When Shopping for Corals Online: What to Look For
Buying coral online should feel informed and straightforward. A photo can show color and shape, but it doesn’t always tell the full story. Long-term success comes down to how the coral was handled, healed, and prepared before it was ever listed.
Healing Matters More Than Appearance
Freshly cut corals often look clean, but they are still in a high-stress recovery phase. During this time, tissue is more vulnerable, and shipping can push an already stressed coral over the edge.
Healed corals have had time to stabilize, reattach, and adjust to captive conditions. These pieces consistently ship better and transition more smoothly into new systems.
Look for Honest Representation
Clear, recent WYSIWYG photos matter. Good photos allow you to see tissue condition, base attachment, and natural coloration without relying on heavy filters or extreme lighting.
If a coral can’t be evaluated clearly, it’s difficult to know what you’re actually buying.
How Coral Health Should Be Judged
Coral health isn’t defined by a perfectly white plug. It’s determined by:
- Intact, consistent tissue
- Stable coloration
- Secure attachment
- Normal behavior for the species
These indicators tell you far more than surface appearance ever will.
Understanding Algae on Frag Plugs
Light, non-pest algae on a plug is common on healed, established corals. It simply means the coral has been in stable saltwater long enough to settle in and grow.
What matters is the absence of invasive or pest algae. Minor surface algae can be easily managed and does not impact coral health.
Transparency Builds Trust
A reputable seller should be clear about how corals are held, healed, photographed, and shipped. Straight answers and realistic expectations matter more than perfect presentation.
Shipping Is Part of Coral Care
Proper packaging, temperature control, and shipping timing are critical. Even a healthy coral needs thoughtful handling to arrive in good condition and acclimate successfully.
The Takeaway
When shopping for corals online, focus on preparation, stability, and honesty. Corals that are healed, established, and properly handled offer the best chance for long-term success — even if they don’t look flawless at first glance.
At Lunar Tide Aquatics, we prioritize time, stability, and transparency so every coral listed is ready for its next system.
