What do Acropora corals need to thrive?
In order for Acropora corals to thrive, you must need the lighting and heating in the aquarium to be perfect. Because of the zooxanthellae that live in the coral’s tissue, you must have adequate lighting in your aquarium.
What kind of bugs do Acropora eat?
Acropora sometimes fall victim to a variety of pests. The two most commonly seen in home aquariums are Acropora eating flatworms and small crustaceans hobbyists call “red bugs.” Acropora eating flat worms are extremely difficult to see. This is due to their bodies mimicking the color and texture of the coral itself.
Do aquarium fish affect Acropora coral colonies?
Last point on nutrition, a higher volume of fish in the aquarium do seem to have a positive effect on Acropora coral colonies. This is a purely anecdotal observation that is also echoed by many other aquarists that have kept SPS tanks successfully. Perhaps their presence as a nitrogen source in close proximity is a good thing.
What do corals feed on?
The corals may be feeding on bacteria directly or indirectly attracting microbe-feeding zooplankton that they then trap and consume, but it is interesting that the corals studied grow in a fashion that optimizes flow through the branches to maximize bacteria farming opportunities.
What do Acropora corals eat?
Corals also eat by catching tiny floating animals called zooplankton. At night, coral polyps come out of their skeletons to feed, stretching their long, stinging tentacles to capture critters that are floating by. Prey are pulled into the polyps' mouths and digested in their stomachs.
How do you increase Acropora growth?
0:137:408 Ways to Improve Acropora Coral Growth | SPS Reef Tank - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBelow. Number two get yourself some metal halides. I know what you're thinking but a my electricityMoreBelow. Number two get yourself some metal halides. I know what you're thinking but a my electricity bill is going to be high and the heat.
How do you care for an Acropora coral?
17:4237:19Acropora Coral Care Tips - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipLet's move on to the issue of water flow Acropora are found in some of the strongest. Current areasMoreLet's move on to the issue of water flow Acropora are found in some of the strongest. Current areas of the reef and benefit greatly from strong water movement in the home aquarium.
How do you keep Acropora alive?
Acropora are found in some of the strongest current areas of the reef and benefit greatly from strong water movement in the home aquarium. Water movement is essential for bringing nutrients to coral and more importantly removing waste away from them. Acropora even grow in patterns to adapt to the flow in a given area.
How do I extend my Acropora polyps?
1:063:12How To Maximize SPS Polyp Extension: Top 5 Tips - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipLevel any swings with this parameter over a short period of time usually spells trouble and canMoreLevel any swings with this parameter over a short period of time usually spells trouble and can impact top extension. As for part to keep a slightly dirty tank and have some levels of nitrates.
How long does it take to grow Acropora?
From my experience it can take from 6months to 2 years depending on the coral.
Can you feed Acropora?
0:426:19Acropora and SPS Corals Grow Better in Reef Tanks with Regular ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipExactly it's worthwhile to take a time to feed our stony corals. So it's true that most of theMoreExactly it's worthwhile to take a time to feed our stony corals. So it's true that most of the nutritional requirements. That our Acropora have can be met by their symbiotic zoos a fella.
Do Acropora like high flow?
Acropora millepora is a sturdy coral that loves high flow rates.
Why do Acropora turn brown?
They turn brown when you don't have enough light usually or your tanks high nutrients and not yet mature.
Why is my Acropora turning white?
Often you will notice when diving there are white tips on corals, especially SPS corals such as Acropora. That is because white tips are not always a cause for concern.... white tips can mean growth! If the white tips have polyps growing on and/or around them, then generally it's a good sign.
Can Acropora touch each other?
If SPS corals do touch each other in your reef aquarium, you are likely to get a bit of warfare at the point of contact, but it doesn't always result in killing the coral. Usually, the most dominant SPS coral (mainly Acropora corals), will keep growing whilst the weaker one loses parts of its body that are touched.
What are the easiest Acropora?
Green Slimer, Red Planet, most valida and milli species have been easiest for me. The ORA varieties are a good bet, as is anything from a local reefer that has a history of captive growth and hardiness. Smooth skins/deep water are usually a bit more challenging to acclimate and get established.
