Looking for colorful corals

[Rlumenator]

I live in Cape Coral, FL. and am having trouble finding hose colorful corals and sponges that I often see in pictures of tanks. The colors of leathers, zenias, mushrooms, cauliflowers, etc., in my area do not stand out. I'd like some corals in reds and yellows. Does anyone have suggestions? How about mail order. are they reliable, or do they have a high mortality rate? I have inquired about colorful stuff at my lfs; they tell me whatever is available in Miami, where they shop, is what they get. I also go to Naples, but find nothing colorful there either. Thanks in advance, Dawn.

 

[Anonymous]

perhaps try Frags.org or marinedepot live or liveaquaria.com

 

[ChrisRD]

Here's a list from Len's site that might be helpful...

http://www.reefscapes.net/links/marine_vendorlist.html

HTH

 

[Len]

Corals ship very well, so mortality rates are usually very low. For yellow, I suggest a yellow Leather coral (Sarcophyton elegans). It's screaming yellow and very hardy. Red is hardy to get for soft corals, but there are many red hard corals such as certain Open Brain ("Wellsophyllia") and Meat Corals (Lobophyllia sp.). Hope that helps.

 

[Reef_Dragon]

If you get a chance to stop by the Miami/Coral Gables area, check out Atlantis Aquariums. Their address is 14321 South Dixie Highway. It is a mile or two past where the highway 826 South ends on US1. They have some nice items there with alot of color. They seem to really know their stuff but like most lps they will try to sell items you don't need, so be careful. Hope it helps.

 

[Reef_Dragon]

If you get a chance to stop by the Miami/Coral Gables area, check out Atlantis Aquariums. Their address is 14321 South Dixie Highway. It is a mile or two past where the highway 826 South ends on US1. They have some nice items there with alot of color. They seem to really know their stuff but like most lps they will try to sell items you don't need, so be careful. Hope it helps.

 

[Rlumenator]

Thank you Reefdragon. If we get down there, we will look. Dawn.

 

[jimbirk]

Do not buy what is commonly called carnation coral- it is a soft coral-typically red-dark red-beautiful- and very difficult to keep in an acquarium-definately not for the beginer or even seasoned saltwater person-withou the knowledge and ability to maintain it. Good luck.

 

[Rlumenator]

Is this the "Chili Sponge" you are referring too- looks like sponge, cave dweller,etc.?