Coral and stocking plans

How I approach stocking

• Match the system. Light, flow, nutrients and stability decide what will do well. If you're still choosing gear, start with reef tank design.
• Order matters. Hardier soft corals and LPS go in first. Demanding SPS wait until the tank is stable.
• Plan for growth. I leave room around aggressive species and plan for how big things get in a year.
• Quarantine and dipping. A simple routine so pests don't come in on a new frag.

What you get

You get a stocking list with placement notes, a suggested order, and the parameters to hold steady before each step. Holding those steady is easier with alkalinity monitoring and dosing. I can also help you place new arrivals during a visit in Reno or Sparks. I can source corals, livestock and gear as part of a project.

Corals are living animals and every tank is different, so I can't promise how any animal will do once it's in your system.

Already stocked? Maintenance visits keep an eye on every coral.

Common questions

What order should I add corals to a new reef tank?

Start with hardier soft corals and LPS, and add demanding SPS once the tank is stable. Light, flow, nutrients and stability decide what will do well, so your stocking plan lists a suggested order and the parameters to hold steady before each step.

Should I quarantine or dip new corals?

Yes, a simple routine is worth it. Dipping and quarantining new frags before they go in the display helps keep pests from coming in. Your stocking plan includes a quarantine and dipping routine that fits your setup and experience level, so it's easy to follow every time you add something.