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Frequently Asked Questions
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What does WYSIWYG mean?"What you see is what you get", Pronounced: /ˈwɪz.i.wɪɡ/ The piece shown in the picture is the actual piece for sale, if purchased, the acutal picece you will receive.
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How fast do frags grow?Some corals grow faster than others however, this depends on too many things to provide a generic answer. How well the coral does in your system, your lighting, and your water parameters (just to list a few) will all determine on how quickly your coral will grow.
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What are your water parameters?Temperature: 79F Salinity: 1.026 Alkalinity: 8.4 - 9.0 Calcium: 420 - 440 Magnesium: 1400 We run weekly tests on all of our systems; feel free to ask for the current test results.
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Can I use images and videos from your website?Unfortuately we do not allow the use of any of our images or videos.
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Do you have a Store Location?Yes, in Panama City, Florida. Our address is: 601 West 11th Street Suite B Panama City, Florida 32401 Google/Apple Maps directions to 'Reef Republica' for proper directions. We are directly across from the Jenk's Middle School Sign. Huge Oak tree in our parking area. If you have any troubles finding us, give us a call we will help.
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What is aquacultured coral?Coral aquaculture, also known as coral farming or coral gardening, is the cultivation of corals for commercial purposes or coral reef restoration. Reef Republica is committed to playing our part in preserving the world's coral reefs, and our immediate goal of providing aquicultured marine coral to reef tank hobbyists is a huge step toward that commitment! However, not all of our corals are aquacultured.
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Why is shipping so expensive?The well being of the coral and animals is the priority therefore gettting them to you as healthy and as soon as possible. Overnight next day air services are expensive, but it is the best possible service....
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Can shipping be combined?Yes, we will combine shipping. Once you have completed shopping between our site and ebay auctions, we will be more than happy to provide you with a total.
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Do you ship outside the continental US?No, it is cost prohibitive and risk of delayed shipments. Additionally, it is not legal to ship coral into some locations.
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Do you ship internationally?Due to restricitions we are not able to ship internationally.
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Is shiping free for DOA replacements?No, you will be paying for shipping on DOA replacements (unless otherwise stated by Reef Republica). Shipping costs are not refundable.
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Where is my order shipping from?Our business location in Kissimee, Florida.
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How can I track my shipment?You will receive tracking information for your order/shipment via email once is has been shipped. All orders are shipped FedEx Priority Overnight and can be tracked on FedEx.com.
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Do I have to create an account in order to buy from you?You do not have to create an account. It is recommended however, you will have access to your previous orders, track status of current orders, and receive member only benefits.
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Can I add to my order?Yes, absolutely! You can add to your order 24 hours prior to it being shipped. We can not add to an order the day it is being packaged and prepared to ship.
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How long does it take to receive my order?After we received payment for your order, we will package and ship ASAP. Shipping restrictions apply, No Saturday or Sunday deliveries.
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Can I cancel my order?Yes, if you change your mind, you can canel your order 24 hours prior to it being shipped. There will be a 20% restocking fee for any livestock. We can not cancel an order the day it is being packaged and prepared to ship.
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Is shiping free for DOA replacements?No, you will be paying for shipping on DOA replacements (unless otherwise stated by Reef Republica). Shipping costs are not refundable.
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Can I get a Refund or an Exchange?No, we do not offer refunds or exchanges on any of our livestock. Refunds, returns, or exchanges for damaged dry goods are on an approval basis only! Please contact the manufacturer for some equipment exchanges under warranty.
