Proper acclimation is the difference between a coral that thrives and one that declines in the first few weeks. Corals are sensitive to sudden changes in temperature, salinity, and pH, so the transition from shipping bag to your display tank must be gradual.
Step 1: Inspect on Arrival
Before anything else, check the water temperature in the bag and compare it to your tank. Look for signs of shipping stress: closed polyps, mucus, or unusual coloration. A healthy coral may close up during shipping — this is normal.
Step 2: Temperature Acclimation
Float the sealed bag in your sump or tank for 15–20 minutes to equalize temperature. Never skip this step — thermal shock can cause immediate bleaching.
Step 3: Salinity Acclimation (Drip Method)
Pour the coral and shipping water into a bucket. Set up a drip line from your tank and drip at approximately 2 drops per second. Over 30–45 minutes, the bucket water will gradually match your tank's salinity and chemistry.
Step 4: Dip and Inspect
Use a coral dip (Coral RX, CoralDip, or potassium permanganate) to treat for pests before introducing to your display. Dip for 5–10 minutes while gently agitating, then inspect for flatworms, nudibranch eggs, or other hitchhikers.
Step 5: Initial Placement
Place the new coral lower in the tank than its final destination and in lower flow. Give it 1–2 weeks to settle before moving it higher or into stronger current. This reduces the chance of bleaching from light shock.
Quarantine
Ideally, new corals should spend 6–8 weeks in a quarantine tank before entering your display. This protects your existing livestock from pests and disease. A simple quarantine setup with a heater, pump, and light is all you need.