How to Acclimate New Corals Safely (No Stress, No Die-Offs)

You’ve just picked up a new coral from The Coral Shop. It looks great in the bag — but getting it into your tank safely is where most reefers go wrong.

Corals are hardy in the right conditions, but a harsh transition from bag to tank can lead to stress, stinging, or even die-off. Here's how to do it right — step by step.

Step-by-Step: Acclimating Corals the Right Way

1. Float the Bag (15–20 mins)
   This helps the bag water match your tank’s temperature. It’s simple but essential.
2. Drip Acclimate (45 mins)
   Use a drip line to slowly introduce your tank water into the coral’s bag. This helps it adjust to salinity, pH, and other parameters. Go slow.
3. Dip & Inspect (optional, but highly recommended)
   Use a coral dip like Two Little Fishies Revive to remove pests and hitchhikers. Rinse the coral in clean saltwater before placing it in your tank.
4. Lights Off or Dimmed
   Corals don’t appreciate full lighting straight out of the bag. Dim or turn off your lights for a few hours to reduce stress.
5. Start Low, Go Slow
   Place the coral on the sandbed or lower rockwork. Monitor polyp extension, colour, and response before moving it higher over 5–7 days.

What to Watch Out For

• Shrunken or retracted tissue: This is normal short-term but check for aggression from nearby corals.
• Brown jelly or white patches: These may indicate tissue necrosis. Act quickly.
• No polyp extension after 48 hours: Review lighting and flow. Consider lowering the coral temporarily.

Tips from The Coral Shop

• Be patient: Corals are animals, not decorations. Let them settle at their pace.
• Leave space: Many corals will sting neighbours if placed too close.
• Track placement: Keep a reef journal noting where you place new corals and how they respond. It helps with long-term success.

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