If you’re a reef tank enthusiast, you know that corals are the cornerstone of your aquarium’s ecosystem. However, finding the perfect coral in your local pet store can be challenging. That’s why buying coral online has become increasingly popular. Not only does it offer a wider selection of corals, but it also allows you to purchase them from reputable vendors across the country.
When it comes to buying coral online, it’s crucial to do your research first. You want to make sure you’re purchasing from a reliable and trustworthy source. Fortunately, there are many reputable online coral vendors that offer a diverse range of corals, from softies to SPS. At Sunnyside corals we provide detailed descriptions of each coral, including its care requirements and photos of the actual coral you’ll receive.Fortunately this is also typical of most vendors. This way, you can make an informed decision and find the perfect coral for your tank.
Benefits of Buying Coral Online
When it comes to buying coral, there are many benefits to shopping online. Here are some of the advantages of buying coral online:
Wide Selection
Online coral stores often have a much wider selection than local fish stores. They can offer a variety of coral species, colors, and sizes. This means that you have more options to choose from and can find the perfect coral for your reef tank.
Convenience
Shopping for coral online is convenient because you can do it from the comfort of your own home. You don’t have to worry about driving to a local store, finding parking, and dealing with crowds. Plus, online stores are usually open 24/7, so you can shop whenever it’s convenient for you.
Competitive Pricing
Online coral stores often offer competitive pricing because they don’t have the overhead costs of a physical store. This means that you can often find great deals on high-quality coral.Â
Quality Assurance
Reputable online coral stores often have strict quality assurance measures in place. This means that you can be confident that the coral you receive will be healthy and free from disease. At Sunnyside Corals we have several processes in place to ensure the health of our coral before it enters our systems as well as while it’s in our care. These processes allow us to be sure that we are delivering the best possible product.Â
Expert Advice
Many online coral stores have experts on staff who can offer advice and answer any questions you may have about caring for your coral. This can be especially helpful if you are new to reef keeping or are unsure about which coral species to choose.Â
Overall, buying coral online can be a great option for those looking for a wide selection, competitive pricing, convenience, quality assurance, and expert advice.
Factors to Consider Before Buying Coral Online
When it comes to buying coral online, there are several factors to consider to ensure that you get the best possible experience. In this section, we will discuss some of the most important factors to consider before making a purchase.
Types of Coral Available Online
One of the most significant advantages of buying coral online is the wide variety of species and types available. From soft corals to hard corals, there are many different types of coral to choose from. Before making a purchase, it’s essential to research the different types of coral available to ensure that you get the right species for your aquarium.Â
Seller Reputation
The reputation of the seller is an important factor to consider when buying coral online. It’s essential to choose a reputable seller with a history of providing high-quality coral. You can research the seller’s reputation by reading reviews and asking for recommendations from other aquarium hobbyists.
Shipping and Handling
Shipping and handling are crucial factors to consider when buying coral online. Coral is a delicate organism that requires careful handling to ensure that it arrives in good condition. It’s important to choose a seller that uses high-quality packaging materials and has experience shipping coral.
Pricing
Pricing is another important factor to consider when buying coral online. While it’s essential to find a good deal, it’s important not to sacrifice quality for price. It’s important to research the market price of the coral you want to buy to ensure that you’re getting a fair price.
In conclusion, buying coral online can be a great way to expand your aquarium’s diversity. However, it’s essential to consider factors such as the types of coral available, the seller’s reputation, shipping and handling, and pricing to ensure that you get the best possible experience.
How to Buy Coral Online
If you’re new to buying coral online, it can be overwhelming to navigate through the many online stores and select the right coral for your tank. Here’s a simple guide on how to buy coral online.
Research and Compare Online Coral Stores
The first step in buying coral online is to research and compare online coral stores. There are many online stores that sell coral, so it’s important to find a reputable store that offers high-quality coral and good customer service. Look for online reviews and ratings to help you find a reliable store.
Compare the prices of the coral you’re interested in across different online stores. Make sure to also check the shipping costs and policies of each store.
Selecting the Right Coral
Once you’ve found a reputable online store, it’s time to select the right coral for your tank. Consider the following factors:
- Compatibility with your tank: Make sure the coral you’re interested in is compatible with your tank’s water parameters and lighting.
- Size: Consider the size of the coral and whether it will fit in your tank.
- Color and appearance: Choose a coral that matches your aesthetic preferences.
After you’ve selected the right coral, it’s time to place your order!
Tips for Maintaining Your Online-Purchased Coral
When it comes to maintaining your online-purchased coral, there are several things you need to keep in mind. In this section, we will discuss the acclimation process, lighting and water quality, as well as feeding and nutrient requirements.
Acclimation Process
Acclimation is an important step in ensuring the health and survival of your new coral. Here are some tips to follow during the acclimation process:
- Slowly acclimate the coral to your tank’s water temperature by floating the bag in the tank for at least 15 minutes.
- Gradually add small amounts of your tank water to the bag over the course of an hour or two.
- Use a coral dip to help prevent the introduction of any unwanted pests or diseases.
For a more detailed guide check out our Acclimation Process Guide here.Â
Lighting and Water Quality
Proper lighting and water quality are essential for the growth and survival of our coral. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Make sure your lighting is appropriate for the type of coral you have purchased. Some corals require high-intensity lighting, while others require less.
- Test your water regularly to ensure that the pH, salinity, and nutrient levels are within the appropriate range for your coral.
- Consider using a protein skimmer to help remove excess nutrients from your tank’s water.
For a more detailed guide check our tank lighting post.Â
Feeding and Nutrient Requirements
Feeding our coral is important to ensure that they receive the nutrients they need to grow and thrive. Here are some tips to follow:
- Research the specific feeding requirements of your coral. Some corals require regular feedings, while others do not.
- Feed your coral a variety of foods, such as phytoplankton and zooplankton, to ensure that they receive a balanced diet.
- Do not overfeed your coral, as this can lead to excess nutrient levels in your tank’s water.
For more information on different types of coral and their necessary care, check out our category pages.
By following these tips, we can help ensure the health and survival of our online-purchased coral. Remember to always research the specific needs of your coral and make adjustments as necessary to provide the best possible environment for them to thrive in.
