Natural Aquarium

[Marlen]

I am new to this forum and am glad to find a group of reef aquarium enthusiast. I will be moving to Fiji in July and one of my motivations for this move is to grow a “coral reef garden” just in front of my home. I have never developed a “coral reef garden” before and would very much appreciate suggestions on how to go about doing this. The waters are very calm, with 80-degree waters and with average 6 ft tides that brings nutrients from the outer reef.

[FlameHawk]

good question, but I don't think many of us have experience in actually grow corals in the ocean.

I think the 1st thing I would do is spend some time get to know the area you planing to have your garden(low/high tide ...etc). Maybe go in the water and take look at corals is growing in the area and maybe put some rock at where you plan to have your garden and see how they behave(can the current move the rock....or get burried by the sand after period of time....etc.) I guess the rest is figure out how you want your garden to look like, than go gather what you needed.

You probably should also find out the law in fiji, just make sure you aren't breaking any.

And of course, take some pictures and post it.

[Marlen]

Thank you for your recommendations. I have snorkeled in the area and some spots have very active growth and others not. Maybe the approach of placing few natural rocks that have some growth and observe makes sense. About a ¼ mile down the coast there are beautiful Xenia patches and wonder if I should introduce a specimen to the garden. Also wonder what are the equivalent of weeds…

I am very interested in conservation and will be working with the Fijian’s trying to preserve their beautiful underwater natural environment. Plan to help place mooring anchors around the island - Koro Island is where I will be moving to - providing alternative to boats not dropping anchors destroying old coral formations.

[FlameHawk]

keep us updated, don't forget to post some pictures when you get chance to.

:)