Pod Your Reef
Rotifers
Rotifers
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The use of rotifers in reef home aquariums have primarily been associated with the breeding and rearing of clownfish. However, rotifers represent an untapped resource for the home reef tank. Rotifers are an excellent choice of live feeds for reef tank inhabitants including filter feeders and NPS corals.
- Package Size: 8 oz
- 100% Aquacultured
Diet Advantage: Excellent first feed for many larva fish, as the nutritional profile of rotifers, is based upon its phytoplankton diet.
Reef Advantage: Often overlooked, rotifers are an excellent addition for a reef tank. Their small size allows them to easily be consumed by smaller prey which not possible with traditional non-viable feeds.
Are you tired of feeding your reef tank the same old boring flakes and pellets? Well, have I got a treat for you! Introducing Rotifers - the ultimate live food source for your tank.
These little guys may be small, but they pack a big punch when it comes to nutrition. With their ciliated crowns and simple digestive systems, Rotifers are able to feed on algae and other small particles in the water. And the best part? With the right conditions, they can establish a population in your own tank!
But it doesn't stop there. Rotifers have a complex life cycle, with both sexual and asexual reproduction occurring. That means you'll never run out of these little critters to feed to your fish and invertebrates. And with their ability to keep algae populations in check, Rotifers are not only a delicious treat for your tank, but a practical choice as well.
So don't wait any longer. Add some excitement to your tank with Rotifers - your fish (and your wallet) will thank you!
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Coral Care For Rotifers
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Coral Lighting Level Recommendations with PAR Levels
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Recommended Flow
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Temperament
How To Acclimate Your New Coral
Proper acclimation is crucial for new coral arrivals due to the stress they endure before reaching you. Follow this simple process immediately upon receiving your livestock. The entire procedure takes less than half an hour.
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Step 1: Dim the Aquarium Lights
The corals have been in complete darkness during transit and are not ready for high-output aquarium lighting. Turning off the lights reduces potential stress. Overexposure to light can harm corals that were grown under lower light conditions, causing severe damage within just a day or two.
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Step 2: Transfer to a Larger Container
Use a small plastic tub for acclimating new corals. You can separate the corals into different tubs, but placing them together in one tub allows for enough volume to add aquarium water and prepare a pest control dip solution if needed.
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Step 3: Slowly Add Aquarium Water
Add 1/2 cup of aquarium water to the tub every few minutes. Slow addition is crucial as corals are sensitive to changes in pH and salinity. Some aquarists prefer drip acclimation for a more gradual process, but be mindful of potential temperature drops. The entire acclimation should take no more than 30 minutes.
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Step 4 (Optional): Dip Coral
To reduce the risk of introducing pests and parasites into your aquarium, consider using a pest control dip. Commonly used solutions include Coral Rx for treating pests like flatworms and nudibranchs, and Lugol’s Iodine for bacterial infections. Regular dipping, even when transferring corals between tanks, helps maintain a healthy aquarium environment.
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Step 5: Place the Coral in the Tank
Select an appropriate location in your tank where the coral will receive suitable water flow and lower light levels initially. This allows the coral to acclimate to its new surroundings. If possible, use a quarantine system for initial acclimation, then follow the same steps to introduce the coral into the main display tank after the quarantine period.
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Step 6: Enjoy
Now that your coral is properly acclimated and settled in its new home, take some time to appreciate its beauty and uniqueness. Observe how it interacts with its environment and other tank inhabitants. Enjoy the vibrant addition to your underwater ecosystem!
Feeding Corals
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Photosynesis
Many reef-building corals host photosynthetic cells known as zooxanthellae within their tissues. This mutualistic relationship benefits both the coral and the zooxanthellae. The coral provides a safe environment and essential compounds for photosynthesis to these cells, allowing them to thrive.
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Zooxanthellae
In return, the zooxanthellae generate oxygen and assist the coral in removing waste products. More importantly, they produce glucose, glycerol, and amino acids as byproducts of photosynthesis. These nutrients are vital for the coral's metabolic processes and overall health.
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Macronutrients
The coral uses these substances to create proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, and to produce calcium carbonate, which is essential for building its skeleton. This symbiotic relationship is crucial for the efficient recycling of nutrients in the nutrient-poor tropical waters where these corals are found, ensuring their growth and sustainability.
Supplemental Feeding with Rotifers and Phytoplankton
For optimal coral health and growth, supplemental feeding with rotifers and phytoplankton can be highly beneficial. Rotifers provide a rich source of protein and essential fatty acids, while phytoplankton supplies vital nutrients and enhances the coral's natural diet. Incorporating these supplemental feeds can significantly improve the vitality and coloration of your corals, ensuring a thriving reef ecosystem.