Why You Should Quarantine And Dip Corals
Adding a new coral frag to your reef tank is exciting, but every new piece of rock, plug, or skeleton can carry pests and diseases. Quarantine and coral dips are your best insurance policies against flatworms, nudibranchs, algae, and bacterial infections that can wipe out a thriving reef.
If you’re already careful about quarantining saltwater fish, the same mindset should apply to corals. A simple, dedicated coral quarantine setup and a consistent dipping routine will dramatically reduce the risk of introducing problems to your display tank.
Setting Up A Simple Coral Quarantine Tank
You don’t need a fancy system to quarantine corals. A basic, stable environment is enough to observe new pieces and treat issues before they spread.
Basic Equipment Checklist
- 10–20 gallon tank or plastic tub
- Heater and thermometer
- Small powerhead for flow
- Simple LED reef light
- Egg crate rack for frags
- Filter (sponge filter or hang-on-back) seeded from your main system
Match the salinity, temperature, and general parameters of your display tank as closely as possible. Stable conditions make it easier to judge how the coral is actually doing, rather than guessing whether it’s reacting to poor water quality.
Keep the quarantine tank bare-bottom with minimal rock so pests have fewer places to hide. This also makes it easier to siphon out detritus and spot any hitchhikers that fall off after dipping.
How Long To Quarantine Corals
Most reef keepers aim for 2–4 weeks of observation. During this time you can:
- Watch for tissue loss, bleaching, or RTN/STN
- Check for bite marks or eggs from pests like nudibranchs and flatworms
- Confirm that polyps extend normally and the coral responds to light and flow
For sensitive species, you may want to adjust lighting slowly, similar to how you would acclimate new corals in your main tank.
How To Dip Corals Safely
Coral dips are not a substitute for quarantine, but they are a powerful first line of defense. They help remove mobile pests, eggs, and some bacterial film before the coral ever reaches your system.
Step-By-Step Coral Dip Process
- Prepare dip water: Use water from your quarantine tank in a clean container.
- Add coral dip solution: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully; overdosing can burn tissue.
- Submerge and gently agitate: Use a turkey baster to blow around the coral for 5–10 minutes.
- Inspect the container: Look for flatworms, pods, nudibranchs, and other hitchhikers that fall off.
- Rinse in clean saltwater: Place the coral in a second container with clean tank water before returning it to quarantine.
For heavily encrusted plugs, consider carefully removing the coral from the original plug and remounting it on a clean frag plug or disc. This reduces the chance that eggs or algae remain hidden in crevices.
Practical Tips For Success
- Dip every coral, even from trusted local stores or fellow hobbyists.
- Use separate tools (tweezers, scissors, frag racks) for quarantine and display tanks.
- Keep notes on where each coral came from and any pests you find.
- If you see pests in the dip, repeat dips every few days during quarantine.
Combining a consistent dip routine with a dedicated quarantine tank is one of the best ways to protect your investment and maintain a stable, pest-free reef. When you finally move a coral from quarantine to your display, you’ll have confidence that it’s healthy, pest-free, and ready to thrive.
For more reef-keeping basics, see our guide on creating a reef tank maintenance schedule that keeps your system stable over the long term.
Sources
- Borneman, E. H. Aquarium Corals: Selection, Husbandry, and Natural History. TFH Publications.
- Sprung, J. Corals: A Quick Reference Guide. Ricordea Publishing.
- Advanced Aquarist & Reef2Reef community articles and hobbyist experiences on coral quarantine and dipping best practices.
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