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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, known as the crown jewel of the SPS coral world, boasts the largest diversity of species within the genus. They are often the focus of discussions surrounding SPS system care requirements due to their intricate needs and stunning beauty. While challenging to keep, these corals are highly sensitive to water chemistry fluctuations and demand optimal flow and lighting conditions for sustained health.
Demands and Hardiness
Acropora's care demands are among the most stringent in the reef aquarium hobby, requiring meticulous attention to water quality, stability, and overall aquarium health. These corals thrive best in well-established tanks, ideally matured for at least a year, where parameters like temperature (22.2-25.6°C), pH (8.1-8.4), and salinity (1.023-1.026) are diligently maintained. Additionally, a moderate to strong water flow setup is essential for their survival, emulating the conditions found in their natural habitats.
Lighting
For optimal growth and coloration, Acropora corals necessitate high-intensity lighting within aquarium setups. While they can thrive under high-output fluorescent lamps like T5, they may exhibit even better results under more intense sources such as metal halide bulbs. Adequate acclimation to intense lighting settings is crucial, as abrupt changes can impact the coral's health and coloration significantly.
Water Flow
Acropora colonies benefit from strong water movement within the aquarium, mimicking the turbulent conditions they thrive in naturally. A setup allowing for sufficient water flow around these corals is essential, promoting gas exchange, nutrient uptake, and waste removal while preventing detritus buildup that could harm the coral.
Feeding
Although Acropora primarily rely on photosynthesis through their zooxanthellae, supplementary feeding can enhance their health and vibrancy. Offering liquid and powdered foods rich in phytoplankton and zooplankton particles ensures they receive essential nutrients. Feeding these corals a varied diet of small, meaty, rotifer-based foods supplemented with vitamins and HUFA can greatly benefit their growth and resilience.
Propagation
Acropora species have been successfully propagated in captivity, making them an excellent candidate for aquaculture efforts. Their prolific propagation in controlled environments suggests the possibility of achieving sustainable harvests in the future, reducing the impact on wild populations.
Localization & Habitat
Acropora corals are predominantly found in the Indo-Pacific region, populating diverse ecosystems across islands such as Fiji, Tonga, the Solomon Islands, and the Great Barrier Reef. Their abundance and significance in these habitats underscore their ecological importance and status as iconic reef-building organisms.