Care
Feb 2, 2026
How Do I Acclimate New Coral to My Reef Tank?
Quick Answer
Float the bag for 15-20 minutes to temperature acclimate, then dip the coral to remove pests. Place it low in the tank initially and gradually move it to its final position over 1-2 weeks.
Proper acclimation helps corals survive the stress of shipping and adjust to your tank's conditions. Here's the step-by-step process most reef keepers follow.
Step-by-Step Coral Acclimation
- Temperature acclimate (15-20 min) - Float the sealed bag in your tank or sump to equalize temperature
- Inspect the coral - Open the bag and check for pests, damage, or unusual odors
- Dip the coral - Use a coral dip like Coral Rx, Bayer, or Two Little Fishies to remove pests (follow product directions)
- Rinse in clean saltwater - Brief dip in tank water or fresh saltwater to remove dip residue
- Place in tank - Position low in the tank, away from direct light and flow
Light Acclimation
New corals need time to adjust to your lighting—jumping straight to full intensity can cause bleaching.
- Start corals in the lower third of your tank
- Reduce photoperiod by 2-3 hours for the first week
- Gradually move the coral up over 1-2 weeks
- Watch for signs of stress (bleaching, retraction)
Signs of Good Acclimation
- Polyp extension within 24-72 hours
- Normal coloration maintained or improving
- No tissue recession
- Active feeding response (for LPS)
Pro Tips
- Never skip the coral dip—pests cause more deaths than acclimation stress
- Don't drip acclimate corals (unlike fish, they don't need it)
- Discard shipping water—never add it to your tank
- Track your parameters with the ReefBay app to ensure stability
Shopping for coral? Browse healthy corals from trusted ReefBay sellers!
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