The cost of coral depends on the type of coral and where you get it. Coral is most commonly sold in large pieces that are then cut and shaped by the end buyer. Smaller pieces of coral will typically set you back a few dollars while larger ones can cost a few hundred dollars or more. The exact price depends on the market and what type of coral you are purchasing. For example, red coral is more expensive than pink coral.
What Is Coral And Why Should You Care?
Coral is the common name for the animals of the genus coral. The true coral is generally a small polyp with a soft, rubbery body and a single long tentacle that can be found attached to a rock in the ocean. The soft coral is very similar to the true coral and is usually harvested in the same manner, but can be a bit larger in size. Coral is primarily used in the cosmetic industry and is most often found in swimming pools where it is added to the water to create a vibrant reef-like environment for fish and other aquatic creatures. The general rule of thumb is that the larger the piece of coral the more expensive it will be.
Where Can I Buy Coral?
Coral can be found in two places; the tropics where it grows rapidly and thickly as well as in larger waters like the Pacific Ocean where it can be found in large quantities. The best place to buy coral online is from reputable dealers who offer a money back guarantee if you meet the right conditions. Coral can also be found at some hobby stores that specialize in shellfish and marine specimens, but you will have to search diligently to find natural pieces that have not been bleached or otherwise modified by the aquarium industry.
What Kind Of Coral Should I Buy?
Generally speaking, you should purchase the type that will stay alive and reproduce in your tank. This way, you will have more coral in the future and it is always better to buy living coral rather than buying frozen pieces that will eventually die. You will also want to avoid purchasing varieties of coral that are specifically designed for displaying vibrant colors as these pieces are more expensive and will eventually vanish if you do not have the skill to care for and display them properly. For example, royal and champion varieties are extremely expensive and delicate creatures that require frequent feeding and proper maintenance to remain alive.
What Equipment Do I Need To Buy Coral?
Aside from being able to pay for the coral itself, you will also need equipment to keep it alive and well. The most critical piece of equipment will be a tank for housing the coral. Other pieces of equipment that you may need include an air pump to keep the proper amount of oxygen in the tank, a heater to keep the water at the proper temperature, a water current simulator (for slow moving waters like lakes, ponds, or slow moving oceans), a water quality probe, and a pair of snorkel equipment (for getting a closer look at the inhabitants of the ocean floor). Most people will also need a safe place to store their equipment and supplies while in the middle of nowhere, this is where gear lockers come in handy.
How Do I Clean My Coral?
Depending on the type of coral you have purchased, there will be an instruction manual provided that will guide you on how to clean it properly. Generally speaking, you will want to remove any unwanted organisms from the coral before you add it to your tank. Some types of coral are known to host different types of algae that live in the tissue and if these algae are not removed beforehand they will eventually cause the coral to deteriorate. Even if you do not see any signs of algae on the surface of the coral, you should still clean it thoroughly beforehand.
How Do I Store My Coral?
If you are planning on keeping the coral for more than a few days then you will want to store it properly in the fridge or cooler in your garage. This is to ensure that it does not get damaged from overheating even if you forget about it for a couple of hours. If you live in a hot climate then you will also want to make sure that the tank is well-ventilated so that it does not get damaged by extreme heat even if you forget about it for a couple of hours. When storing coral, you should treat it like any other fragile product that you might have lying around the house and keep it in a safe place out of the reach of children and pets.
How Do I Transport My Coral?
If you are planning on taking the coral on a camping trip or a long road trip then you should take several boxes with you. These are the types of items that you will want to store in your garage or trunk in case you get stopped by the police for car troubles. To avoid any hassles from the police, make sure that you store the items in a way that is hidden and out of sight. Some people wrap their cars in blankets and pack them with the essentials; this is exactly what you should do with your coral. You should also make sure that the temperature of the water is kept stable while in transit as changes in temperature can cause the metabolism of the coral to speed up which can lead to quick bleaching (tissues are lost due to over-expansion). Change in water temperature is also one of the primary reasons for the short life spans of so many types of coral – they quickly become too warm and then they can be killed off by disease or predation. Keeping the water at a stable temperature is critical and this is why you need to have good insulation around the tank so that the heat does not escape.
Storing and caring for coral is not that difficult provided you have the right gear and the proper instructions. If you are shopping online, be sure to purchase from reliable sources who offer a money back guarantee if you meet the right conditions. Be sure to read the instructions thoroughly so that you do not end up with any nasty surprises once the coral is in your tank. Cleaning and storing coral in an established manner is very important for the overall health and lifespan of the creature so do everything in your power to keep it healthy and alive for as long as possible.