Description
Acropora are one of the most common corals in the ocean. They are essential for building the structure of reef environments. While they are found off the coasts of nearly every continent, most species in the hobby originate from the Indo-Pacific. The Juicy Grape Acropora is aquacultured by ORA. Instead of being collected from the ocean, this coral is grown in aquariums. These corals are better adapted to aquarium life, making them easier to keep. You can learn more about the benefits of aquacultured corals below.
Hobbyists often regard Acropora as some of the most challenging corals to keep. While new hobbyists may struggle to keep this coral, it is possible with the right knowledge and persistent care.
Acropora are one of the most light demanding corals. In the wild, some species receive upwards of 700 micromoles of PAR. In your reef aquarium, you should provide your Acropoora with 200-300 micromoles of PAR. Some Acropora can benefit from higher light, but this should be done with extreme caution. To display their mesmerizing coloration, Acropora need intense, full spectrum lighting. Before placing your Acropora on the highest peak of your rocks, you need to acclimate it first. Do this by starting the coral in low to moderate light and gradually move it to the ideal placement. Acclimation significantly reduces the risk of bleaching or color loss.
Acropora also prefer moderate to strong water flow. While moderate flow is adequate, this coral does best in strong currents. Strong water flow ensures the coral remains free of detritus while also providing it with nutrients and ions. Random, irregular flow is best because it encourages proper growth while preventing dead spots.
Being fast growing stony corals, Acropora often require close attention to water chemistry. They are sensitive to significant fluctuations of parameters like calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium. Keeping these parameters stable often requires hobbyists to implement dosing systems or calcium reactors, which may be challenging for some hobbyists.
Acropora are photosynthetic corals that don’t require feeding to live. An algae called zooxanthellae lives within in the coral and provides food via photosynthesis. However, Acropora benefit from external feeding. Feeding live phytoplankton or amino acids can lead to faster growth rate and better coloration.
There is some debate about the best nutrient levels for Acropora. Some hobbyists say ultra-low-nutrient is best, while others see the best results with higher nutrients. A safe range to be in is 1-5 ppm of nitrates and phosphates as close to 0.01 ppm as possible but not 0. Keep the temperature between 72-78 degrees Fahrenheit and stable.
Care requirements
Purchase Size: 1 – 2″
Placement: This coral should be placed in the middle or top of the aquascape.
Lighting: Medium to high.
Flow: Moderate to strong.
Parameters: 72-78° F, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 32-35 ppt
Calcium: 350-450 ppm
Alkalinity: 8-12 dKH
Magnesium: 1,250-1,350 ppm
More Information
Because the Juicy Grape Acropora is aquacultured by ORA, it is better suited for aquarium life. Aquacultured corals are easy to care for and less likely to carry pests or diseases. On top of that, aquacultured corals are sustainable and environmentally friendly. Do your part to protect our ocean’s beautiful, yet delicate reefs by choosing aquaculture over wild collection.