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What do I need to start a saltwater aquarium?Depending on your skill level, this can be as complicated or as simplistic as you would like. Starting a saltwater aquarium requires careful planning and the right equipment to create a stable environment for marine life. All of our staff can assist you with these choices. Talk with one of us today, and we will help you set up your dream tank for success! Here's a basic list of essentials you'll need to begin: Aquarium Tank: Choose a tank size appropriate for the species you intend to keep. Larger tanks provide more stable water conditions and more room for fish and corals to thrive. Aquarium Stand: Ensure the stand is sturdy and capable of supporting the weight of the filled aquarium. It should also complement the aesthetics of your living space. Filtration System: Select a filtration system suitable for saltwater aquariums, such as a hang-on-back (HOB) filter, canister filter, or sump filtration system. Biological, mechanical, and chemical filtration components are essential for maintaining water quality. Protein Skimmer: A protein skimmer helps remove organic waste and proteins from the water, enhancing water clarity and reducing nutrient buildup. Heater and Thermometer: Install a reliable aquarium heater to maintain stable water temperature appropriate for your livestock. Use a thermometer to monitor temperature fluctuations. Hydrometer or Refractometer: Measure salinity accurately with a hydrometer or refractometer when mixing saltwater and during regular maintenance. Substrate: Choose a suitable substrate such as live sand or aragonite to provide a natural habitat for beneficial bacteria and to support the growth of corals and other invertebrates. Live Rock: Live rock serves as both decoration and biological filtration. It harbors beneficial bacteria and provides hiding places for fish and invertebrates. RODI Water and Saltwater Mix: Use a quality RODI unit to make clean, fresh water to top off your tank and to mix your salt mix. Use a high-quality marine salt mix to prepare saltwater for your aquarium. Follow manufacturer instructions for mixing to achieve proper salinity levels. Or purchase premade water from us! Test Kits: Essential test kits include those for pH, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, alkalinity (KH), calcium, and magnesium. Regular testing helps monitor water parameters and detect any issues early. Lighting: Choose appropriate lighting based on the needs of your livestock, whether fish-only, fish with live rock, or a reef tank with corals. LED lights are popular for their energy efficiency and customizable settings. Aquarium Decorations and Live Plants (if applicable): Enhance the aesthetic appeal of your aquarium with suitable decorations and live plants that are compatible with saltwater conditions. Saltwater Fish and Invertebrates: Once your tank is cycled and stable, carefully select fish, corals, and invertebrates that are compatible with each other and your tank's environment. Maintenance Supplies: Keep essential supplies on hand, such as a fish net, algae scraper, water siphon for water changes, and buckets designated for aquarium use only. Starting a saltwater aquarium involves patience and attention to detail. Research the specific requirements of the species you plan to keep and establish a regular maintenance routine to ensure a healthy and thriving aquatic environment. Reef Republica is here to support your hobby from the beginning and will continue with you for as long as you require. Our goal is to see you and your tank succeed. Happy Reefing!
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How do I maintain stable water parameters in my saltwater aquarium?Maintaining stable water parameters in a saltwater aquarium is crucial for the health and well-being of your marine inhabitants. Here are some essential steps and tips to achieve and maintain stable water parameters: Regular Water Testing: Test water parameters such as pH, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, alkalinity (KH), calcium, and magnesium regularly using reliable test kits. This helps you monitor any fluctuations and take corrective actions promptly. Consistent Water Changes: Perform regular water changes to remove accumulated pollutants and replenish essential trace elements. Typically, a 10-20% water change every 2-4 weeks is recommended, but this can vary based on the tank's bio-load and water quality. Use of RO/DI Water: Always use purified water, such as Reverse Osmosis (RO) / Deionized (DI) water, for mixing saltwater and top-offs. This helps prevent contaminants and ensures stable water chemistry. Maintain Proper Salinity (Specific Gravity): Keep the salinity of your aquarium water stable within the recommended range (usually 1.024-1.026 specific gravity or 32-35 ppt). Use a reliable refractometer or hydrometer to measure salinity accurately. Monitor and Adjust Temperature: Maintain a stable temperature suitable for your livestock (typically 72-78°F or 22-26°C for most marine species). Use a reliable aquarium heater and monitor temperature fluctuations. Biological Filtration: Establish and maintain effective biological filtration using live rock, sand beds, and beneficial bacteria. This helps to break down organic waste and maintain water quality. Adequate Flow and Oxygenation: Ensure adequate water flow and surface agitation to promote gas exchange and oxygenation. This prevents stagnant areas where waste can accumulate. Regular Cleaning and Maintenance: Clean aquarium equipment (e.g., filters, protein skimmers) regularly to prevent buildup of debris and organic matter that can affect water quality. Avoid Overfeeding: Feed your fish and invertebrates sparingly and remove uneaten food promptly to prevent excess nutrients from accumulating in the water. Stability in Additives and Supplements: When using additives like calcium, alkalinity, and trace element supplements, maintain consistency and follow dosing instructions carefully to avoid overdosing or fluctuations. By implementing these practices consistently and monitoring your aquarium's water parameters closely, you can create a stable and healthy environment for your saltwater aquarium inhabitants. Adjustments may be needed over time based on the needs of your specific livestock and any changes in the aquarium's environment.
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