What is the limit of soft coral stock
- Thread starter dz6t
- Start date
NateHanson
Non-member
I don't think they need to be considered for bioload, but many softies secrete compounds which can be harmful to other corals, as a territorial defense mechanism. I think these secretions become more intense if there's contact between incompatible species, so space would be an issue similar to SPS.
From my experience alot of softies can touch each outher without problems. Some of the leathers though can be a bit toxic to some other leathers. Also, I think my anthelia is toxic to one of my finger leathers. In my softy tank, everything is touching. Try it and if you see continually closed polyps on one of them then move that coral to a different spot. How many can you have - however many you can cram in the tank. Good luck 
Sherry
Sherry
NateHanson
Non-member
The wallet is the limiting factor!
karl wagner
salinate me!
I would plan for softies much the same way you'd plan for sps.
They will contribute to your overall bioload, as they respire at night just as fish would. They wouldn't nearly require as much "calcium /alkalinity" load, so you could probably get away without a CA reactor on the tank, but a kalkwasser drip would still be recommended.
I'm interpreting your use of "bioload" as it figures into the demand of an efficient skimmer. You will most assuredly need a good skimmer if you're intending on keeping soft corals. They produce a lot of slime and emit a lot of toxins.
They also can take up more space quicker than sps can. So, plan accordingly.
They will contribute to your overall bioload, as they respire at night just as fish would. They wouldn't nearly require as much "calcium /alkalinity" load, so you could probably get away without a CA reactor on the tank, but a kalkwasser drip would still be recommended.
I'm interpreting your use of "bioload" as it figures into the demand of an efficient skimmer. You will most assuredly need a good skimmer if you're intending on keeping soft corals. They produce a lot of slime and emit a lot of toxins.
They also can take up more space quicker than sps can. So, plan accordingly.
I just looked up colt coral (as a softy example) on liveaquaria.com and it says it's semi-agressive and should be kept well separated from other corals:
http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_Display.cfm?pCatId=640
I think it depends on the type of softies you have - this will dictate how much space is needed between them.
Daire
http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_Display.cfm?pCatId=640
I think it depends on the type of softies you have - this will dictate how much space is needed between them.
Daire
ScottM
Non-member
i'd be shocked if softies can't contribute to the overall waste in a closed system.
they may not have a significant impact on your bioload but its not uncommon to see a toadstool or others "shed" as the are aclimated to a new system. have you ever smelled a shedding leather coral? or a fresh frag?
its worse than skimmate.
as for keeping them, i have all sorts of softies packed in my 92 on top of each other and as long as they have light they do great.
they may not have a significant impact on your bioload but its not uncommon to see a toadstool or others "shed" as the are aclimated to a new system. have you ever smelled a shedding leather coral? or a fresh frag?
its worse than skimmate.
as for keeping them, i have all sorts of softies packed in my 92 on top of each other and as long as they have light they do great.
