| Saltwater Reef Aquariums, Historically saltwater | | | | soft coral, that is tolerant of light, temperature, |
| aquarium owners have shied away from reefs. No | | | | changes in the tanks quality of water, and |
| one could understand why when these coral reefs | | | | currents. It is typically tan or gray or white. |
| were put into an aquarium the reef had a | | | | Although it can occasionally be found in round |
| depressingly short life span. Now, thanks to some | | | | domes the typical shape of the Siderastrea Coral |
| very persistent aquarium owners, fans of the | | | | is flat plates that can measure anywhere from |
| saltwater aquarium's can enjoy the beauty of | | | | 4-12 inches around. Pink Starlet Coral, Starlet |
| their very own coral reef. Their are reefs for | | | | Coral, and Lesser Starlet Coral are three names |
| every aquarium owner, from the raw beginner to | | | | that commonly refer to Siderastrea Coral. |
| the experienced professional. The saltwater | | | | Once the saltwater aquarium owner becomes |
| enthusiast can now find the saltwater coral that | | | | comfortable caring for his hardier varieties of coral |
| best suits their abilities, whether they are a rank | | | | they may wish to move onto something a little |
| beginner or an experienced professional. | | | | more challenging. |
| Zoanthus Coral is a wonderful choice for the | | | | Fish and coral seem to go together, some types |
| person who is just beginning to add coral reef to | | | | better then others. When an aquarium owner is |
| their saltwater aquarium. Reef enthusiast find that | | | | looking to purchase fish they must consider the |
| Zoanthus is a hardy coral that flourishes in most | | | | compatibility of the fish to the coral. It is also |
| saltwater tanks. Zoanthus coral does not like to | | | | important to make sure that the fish you are |
| be fed a meaty diet and prefers to have its food | | | | purchasing for your saltwater aquarium are |
| finely chopped. Zoanthus Coral can be found in a | | | | healthy. Take the time to examine their eyes, |
| variety of colors, many experienced saltwater | | | | scales, skin, abdomen, mouth and fins before |
| reef aquarium owners like to use Zoanthus as a | | | | making your final decision. |
| filer coral for their more temperamental varieties | | | | The eyes of your fish should be clear and bright. |
| of coral reef. Zianthus is also called Sea Mat and | | | | A cloudy film obscuring the eye could be a sign of |
| Bottom Polyps. | | | | an internal bacterial infection. A saltwater fish that |
| Another good variety of starter coral is Cladiella, | | | | has blotchy scales is a fish that is potentially |
| Cladiella is also commonly referred to as Colt | | | | dealing with an internal disease. Fish that have |
| Coral and Finger Leather Coral. The Cladiella Coral | | | | bruised mouths can sometimes lack an appetite, |
| is renowned for is adaptability. Anyone interested | | | | look for a fish with a firm unbruised mouth. Your |
| in using Cladiella Coral in their saltwater reef | | | | potential fish should have an abdomen that is firm, |
| aquarium must make sure that it is securely | | | | and gently rounded. The fins should be crisp and |
| anchored or it will not grow. | | | | clean. A fish that has scales that are ragged or |
| Something like Siderastrea Coral. Siderastrea is a | | | | one that's fins are starting to droop and sag. |