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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, known as the crown jewel of the SPS world, boasts a vast number of species that are highly coveted by reef aquarists. These corals are the epitome of SPS care requirements and are renowned for their stunning beauty and delicate nature, making them one of the most challenging corals to maintain long term in aquariums.
Demands and Hardiness: Acropora require meticulous attention to water chemistry, necessitating stable and pristine conditions. These corals have a high demand for intense water flow and lighting to thrive, with many experienced hobbyists facing challenges in sustaining them over time. Acropora benefit significantly from being housed in well-established aquariums, ideally those set up for at least a year.
Lighting: High lighting is crucial for Acropora, as they thrive under high-output fluorescent bulbs like T5 or more intense lighting such as metal halide (MH). The coloration of Acropora is known to change based on the lighting provided, with some specimens requiring a longer acclimation period to intense lighting sources.
Water Flow: Strong water movement is recommended for Acropora, as they prefer environments with vigorous water flow to simulate their natural habitat conditions and aid in nutrient uptake and waste removal within the coral structure.
Feeding: While Acropora primarily rely on their zooxanthellae for nutrition, direct feeding can benefit them. Offering liquid and powdery foods rich in Phytoplankton and Zooplankton, alongside frozen fish foods with vitamin additives, can enhance the health and growth of Acropora colonies. Feeding should be conducted with small-sized foods that the coral polyps can fully ingest.
Propagation: Acropora has been extensively propagated in captivity, making it an excellent candidate for aquaculture. With the potential for sustainable harvesting practices, efforts are being made to preserve and proliferate Acropora colonies to ensure their long-term conservation.
Localization & Habitat: Acropora colonies are predominantly found in the Indo-Pacific region, inhabiting islands such as Fiji, Tonga, the Solomon Islands, and the Great Barrier Reef. Their natural habitats provide insights into their specific environmental requirements, which aquarists aim to replicate to support the health and vitality of these delicate corals.