Coral hues are usually linked to positiveness, positiveness, enthusiasm and vitality.
It is a bright and cheerful color that can be effective in eliciting positive emotions and increasing the feeling of happiness. Yet, there is no apparent direct relationship between the hue of a coral and its physical condition.I shall never forget the first time I saw a live marine aquarium. wonderful feeling!
However, research has also established the fact that colors can affect our mental and emotional health. Enveloping oneself in colors that are aesthetically and emotionally agreeable can alleviate stress and create a more positive mood state. So, if coral is a color that makes you feel good, incorporating it into your environment could be beneficial for your mental health.
But what are the main points?
Lighting:
Lightings are a key element in coral colouration. Corals depend on light for photosynthesizing and on producing pigments, which colour them very brightly. To give corals a beautiful color, it’s important to provide them with the right type and intensity of lighting.
LED lighting is a popular choice for reef aquariums, as it provides a wide spectrum of light that can be tailored to the specific needs of your corals. Certain corals are adapted to very bright ambient light and the others to less bright ambient light. However, it is important to look into the light needs of the corals in your aquaristic environment and change your lighting levels accordingly.
Water Parameters:
Regulating stable water conditions is also important for coral pigmentation. Corals need an optimal range of nutrients, minerals and trace elements to live and maintain strong colours. Regular testing of water parameters with appropriate adjustments is vital.
Water flow is also important for coral coloration. Corals need a consistent flow of water to bring nutrients and oxygen to their tissues. Further, the ability of water flow can prevent the accumulation of debris and algae on the coral surface, which has a desirably effect on the coral coloration.
Feeding:
Providing corals with the appropriate food can also contribute to better coloration. Corals consume a mix of photosynthesis and feeding to provide their nutrients. By supplying a range of foods, (e.g., plankton, zooplankton), it is possible to deliver the nutrients corals require for vibrant pigments synthesis. However, different types of corals have different feeding requirements.
SPS corals, or small polyp stony corals, are known for their delicate appearance and intricate growth patterns. These coralsmainly obtain their nutritional requirements through photosynthesis and therefore does not require feeding in all times. However, some SPS corals can benefit from supplemental feeding.
The optimal time to feed SPS corals is during nighttime when their polyps are out and large. SPS corals usually graze on small planktonic food, including copepods and phytoplankton. These can be incorporated into the aquarium as liquid and/or powder supplements.
LPS corals, or large polyp stony corals(LPS coral), are famous for their colour and big, fleshy polyps. These corals are more opportunistic feeders than SPS corals and can benefit from regular feeding.
Feed LPS corals best in the daytime with all of the polyps fully extended. LPS corals can be fed a wide range of food including frozen brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and krill. They can also be directly added to the aquarium or soaked in a coral formulated food supplement.
Soft corals, such as zoanthids, are also famous for their vivid colors and simplicity of keeping. These corals are also opportunistic feeders and can benefit from regular feeding.
The best time to feed soft corals is during the day, when their polyps are fully extended. Soft corals can be given a wide variety of food including tiny pieces of shrimp, fish, or squid. These can be directly added to the aquarium or soaked in a coral-specific food supplement.
Is really important to understand when Not to Feed:
Feeding of corals may be useful, but it is also necessary to know when it is not. Overfeeding can result in an accumulation of nutrients in the water, then in turn the development of harmful algae and other water quality problems. If your corals look healthy and are growing out new polyps regularly, then there is no need to feed. Additionally, if the aquarium has a healthy population of copepods and other small organisms, corals may be getting enough nutrition from natural sources.
Supplements:
Supplementing along with correct aquarium lighting, water quality and feeding can help too improve the color of corals. Trace elements, such as iodine and magnesium, are important nutrients that corals need in small amounts to thrive and produce vibrant colors. Adding these supplements to your aquarium can help ensure that your corals are getting all the nutrients they need to look their best.
Adding beautiful color to corals in an aquarium is a process that demands both careful consideration and regular care. Through the establishment of an appropriate light, water paramaters, feeding and supplements, you will be able to aid your corals in the synthesis of rich pigments which in turn increase the spectacularness and diversity of your reef aquarium. [Do remember] To research the individual requirements of corals in your setup and make changes as necessary to keep them healthy and vibrantly colored.
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