Can Corals Be Exposed To Air? in Reef Tanks or in Nature
Coral reefs are some of the most beautiful and diverse ecosystems on Earth. They are also some of the most threatened. One of the biggest threats to coral reefs is exposure to air. When corals are exposed to air, they can suffer from bleaching and death.
Bleaching occurs when the coral loses its symbiotic algae. The algae provide the coral with food and give it its color. Without the algae, the coral is pale and vulnerable to disease. Death can occur if the coral is exposed to air for too long.
Exposure to air can happen in reef tanks when the water level drops or when waves crash over the reef. It can also happen in nature during storms or when the tide goes out.
There are some things that can be done to prevent exposure to air. In reef tanks, keep the water level stable and make sure there are no waves. In nature, coral reefs can be protected by building breakwaters or by planting mangroves.
Exposure to air is a serious threat to coral reefs. But, with some care and protection, coral reefs can thrive for generations to come.