The biotope type “Off Shore” is an extreme habitat, because it forms the border line between reef and open ocean. Here, beautiful table-shaped Acropora corals live in full current, just below the breaking waves. The water of the outer reefs is far away from the coasts, nutrient-poor, cooler and clearer than in the inner reef.

The care of fast growing corals from the outer reef zone is complex and demanding. Therefore, you should only start it with some reefkeeping experience. Low nutrient levels and precise adjustment of trace and mass element concentrations as well as water treatment are important issues here.

Offshore animals are not used to large changes in water parameters and nutrient concentrations and need stability.

The special colouring of the SPS from the outer reef zone is a result of the nutrient-poor and clear waters. The corals receive the full light radiation spectrum, but also the undiminished water flow of the breakers, which whip over the reef edge. Biodiversity in the outer reefs is lower and mainly determined by SPS and corals with encrusting growth. Corals from these zones are often obtained from Australia or the Fiji Islands, but Indonesian corals are also suitable for this biotope type.

A reef tank:
Offshore Reef

Offshore Reef – lush hard coral growth in the strong light zone

Foaming water spray at the sea surface reveals the outer reef edge below. This is where the particularly light-demanding SPS corals live that can tolerate even the strongest water currents and powerful UV radiation – as is the case in the Offshore Reef biotope type. To achieve this, the corals require best water quality and current, optimum lighting, low nutrient concentrations and a supply of all necessary elements. They reward you with a burst of vibrant colour that is unrivalled in the coral reef. Metallic shades of blue, strong violet and fluorescent green are the cornerstones of this life community, and the table-shaped growth of the acroporids makes the heart of every hard coral friend beat faster. Other fast growing SPS corals like Seriatopora, Stylophora or Pocillopora also grow here, or Montipora corals in all colours and growth forms. Tangs and anthias feel at home here, as do colourful wrasses and Centropyge angelfish that find numerous hiding places between the corals.