Adding too many corals too fast

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#1
I know for fish this is a recipe for a disaster but does it apply to corals too? Yesterday I picked up 3 frags of zoas, a frag of palys and a frag of gsp. This weekend I plan on checking out americanreefs and picking up another $50 or so from their $5-10 section. This will be in a 40g and I have 3 fish so far, a pair of maroon clowns and a juvenile yellow tang.
 
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#2
From my understanding, the problem with adding to many fish to fast is that you are quickly increasing your bio-load without giving the tank the time to process it (beneficial bacteria and the nitrogen cycle). That being said, the only issues with adding corals quickly is that you would need to supplement the calcium and alk that is being consumed by them, as long as you don't have corals on large rocks with die-off (could spike the ammonia). This is not really an issue for you because you are adding corals that hardy! Maybe someone else can add or have a different take on the matter. Just keep collecting and do everything else very slow! Enjoy!
 
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#3
I know for fish this is a recipe for a disaster but does it apply to corals too? Yesterday I picked up 3 frags of zoas, a frag of palys and a frag of gsp. This weekend I plan on checking out americanreefs and picking up another $50 or so from their $5-10 section. This will be in a 40g and I have 3 fish so far, a pair of maroon clowns and a juvenile yellow tang.
I think you're fine. I really don't think you can add too many corals too fast. I know people who set up coral only tanks that thrive, and they are set up with a ton of corals. You should be good to go. The only corals I'd suggest waiting on is Acros as they can be finicky and don't like parameter swings.
 
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#4
Yes I'm keeping it strictly softies and lps for now. I'll try some of the easier sps once the tank is more stable and established. I think I'll be good on corals and fish after this weekend.
 
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#5
Patience is a factor in this hobby that will save you money. It takes time to see how corals will thrive or decline in a tank and I would recommend a less is more approach until you are all the way in the Thrive side of the meter. Also learn to dip and trust no one, one pest can really cost in this hobby! Time, Money, and Frustration are all reasons why more people run than stay. Good luck and if you need a nem I have some I have been thinning out in my tank, you are welcome to one as a gift.
 

joseserrano

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#6
You can do it, but you have to make sure you are keeping an eye on things as well as testing. It will take an experienced eye to see any unhappiness in the corals that may lead to possible death.
 
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#7
Thanks for all of the advice. I picked up 3 more frags this weekend (duncan, 3 polyps of utter chaos and green birdnests. Wanted more but held back cause I'm getting way ahead of myself. I do noticed these were much higher quality frags. The ones I picked up earlier, 2 of the 4 frags had Aiptasia and algae that I had to pick off with tweezers. Gonna look into dipping cause I don't want to sabotage what has already been started.

And pciscott, I may just take up on that offer. May in a week or two once these pieces settle in.
 

SantaMonica

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#8
Algae on the frags does not make the corals less "quality" however. You already had those cells in your water. It just means the frag's previous water had different nutrients.
 
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#9
It can go bad if you add too many too fast. They will use up more nutrients and if you arent keep parameters up you can crash the tank. But doesnt seem like you are adding too much. Should be ok.
 

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