Husbandry
Care requirements
Water chemistry
nutrient-rich reef water (doesn’t like ultra-clean systems)
Lighting
Moderate-High (100-250 PAR)
Flow
Moderate - indirect flow (enough to keep detritus off, not whipping tentacles)
Care difficulty
BeginnerFeeding
Phytoplankton & Aminos
Tank maturity
4 weeks min.
Compatibility
Other Soft Coral
Other LPS Corals
Other SPS Corals
Avoid these pitfalls
Common Mistakes to Avoid
please follow the path for success!
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One of the most common mistakes with soft corals is running the aquarium too “clean” in an attempt to match SPS-style systems.
Soft corals generally prefer:
stable nutrients
available dissolved organics
slightly dirtier water compared to SPS-dominant tanks
Ultra-low nutrient systems can lead to:
poor extension
dull colouration
slow growth or shrinking colonies
Many soft corals actually thrive in balanced systems with moderate nutrient availability.
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Soft corals are often purchased as small frags, but many species grow extremely fast once established.
Common mistakes include:
placing them too close to SPS or LPS corals
not planning for long-term spread
allowing them to attach to main rock structures without containment
Over time, soft corals can:
overgrow nearby corals
shade surrounding colonies
release chemical compounds that irritate other reef livestock
Planning placement early is important for long-term reef stability.
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Because many soft corals are considered “easy,” hobbyists sometimes neglect basic reef stability and husbandry.
Common issues include:
inconsistent salinity from poor top-up habits
unstable alkalinity and nutrient swings
lack of water flow or poor maintenance routines
While soft corals are generally forgiving, they still perform best in:
stable reef aquariums
consistent maintenance schedules
moderate flow and lighting conditions
Healthy soft coral systems are usually built on long-term consistency rather than neglect.
Help centre
Frequently asked questions
Find answers to common questions about our products and services
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🛫 Livestock Shipping (Corals, Fish, Inverts)
Overnight Express (Australia-wide)
Shipped via Team Global Express / air freight partners depending on route
Airport-to-Airport option available (customers collect from local airport freight terminal)
Door-to-door delivery available where supported
Typically dispatched on set shipping days (usually Monday–Tuesday) to reduce transit risk
Designed specifically for live arrival success
📦 Dry Goods Shipping
Standard parcel post via Australia Post / courier services
2–4 business days delivery (approx.)
Used for equipment, supplements, salt, and non-living products
🚚 Local Delivery (Victoria)
Hand-delivery available in select Melbourne areas (including Doncaster region)
Same-day or scheduled local drop-offs depending on run
⚠️ Important Shipping Rules
Livestock is packed and shipped under your Arrive Alive Guarantee
Orders are carefully scheduled to avoid weekend delays (no risky Friday holds for livestock)
WA / TAS / NT may have quarantine or species restrictions
Dry goods and livestock may be split into separate shipments depending on rules
💡 Key Point
We offer a specialised live arrival logistics system, not standard retail shipping - everything is structured around coral and fish survival, not just delivery speed.
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🐠 Return Policy
At Aquamarine Aquaristic, all livestock is handled under strict care standards to ensure the best possible arrival and long-term success.
🪸 Livestock (Corals, Fish & Invertebrates)
Covered under our Arrive Alive Guarantee
If an item arrives unwell or deceased, you must contact us within 24 hours of delivery
Clear photos are required (in bag + out of bag, where applicable)
Once assessed, approved claims are issued as:
Store credit, or
Replacement (when available)
Shipping costs for replacement items are not covered unless the issue is significant or agreed upon case-by-case.
📦 Dry Goods
Must be returned unopened and unused
Returns must be requested within 7 days of delivery
Eligible for refund, store credit, or exchange (excluding shipping costs)
⚠️ Important Notes
We do not accept returns for change of mind on livestock
All livestock is unique and individually handled, making returns outside DOA/health issues not applicable
Proper acclimation and care conditions are required for all claims
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We only offer:
🇦🇺 Australia-wide livestock shipping (overnight / airport or door-to-door depending on route)
📦 Domestic dry goods shipping within Australia
🚚 Limited local Melbourne/Victoria hand delivery
Why not overseas?
International livestock shipping (especially corals, fish, and invertebrates) requires:
Export permits (CITES for some corals/species)
Import biosecurity approval from destination countries
Complex quarantine and airline live animal export handling
High mortality risk and compliance costs
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📦 How to Track Your Order
Once your order has been fulfilled and dispatched, you will automatically receive a tracking notification via SMS and/or email containing your tracking details.
All livestock orders are shipped with Team Global Express, and can be tracked in real time.
🛰 Live Tracking
Track your shipment (Team Global Express)
Team Global Express also provides a live map tracking system, allowing you to follow your delivery in real time from depot to door (or airport pickup depending on service).
