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| 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, the crown jewel of the SPS coral world, is a genus with a vast array of species, synonymous with the care requirements of a thriving SPS system. Known for their beauty, Acropora are one of the most challenging corals to maintain due to their sensitivity to water chemistry changes and demanding flow and light conditions.
Demands and Hardiness:
Acropora necessitates a well-established aquarium, ideally set up for a minimum of one year, to thrive. These corals are highly sensitive to fluctuations in water parameters and thrive in environments with precise flow rates and intense lighting. Despite being challenging to care for, the allure of successfully maintaining Acropora is a draw for experienced hobbyists.
Lighting:
High lighting, such as high output fluorescent bulbs (T5) or metal halide (MH) lighting, is recommended for Acropora to enhance their growth and coloration. Acropora may exhibit color changes based on the type of lighting provided and might require an acclimation period to adjust to intense lighting sources.
Water Flow:
Acropora thrives in strong water movement conditions, necessitating adequate flow rates within the aquarium for their health and well-being.
Feeding:
While Acropora largely benefit from their zooxanthellae, direct feeding with liquid and powdery foods containing Phytoplankton and Zooplankton is also beneficial. Frozen fish feed, rotifer-based foods, and supplements rich in vitamins and fatty acids are suitable for their diet.
Propagation:
Primarily propagated in captivity, Acropora is well-suited for aquaculture efforts, making them an excellent candidate for sustainable harvest practices in the future.
Localization & Habitat:
Acropora colonies are predominantly found in the Indo-Pacific region, including areas like Fiji, Tonga, Solomon Islands, and the Great Barrier Reef. The diverse habitats within these regions provide the ideal conditions for Acropora to flourish.