Description
Acropora come in a lot of different shapes and colors, like the ORA Scorchin’ Torch Acropora. This Acropora grown at ORA’s aquaculture facilities has a velvety texture, with compact branches and corallites that look like tubes. Overall, the color of this acropora is a vibrant red-orange with slightly darker coloration at the base of the corallites. The growth tips are lighter in color, as is common with Acropora species. The polyps of this acropora are neon yellow.
Colors and formations are practically limitless with over 350 documented species of Acropora worldwide. Depending on its location on the reef, the appearance of the same species can vary drastically. The neon green, blue, and purple species are the ones most commonly kept in reef tanks. The distribution of Acropora provides some insight into the type of captive conditions this coral requires. Typically, Acropora are found in the purest and most oxygenated water on the planet.
Acropora’s color variations also kindle reef keepers’ desire for challenge. The lengths to which seasoned SPS keepers will go in order to achieve optimal coloration are astounding. In general, the ORA Scorchin’ Torch will develop a darker, more flaming red in the center of the colony, where the branches are densest. However, the coloration can vary slightly depending on the specific parameters of the reef tank system.
The ORA Scorchin’ Torch can thrive in a variety of lighting conditions and water turbulence. As with the majority of SPS, this Acropora species requires extremely specific conditions to thrive. Scorchin’ Torch Acropora requires a substantial moderate to high water flow and bright light to retain its color. Scorchin’ Torch Acropora from ORA can be grown using T5s, Metal Halides, or LEDs when the proper PAR levels are provided. Regardless of the lighting fixture, a color spectrum between 14K and 20K is optimal for preserving the coloration and health of this Acropora species.
For success with Scorchin’ Torch Acropora, it is essential to keep consistent water parameters. Maintain calcium (420–440 ppm), alkalinity (8–9.5 dKH), and magnesium levels at their current ranges (1260–1350 ppm). Nitrate levels should be below 10 ppm, and phosphate levels should also be below 10 ppm.
SPS corals require more care than many others, and the ORA Scorchin’ Torch Acropora is no different. Therefore, this coral may not be the best option for beginners. The key is to maintain the water’s parameters as consistently as possible. The importance of chemical stability for the Scorching Torch Acropora cannot be overstated! Although proper alkalinity, calcium, and magnesium levels are also desirable, the values themselves are less important than their consistency.
Attention to lighting and water flow is important for good placement of ORA’s Scorchin’ Torch Acro. Mount the Scorchin’ Torch Acropora frag with gel glue, putty, or both, on a rock or ledge that sticks out into the tank and gets direct flow and light.
Purchase Size: 1 – 2″
Lighting: Medium to high intensity (PAR 350-450)
Flow: Moderate to strong
Parameters: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025, Mg 1260-1350, Nitrates <10ppm, Phosphates, < .10ppm
Calcium: 400-440 ppm
Diet: Zooxanthellate; benefits from regular feedings of OceanMagik Live Phytoplankton
When corals are grown in captivity, they have several significant advantages over their counterparts that are harvested from the wild. Most importantly, these corals are more resistant to disease and have less contact with pests and pathogens. These corals are better able to withstand the stress of shipping and acclimating to a new reef tank system, so they are more suited to life in a reef tank. By selecting corals like ORA’s Scorchin’ Torch Acropora, you support the aquaculture of marine livestock and contribute to the sustainability of our hobby.
