More info
Datasheet
| Care Description | Acropora are the crown jewel of the SPS world. No other genus has the sheer number of species as Acropora and when reef aquarists talk about the requirements to keep an SPS system, they are talking specifically about the care requirements of Acropora. Having said that, Acropora are one of the most difficult corals to keep. They are highly sensitive to changes in water chemistry and require the most in terms of flow and light. Many experienced hobbyists have struggled keeping Acropora long term, but that is part of the attraction to this coral. Lastly, Acropora benefit greatly from a well established aquarium, preferably one that has been set up at least for 1 year. Please see below for additional care tips for Acropora. |
| Water Flow | Strong |
| Temperature | 22.2°C / 71.96°F - 25.6°C / 78.08°F |
| Specific Gravity | 1.023-1.026 |
| Carbonate Hardness | 8-12 |
| pH | 8.1-8.4 |
General Description:
Acropora corals are considered the crown jewel of the Small Polyp Stony (SPS) coral world, boasting the largest number of species within the genus. Their intricate branching structures and vibrant colors make them highly desirable in reef aquariums, with the Bali Green Slimer (Acropora yongei) being a long-time favorite due to its eye-catching bright green hue.
Demands and Hardiness:
Acropora corals are notoriously challenging to keep in aquariums, being extremely sensitive to fluctuations in water chemistry. They require high levels of water flow and intense lighting, making them a demanding addition to any reef tank. Experienced hobbyists often find it challenging to maintain Acropora long-term, adding to the allure of successfully caring for these corals. It is advisable to introduce Acropora to well-established aquariums, preferably those that have been running for at least a year.
Lighting:
Acropora corals thrive under high lighting conditions, making them suitable for high-output fluorescent bulbs like T5s or even more intense lighting such as metal halides. The coloration of Acropora can be influenced by the type of lighting they receive, and they may require a longer acclimation period when transitioning to intense lighting sources. Color changes in Acropora, such as red sections turning green, are not uncommon and are often attributed to tank conditions, particularly lighting.
Water Flow:
Strong water movement is crucial for Acropora corals, as they prefer turbulent conditions in their environment. Providing strong water flow within the aquarium helps mimic their natural habitat and aids in nutrient uptake and waste removal, promoting overall health and growth.
Feeding:
While Acropora primarily rely on the products of their zooxanthellae for nutrition, they also benefit from direct feeding. Suitable foods include liquid and powdery options containing phytoplankton and zooplankton ranging from 20um to 1mm in particle size. Feeding a mixture of meaty rotifer-based foods with vitamin additives and highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFA) is recommended. Small food particles that the coral polyps can fully ingest are preferred, and using a turkey baster to target-feed Acropora colonies with thawed frozen foods is a common practice.
Propagation:
Acropora corals have been extensively propagated in captivity and are ideal candidates for aquaculture. With ongoing efforts, it is plausible to achieve sustainable harvesting of Acropora colonies over time, reducing the pressure on wild coral populations.
Localization & Habitat:
Acropora corals are predominantly found in the Indo-Pacific region, inhabiting islands such as Fiji, Tonga, the Solomon Islands, and the Great Barrier Reef. Their natural habitat includes shallow tropical waters with intense sunlight and strong water currents, influencing their demands for high lighting and water flow in artificial reef environments.