How to add coral to new tank

[bluemandarin]

Hi,
I have cycled my 5.5 gallon mini reef for 4 weeks. Ammonia, Nitrate and Nitrite reads are all showing 0 and temperature is constant 26-28 degrees C.
Have about 5 pieces of live rock in the tank now. I was just wondering. How do I add corals to my tank. I'm thinking of adding some zoanthids and green star polyps, however at the LFS or farms that i've been to, all of the corals are sold already attached to chunks of live rock. Do I have to just put the whole coral inside the tank and it will spread to the bare live rocks I already have now?
Please advise coz I'm a total newbie to marine. Much appreciated. =)

 

[Heathd]

The new corals need to be temperature acclimated for about 15 minutes. Some people choose to drip acclimate as well, but I think it is un-neccesary. After that is done, you can eiter try to remove the coral and transplant them to the rocks in your tank, or just put it in there, as is. The coral will spread, with time, across the rock and any other rock it can touch.

GSP can spread like a wild fire, so be sure to isolate it from your rock pile if you dont want it going everywhere.

 

[fishy12]

I say drip acclimation. then glue them securly to the live rock you want them on. Or if they are alrdy on a rock just add it. Then your d-u-n DONE!

 

[Myteemouse]

UUU sorry folks but your forgetting a VERY IMPORTANT STEP
ALWAYS DIP all of your new corals..
Get some flat worm exit.
coral RX
Melafix.
Mix yourself up a three step 15 minute dip station. and give all new corals a good cleaning...
The last thing you want is pests in your tank..
AND if they are zoanthids.. watch for nudi eggs too. ..
Please google all these things before buying any coral or adding coral to your tank..
I have delt with red bug.
monti eating nidi's
zoa eating nudi's
red planeria flat worms.
and others.. PLEASE dip all your corals..
you will thank yourself later...