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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 (small-polyped stony) coral world, stands out due to the sheer number of species it encompasses. Reef aquarists often refer to the care requirements of Acropora when discussing the needs of an SPS system. These corals, available in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, are considered challenging to keep due to their high sensitivity to changes in water chemistry and demanding flow and lighting requirements.
Demands and Hardiness:
Acropora necessitate a well-established aquarium, ideally set up for a minimum of one year, to thrive successfully. They are highly sensitive to fluctuations in water parameters, requiring stable levels of alkalinity (8-12 dKH), pH (8.1-8.4), salinity (1.023-1.026), and temperature (22.2-25.6°C). Strong water movement is crucial for their health, making a powerful water flow essential within the tank.
Lighting:
High lighting is crucial for Acropora to flourish, with options such as high-output fluorescent bulbs (T5) or more intense lighting like metal halides (MH) being suitable choices. Adequate acclimation to intense lighting, particularly with metal halides, may be necessary. Color changes in Acropora due to lighting variations are common, showcasing their adaptability to different tank conditions.
Water Flow:
Acropora thrive in environments with strong water movement, emphasizing the importance of sufficient water flow within the tank to simulate their natural habitat conditions.
Feeding:
While Acropora primarily rely on the products of their zooxanthellae, direct feeding can benefit them significantly. Liquid and powdery foods containing Phytoplankton and Zooplankton particles (20um-1mm) serve as suitable nutrition sources for these corals. Feeding with a mix of meaty rotifer-based foods enriched with vitamins and highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFA) can help maintain their health and vibrancy.
Propagation:
Acropora have been extensively propagated in captivity, making them excellent candidates for aquaculture. The genus shows potential for sustainable harvesting practices in the future.
Localization & Habitat:
Acropora corals are predominantly found in the Indo-Pacific region, inhabiting islands such as Fiji, Tonga, the Solomon Islands, and Australia's Great Barrier Reef. Their natural habitat consists of shallow tropical waters with ample sunlight and strong water currents, which should be replicated in aquarium settings for their optimal growth and well-being.