Can Corals Live Without Fish In An Aquarium?
Some arguments are about whether or not it is possible to maintain corals without fish. In one’s tank, these beautiful creatures are capable of making the water colorful and lively as well as having some benefits for the ecosystem in general. It remains complicated for aquarium lovers to understand whether corals can survive without fish inside an aquarium.
In this article, we will look at whether corals can exist without fish inside an aquarium, how to create a good coral-only aquarium, popular coral species that do not require fish, and everything in between!
Can Corals Survive Without Fish In An Aquarium?
Contrary to common perception, it is true that you can keep a healthy coral reef tank without keeping any kind of fish whatsoever.
In their natural marine environment (the ocean), there is a symbiosis between corals and fish - fish offer essential nutrients that feed corals while at the same time offering protection and shelter to them. Consequently, both types of marine organisms often occur together in aquariums to create epic aquarium displays.
However, some aquarium hobbyists opt for having nothing but only a reef full of corals - being quite content with the beauty of corals alone. So you may be thinking, are fish really necessary for my reef aquarium and what are the benefits and disadvantages of keeping fish and corals together?
Pros Of Keeping Corals Without Fish
There are many benefits associated with maintaining a tank consisting entirely of coral colonies only.
Firstly, fish can bring diseases, and with diseases come treatments that can harm corals and wipe out entire coral ecosystems. So if you eliminate fish, you eliminate common saltwater fish diseases.
Secondly, coral-only aquariums are not going to be bothered by aggressive fish that can damage coral polyps. One example is angelfish, who are known to take nips out of corals - so, no fish, no coral nipping!
Next, we should mention that coral-only aquariums contain far less waste. Fish produce a lot of waste - uneaten food and fish poop, all that contributes to elevated nitrate and phosphate levels which corals do not thrive in. Without fish, you don’t need to worry too much about waste, but do not forget to maintain proper water quality when keeping coral-only aquariums.
Cons Of Keeping Corals Without Fish
One of the major disadvantages for many when keeping corals without fish is the lack of biodiversity. In the ocean corals and fish have a fantastic symbiotic relationship, and it is one of the many reasons why people like to go scuba diving. So, if you are looking at creating a mini-ocean in your home, a coral-only tank won’t give the same aesthetics.
We mentioned earlier about fish poop being an issue, and while it can cause spikes in water parameters, corals actually love it! Fish waste is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium, and vitamins, so I suppose you could say, fish poop is kind of like their daily essential probiotics.
Finally, without fish, copepod populations can thrive and multiply as there are no fish to consume them. Therefore, this type of aquarium setup is similar to an aquarium refugium, yet you have an aquarium where the corals are the focal point.
Factors To Consider When Deciding Whether To Keep Corals Without Fish
Before embarking on keeping corals without fish, one should consider several factors.
First and foremost the size of the tank is crucial. A larger tank ensures greater stability and has more capacity for supporting a coral-only aquarium.
Another significant factor to bear in mind is water quality. These animals are very sensitive to changes in temperature, salinity, and nutrient levels hence these conditions must be maintained at all costs so that they do not change rapidly. Failure to do so will affect their health.
How To Create A Thriving Coral-Only Aquarium
Thriving in isolation is how you build an aquarium with just coral. This should start by choosing a tank that can accommodate the various coral species that one desires in terms of size and shape.
Find out what the particular needs of your chosen corals are including correct coral lighting, water movement, and nutrients.
Get good equipment such as a protein skimmer, a test kit for checking water quality often, and a good filtration system.
Ensure you have properly cycled the tank before introducing the corals themselves so that a stable nitrogen cycle will be established.
Always quarantine new additions before adding them to the aquarium. This will prevent unwanted aquarium hitchhikers, plus it reduces the chances of common coral diseases infecting your thriving aquarium.
Lastly, monitor water parameters regularly and maintain them, change the water consistently as well as ensure there is enough light and nutrition for corals.
Most Popular Beginner Corals For Coral-Only Aquariums
- Zoanthids
- Sinularia Leather Corals
- Weeping Willow Toadstool
- Xenia
- Green Star Polyps
- Euphyllia (Torch, Hammer, and Frogspawn Corals)
- Bubble Corals
- Duncans
- Candy Cane Corals
- Mushroom Corals
Most Popular Advanced Corals For Coral-Only Aquariums
In addition to the above corals here are some epic advanced corals:
- Acropora Corals
- Elkhorn Corals
- Goniopora Corals
- Yellow Finger Gorgonian Sea Fan
- Pagoda Cup Coral
- Walking Dendro
- Carnation Tree Coral
- The Sun Coral
Conclusion
Indeed, corals can live in an aquarium without fish and a coral-only setup. These aquarium setups can be very captivating and rewarding for aquarists who truly love what they do, and for those who enjoy collecting corals.
If you are not sure what coral to start with or are looking to expand your collection, look no further than Reefco Aquariums - we have coral for everyone!
