Empire Corals

Float the bag for 15 minutes to equalize temperature. Slowly drip tank water into the bag over 30 minutes to acclimate your corals. Transfer using a net only—never add bag water to your tank—and dim your lights for the first few hours.

Proper acclimation is critical for coral survival and long-term health. Corals are sensitive to sudden changes in water chemistry, temperature, and lighting conditions. Rushing this process can cause stress, bleaching, or even death.

Temperature matching prevents thermal shock. Your tank water and the bag water must be within 1-2 degrees Fahrenheit of each other before introducing corals. Use a reliable thermometer to monitor both temperatures throughout the acclimation process.

Drip acclimation allows corals to gradually adjust to your tank's specific water chemistry, including pH, salinity, and nutrient levels. This slow introduction helps their symbiotic zooxanthellae adapt to your lighting and flow conditions.

Lighting adjustment is essential. Corals collected from deeper waters or shaded environments need time to adjust to your tank's lighting intensity. Dimming lights for the first 24-48 hours prevents photoinhibition and stress.

After acclimation, place corals in appropriate locations based on their light and flow requirements. Monitor them closely for the first week to ensure they're opening properly and showing healthy polyp extension.

Corals thrive when placed with compatible tank mates and neighbors. Success depends on water parameters, space, and aggression levels.

Peaceful corals like soft corals and LPS (Large Polyp Stony) can often coexist with similar species. Keep them spaced to prevent polyp contact and allelopathic chemical warfare.

SPS (Small Polyp Stony) corals demand stable conditions and strong flow. They're sensitive to nearby competitors and require careful placement away from aggressive species.

Aggressive corals—including many LPS and some soft corals—extend sweeper tentacles at night. Position these away from neighbors by at least 6 inches to prevent stinging.

Fish and invertebrates matter too. Tangs, butterflies, and some wrasses nip or consume corals. Research your livestock before adding to an established reef.

Water parameters must remain stable across all corals. Incompatible lighting, flow, or chemistry will stress even compatible neighbors.

When in doubt, start with hardy, forgiving species and expand as you learn your tank's unique ecosystem.

Every order ships with insulated packaging and temperature-controlled packs to protect your livestock during transit. In winter months, we include heat packs to maintain warmth; in summer, cold packs keep temperatures down. Year-round, all shipments use insulated liners to minimize temperature fluctuations and stress on your corals and fish.

Overnight shipping is our standard for all livestock orders because corals and fish are most vulnerable during extended transit times. We only recommend 2-day shipping during mild weather months (spring and fall) when temperature swings are minimal. Orders placed by our cutoff time ship the same day, Monday through Thursday, ensuring your livestock spends as little time in a box as possible.

Upon arrival, float the sealed bag in your tank for 15 minutes to equalize temperature. Then begin slow drip acclimation over 30 minutes, allowing your corals and fish to gradually adjust to your tank's water chemistry. Use a net to transfer livestock—never add bag water to your tank. Dim your lights for the first few hours to reduce stress.

Inspect all livestock immediately upon delivery and document any issues with photos within 2 hours. Our DOA (Dead on Arrival) policy covers livestock that arrives deceased or in critical condition when properly documented. We stand behind the health of every shipment and want your corals to thrive from day one.

Maintaining stable water parameters is the foundation of a healthy reef aquarium. While perfect numbers matter less than consistency, understanding ideal ranges helps you keep your corals thriving. Salinity should remain between 1.023 and 1.026 specific gravity, with most reef keepers targeting 1.025. Temperature ideally stays between 76-78°F, with stability being more important than hitting an exact number—corals can adapt to consistent conditions but struggle with fluctuations.

Alkalinity (measured in dKH) should be maintained between 8-12 dKH, as it buffers pH and supports coral skeleton growth. pH typically ranges from 8.0 to 8.3 in established reef tanks. Calcium levels should stay between 400-450 ppm to support coral calcification, while magnesium should be maintained at 1,250-1,350 ppm. These three parameters work together—when one drops, the others are affected.

Stability matters more than perfection. A tank that consistently maintains 1.024 salinity will support healthier corals than one that swings between 1.023 and 1.026. Similarly, a steady 77°F is better than a tank that fluctuates between 75-79°F. Corals are remarkably adaptable to consistent conditions but struggle with rapid changes.

Test your water parameters weekly when establishing a new tank, then move to bi-weekly or monthly testing once stable. Keep a log of your readings to identify trends before they become problems. Many reef keepers use automated monitors for temperature and salinity, while testing alkalinity, calcium, and magnesium manually ensures accuracy. Regular testing catches imbalances early, preventing coral stress and algae outbreaks.