coral questions

[shaun larlee]

Ok i have a 55 gal with good lighting on the way. I have 5 snails and 2 clowns. Im worrking on my first coral but have a few questions.
1.) If i chose to purchase frags, whats the time frame on growth with most? I know i want a frogspawn for my clowns as im not sure i can handle an anemone with a young tank. Basically just curious on growth.
2.) Should i start using reef crystals rather than instant ocean.
3.) Is there anything i can do to ready my tank for coral additions. ( additives?)
4.) What is a good coral to start with that has tentacles or arms.
thanks

 

[natclanwy]

Growth rate on frags depends on the type, corals like GSP, xenia and kenya trees can get very large in a couple of months. Other like most SPS corals grow very slowly.
I plan on switching over to reef crystals as soon as my bucket of IO is gone I have heard some good things about it and it is supposed to have a higher calcium content.
As far as preperations go all you really need to do is make sure you have all of the equipment that you will need like a refractometer, test kits, ect... and make sure your water quality is up to par.
A few good starter corals are: Kenya trees, GSP, Mushrooms, and Zoas