How long does it take a coral to get established in a reef tank?

Answer 1

It will take millons and millons of years

Wrong!

Depending of the coral,

starting from 1cm/year up to 50cm/year in species like xenia

Answer 2

It depends on the type of coral; many soft corals are established within a few days of being added. Large polyp stony corals take a few days to a few weeks, and small polyp stonies will often take several weeks to become comfortable in a new aquarium.

Answer 3

The geological record indicates that the ancestors of modern coral reef ecosystems were formed at least 350 million years ago. The coral reefs existing today began growing as early as 50 million years ago. Most established coral reefs are between 5,000 and 10,000 years old. Although size can be a good indicator of the age of a coral reef, it is not a certain indicator. Different species of coral grow at different rates, depending on the water temperature, oxygen level, amount of turbulence, and availability of food around them. Most massive boulder corals are the slowest growing species, adding only between 1/4 to 7/8 inch (5 to 25 millimeters) per year to their length. Branching and Staghorn corals may grow much faster, adding as much as 8 inches (20 centimeters) to their branches each year.

Answer 4

It can take many years, even centuries, for coral to form a substantial reef. At the moment, there i great concern due to climate warming causing the bleaching and dying-off of certain reefs.