Description
Acropora can be found all over the world, off the coasts of nearly every continent. Most Acropora species in the hobby were collected from the Indo-Pacific, the hot spot for most of the corals in the hobby. Acropora are essential reef building corals and are one of the most common corals on the reef. The Polystoma Table Acropora sold here are aquacultured by ORA. Instead of being collected from the ocean, these corals are grown in aquariums. Aquacultured corals are well adapted to aquarium life and overall easier to keep. You can learn more about why aquacultured corals are so great below.
This Polystoma Table Acropora has a tabling growth form. Large colonies will have large, plate like formations. Although these structures require lots of space, they can be grown in large enough aquariums. Regardless, this coral is beautiful in all sizes.
Acropora are often considered one of the most difficult corals to keep. However, with the right knowledge, persistence, and some practice, you can keep Acropora successfully.
Acropora are light demanding corals. You should aim to keep your Acropora under light intensity of 200-300 micromoles of PAR. Although some species do better in even higher light, this is a safe standard to meet. Before placing your precious Acro frag under intense light, you should acclimate it first. Start the coral in dim or moderate light, and gradually move it into higher light over a period of a few weeks or months. This will greatly reduce the risk of bleaching and color loss. It is also important to provide full spectrum lighting to achieve the best coloration.
Acropora also require moderate to strong flow. Water movement is important because it keeps the coral clean while delivering important ions and nutrients. Moderate flow is acceptable for this coral, but strong flow is best. As the coral grows, the dense branches will require stronger flow to keep the coral clean. It is also ideal to provide irregular flow to prevent dead spots and promote proper growth.
Because they are fast growing corals, Acropora consume lots of calcium to grow. To maintain stable levels of calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium, you will likely need to supplement your aquarium with a dosing system of calcium reactor. It is easy to overdose, causing lots of harmful fluctuations. For this reason, exercise extra caution when supplementing your calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium levels.
Because of the photosynthetic zooxantehllae algae within, Acropora do not need to be fed. However, you may see increased coloration and growth by feeding your Acropora. Ideally, you should feed foods that limit the amount of waste in the aquarium. Live foods such as phytoplankton are perfect for this. Amino acids are beneficial as well.
While the perfect nutrient range for Acropora is debatable, a safe range is nitrates of 1-5 ppm 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
Aquacultured corals such as this Polystoma Table Acropora are environmentally friendly and sustainable. You can help protect our ocean’s reefs by choosing aquacultured corals, fish, and inverts over wild collection. Aquacultured corals are also better adapted to aquarium life, making them hardier and easy to care for. They are far less likely to carry pests and diseases as well.
