. Use this information and grow your little piece of reef art at home. We’ll be cheering for you!
