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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 DescriptionAcropora, the crown jewel of the SPS world, encompass a vast array of species that are sought after by reef aquarists for their striking beauty and unique growth patterns. Considered one of the most challenging corals to keep, Acropora require meticulous care due to their sensitivity to water chemistry changes and demanding flow and lighting needs. Their allure lies in the challenge they present to experienced hobbyists and the rewarding experience of successfully maintaining them in a well-established aquarium.
Demands and HardinessAcropora necessitate a stable marine environment with precise water parameters, making them suitable for advanced aquarists who can meet their high demands. These corals thrive in well-established tanks, preferably aged for at least a year, to ensure a stable ecosystem. Due to their sensitivity, Acropora benefit from consistent water quality, appropriate flow levels, and intense lighting to support their growth and vibrancy.
LightingHigh lighting levels are essential for Acropora's health and coloration. They can be housed under high output fluorescent bulbs like T5, but might exhibit enhanced coloration under more intense lighting sources such as metal halide (MH) lamps. Acropora may require an extended acclimation period to adjust to intense lighting, with some color variations possible under different lighting conditions. Notably, Acropora can undergo significant color shifts based on lighting intensity, showcasing a dynamic visual display in aquatic environments.
Water FlowAcropora thrive in environments with strong water movement, necessitating robust flow levels within the aquarium. Adequate water flow promotes nutrient exchange, oxygenation, and waste removal, supporting the overall health and vitality of Acropora colonies. Maintaining strong water flow mimics natural marine conditions, ensuring that these corals receive essential nutrients and maintain optimal growth.
FeedingWhile Acropora largely depend on their photosynthetic zooxanthellae for nutrition, supplementary feeding can benefit their overall health. Offering a blend of small-sized, nutrient-rich foods like meaty rotifer-based options with vitamin additives and highly unsaturated fatty acids is recommended. Direct feeding via a turkey baster with thawed frozen food can provide an additional food source, enhancing the nutritional intake of Acropora and promoting their well-being.
PropagationWith extensive captive propagation efforts, Acropora are well-suited for aquaculture initiatives and sustainable harvesting practices. The genus has been successfully propagated in captivity, contributing to conservation efforts and reducing the pressure on wild populations. Acropora's compatibility with propagation techniques highlights their potential for long-term sustainability in marine environments.
Localization & HabitatAcropora are predominantly found in the Indo-Pacific region, inhabiting diverse reef ecosystems in areas such as Fiji, Tonga, the Solomon Islands, and the Great Barrier Reef. Their presence in these tropical marine environments underscores their adaptation to specific habitat conditions, emphasizing the importance of replicating these parameters in aquaria to support the well-being and growth of Acropora colonies.