If you ask most level-headed reef hobbyists, one of the most enjoyable parts of the game is stocking our systems with corals and fishes. Now, on the surface, this seems like just a super-fun thing to do- and it IS- but it involves some research, decision-making, trade-offs (yikes!)…and if you REALLY want to be successful in the long term- a PLAN. Yup, you need to have some direction.
We’ve all had the wonderful “community tanks” in our childhood, where we added a few Neon Tetras, some Swordtails, a bunch ofRasbora,一种古拉米(Gourami)和一两个倒钩,并享受着种类的洲际“混搭”,生活在我们认为是相对和谐的地方。
As you suspect, it’s really NOT the same way with reef tanks. Oh, sure, you can mix stuff from different oceans and locales, but you’d be well-served NOT to mix too many different TYPES of corals together. You CAN- and there is no “rule” that says youcan’t…but if you’re in this for the long haul, it makes enormous sense to “specialize” just a bit from day one. There are tradeoffs for “mixing and matching” that leave a lot to be desired.
First Lesson In Stocking
The first, and most important lesson about stocking that I think we all need to face up to as reefers is thatyou can’t have it all在一个正常坦克…好吧,如果你期望long-term health for all of your corals. Again, despite what you see, and despite the various examples of wildly-mixed reef tanks you see, it’s simply not advisable…Unless you engage in very disciplined husbandry technique (like rigorous adherence to a weekly water change schedule and use/replacement of activated carbon or other chemical filtration media), you’ll eventually notice that some of your corals-or most of them, even- 大多数时候都不会是最好的。各种珊瑚(尤其是软珊瑚)释放的化合物会随着时间的推移而造成损失。这是一个真正的“化学汤”,在封闭的礁石水族馆中,竞争真正的溢价,就像在野生礁石上一样。
Yet, in the confines of a closed system, these affects are magnified…it’s a “dance”- one which ultimately can have negative consequences, particularly if you lack the discipline to properly maintain your aquarium. Again, I’m not trying to spell “doom and gloom”…I’m just offering a healthy dose of reality. And sure, you can show me 400 photos of mixed reefs that are working just fine…But there’s a lot of underlying questions you’d have to ask about HOW these systems are run, and what kinds of compromises are in play, and how long they’ve been running, etc.
妥协?是的,如“It’s a really BAD idea to try to keep all sorts of stuff together in a modest-sized aquarium, particularly your very first reef tank.”
Yeah, that means no stinging cnidarians (anemones, etc.) in a tank with so-called “SPS” corals, limited or no introductions of noxious soft corals (likecladiella,Sinularia,肌肉) with more sensitiveAcropora这样,并了解一些更具侵略性的“中级类型”珊瑚的独特需求,果肉,etc.
Look, I’m not trying to dissuade you from trying to build your dream reef from day one. I’m just kind of hitting you over the head with the realities of the situation. Mixing all sorts of corals in the confines of a modest sized aquarium is a recipe for potential problems at some point. And the “some point” could come at any time. It can manifest itself slowly, with some corals gradually fading over time. Or with others being slowly smothered out by more aggressive specimens. Or, you could see flat-out physical“攻击”和“战斗”发生在珊瑚之间(结帐Galaxeaor someEuphyllia如果您不相信我,则在混合礁中殖民地……是严重地挑衅的!)。
同样,您的朋友在这里,耐心和知识的“最佳属性”是您的朋友。我们需要灌输给您的下一个属性是妥协。非常重要的是要知道巨大的礁石不是来自冷藏片的说法“是的!”清单上的每个珊瑚和动物。他们来自拥有智慧 - 勇气 - 要说,“不,不能将其添加到这种混合中!”
And here’s one thing I’m going to throw out there that’s almost certain to be controversial:
In my opinion, a novice reefer can certainly start with somecaptive-propagated“SPS” corals…yeah, Acros- IF their needs are met. (obviously, you noticed the “qualifier” here).大多数更常见的Acroporain the hobby are actually quite straightforward in their care. You need to learn about their needs before you start plunking down the cash.
提出问题,直到您认为每个人都讨厌您 - 然后询问更多。避免疯狂Acropora殖民地,因为它们不仅是宝贵的资源,而且还面临与处理,适应和关心有关的其他挑战和风险,在我看来,make them better suited for individuals and businesses that wish to use them as “broodstock” for propagation (and thus lessen our dependence on wild colonies). I could go on and on, but let’s leave it at that for now.
Yes, I believe that it’s entirely possible to start with the stony corals, and here’s why: In my opinion, having seen and worked with thousands of corals over the years, both personally and professionally (as the former co-owner of a coral propagator/importer), I can tell you that many of them are remarkably forgiving, and surprisingly adaptable in general. If you’ve committed yourself to learning the basics of reef aquarium husbandry, properly equip your aquarium, monitor your basic water chemistry regularly, engage in regular, frequent water changes, and provide a stable environment, I see no reason why you can’t.
It’s about effort, knowledge, and follow through on applying what you’ve learned. Another part of the“process”of reefing that we alluded to in previous installments.
老实说,有许多所谓的“初学者的珊瑚”,例如软珊瑚和Zoanthids,可以给您带来与acro一样多的麻烦。而且,由于今天以各种价格点可用的出色设备,如果您坚持下去,可以从一开始就可以从一开始就可以实现长期成功,这比以往任何时候都更加容易。
Learn The Proper Care
The bottom line: You can’t keep ANY coral successfully if you’re not willing to learn about their basic needs, understand the need for environmental stability,和保持一个良好的,设备齐全的水族馆。如果你是一个lousy业余爱好者,根本不想在所有这些领域中付出努力,you’ll fail regardless of what types of corals you keep.It’s that simple.
Now, notice I said“大多数” Acropora? Of course, there are dozens of species and varieties that are touchy and difficult, regardless of source. “Experts” kill them with almost predictable regularity. If you do your homework and ask questions, you’ll easily learn which ones fall into this category.
The main takeaway is that the well-trodden path that suggests a new reefer should“start withsofties和move up to ‘SPS’ corals”有点过于宽泛,恕我直言。当然,他们不会的“RTN” out on you overnight if they’re not happy, but they’ll let you know in many other (often stinky) ways. Reefkeeping is not about “easy.” It’s aboutdoing things correctly and getting good results..enjoying the过程。
那呢“LPS” and “Chalices”和non-photosynthetic corals? I’d recommend avoiding these corals for your first system, simply because they require an elevated level of attention that you may or may not be ready to commit to- in particular, feeding and a high degree of dedication to monitoring and maintaining the environment very frequently. Now, if you’re coming from a “high-tech-planted tank” background or breed Discus or other challenging species, and are used to applying this level of attention to your aquariums, you might actually be well-equipped, experience-wise, to make a good attempt.
However, experience- fresh or marine- is no guarantee of success, yet many of the skills in the disciplines I just mentioned have “crossover” potential…you’re like a talented artist switching from oils to acrylics. You need to learn the nuances of a different “media”, but the general skill set is the same, for the most part. That being said, I’d sort of plant myself in the “SPS” (don’t ask me why I hate that term) or softy camp to start.
你不能拥有一切。但是您可以拥有很多!或者,您始终可以设置多个坦克。是的,这就是这种疯狂的真正掌握的方式……
我们将在下一期中继续前进。同时-
Stay engaged. Stay observant. Stay disciplined…
And Stay Wet.