Description
The Stuber Stag from ORA is not the original Stuber Acropora, though it is a direct descendant. This fascinating coral has an orange-brown body with bright blue growth tips. The exact coloration of this coral can vary greatly depending on the aquarium conditions. The corallites on are larger and spaced further apart than what is typically found on other staghorn Acropora.
Acropora are often regarded as one of the most difficult group of corals to keep (outside of NPS corals). Despite this, many hobbyists keep Acropora with great success. If you’re new or unfamiliar with keeping Acropora, we’ll go over the basics here. Let’s start with lighting. Acropora are infamous for needing intense light. They can be placed under medium to high light, though the coloration will be significantly better under more intense lighting. Ideally, you should keep your Acropora under 200-300 micromoles of PAR. To avoid bleaching, you need to acclimate your Acropora to higher light by starting it in lower light and slowly moving it into higher light during a month or even a few months. Regarding flow, it is difficult to give Acropora too much flow. You are much more likely to provide too little flow than too much. However, it is best for the flow to be irregular and random to avoid dead spots and to promote proper growth. Flow is important because it prevents detritus buildup and it gives the coral access to nutrients and elements in the water.
Acropora require proper levels of calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium that are stable. If you are unable to keep these levels stable with very little fluctuation, Acropora may not do well in your aquarium. You need to be able to properly using a dosing method, calcium reactor, or kalkwasser to keep these levels stable. As for other parameters, keep your nitrates at 1-5 ppm and your phosphates as close to 0.01 ppm as possible but not 0. Keep the temperature between 72-78 degrees Fahrenheit and stable. Acropora contain a photosynthetic algae called zooxanthellae which provides the coral with most of its nutritional needs. However, Acropora benefit from feeding as long as the food particles are small enough. As an alternative to dry coral food, you can feed phytoplankton if you want an effective method that won’t raise your nutrient levels. Feeding Acropora can promote better coloration and faster growth. Who doesn’t want that?
Purchase Size: 1 – 2″
Placement: You can place this coral anywhere in your aquarium as long as its lighting and flow needs are met.
Lighting: Medium to high.
Flow: Moderate to strong.
Parameters: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, 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 Stuber Stag Acropora from ORA are much more likely to survive and well in your aquarium than corals collected from the ocean. This is because they are already adapted and adjusted to aquarium conditions such as lighting, flow, and water chemistry. Aquacultured corals are also far less likely to carry pests and diseases, though you should still dip and/or quarantine them to be safe. On top of all that, aquacultured corals are more sustainable and environmentally friendly. These corals are the way to go!