How do you care for Favia coral?
Favia coral do not have to be fed but feeding will help speed the growth of this live coral. Favia corals can catch food particles in the aquarium when their tentacles are out and this is also the best time to feed the coral if desired. Most meaty fish foods like krill, mysis, and brine shrimp will work.
How long does it take SPS corals to grow?
They require an indirect, medium to high water flow and strong lighting to maintain their bright colors. Coral Fact: Bird's Nest Corals are well-known to grow 3-5 inches, in only 6 months from a 1 inch fragment!
How fast do frags grow?
Coral frags don't grow fast in a reef tank. Rather, the growth can be quite slow. For instance, massive corals tend to grow at a very slow rate of about 0.5 – 2 cm (0.2 – 0.8 in) per annum. It takes a few weeks for a coral frag to establish itself, and specific growth rates depend on the species.
How do you grow in SPS?
0:092:54How to Maintain & Grow SPS Coral - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe next thing to consider is to keep the temperature. And salinity of your aquarium stable. YouMoreThe next thing to consider is to keep the temperature. And salinity of your aquarium stable. You want to keep the temperature between 76. And 78 degrees ideally.
How much light do acropora corals need?
Acropora corals tend to flourish under a decent amount of light and need a minimum of 3 watts per gallon.
What is an acropora coral?
Firstly, let’s look at what Acropora corals are and why you might want them in your saltwater aquarium. Acropora refers to the genus of coral and is a stony coral with small polyps. They have a high metabolism and light skeletons which means they are quick to grow!
Why is my coral tank not letting water flow?
If the corals are not provided with the correct water flow they become extremely susceptible to diseases that might cause bleaching or even death. When first putting the coral in your tank, do not set the water flow as too turbulent until the coral gets time to settle. Then, as it gains density, increase the water flow.
Why are corals sensitive to water?
These corals are sensitive to changes in the water flow, temperature, and chemistry, and this is why many beginners might be put off having them in their tanks. However, fully understanding the needs of these coral means that you are able to create and maintain the best environment for them to survive.
What is the disease that a coral is susceptible to?
One illness that Acropora corals are known to suffer from is rapid tissue necrosis (RTD). This is where the tissue on the coral begins to peel off.
What does turbulent water mean for corals?
A turbulent water flow means that the nutrients the corals need are brought to them, and their waste is taken away. These corals enjoy a random, mixing current with water coming from different directions.
Do stony corals need more care than soft corals?
A lot of information online discusses the difficulty of caring for hard corals and suggest that only soft corals are suitable for those of us who have just started our journey into coral care. Of course, stony corals do need more care than soft corals, but Acropora corals are one of the best genera of hard corals to look after in ...
How to Care for Acropora Corals
Acropora corals have the largest number of species in the small polyp stony world and can be one of the most demanding and challenging corals to keep—but they can also be the most rewarding. With our guide to Acropora coral care, we will try to alleviate the challenges you may face when caring for your Acropora.
Tank Parameters to Maintain for Healthy Acropora
The challenge of Acropora coral care is tied to their high demands for lighting, water flow, and pristine water chemistry. They crave incredibly stable conditions in their environment, and on the surface, this sounds simple; however, those that have successfully kept Acropora understand the underlying difficulty.
The World Wide Corals Difference
World Wide Corals believes in full transparency with customers and offers a look into our facility and practices. Our staff raises extremely healthy corals and provides you with a full online customer service team to guarantee you fully enjoy your purchase.
Origins And Habitat
The wide majority of Acropora corals originate from the Indo-Pacific in major reef systems like the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Australia.
What Do Acropora Look Like?
Acropora are very easy to tell apart from most other corals, but can easily be confused with other small polyp stony (SPS) corals. Given that there are many natural species of Acropora as well as modified varieties from the aquarium hobby, it can be difficult to know exactly what you’re looking at.
Placement In The Aquarium
Acropora need to be placed where light and water flow allows. This is typically at the top and middle portions of the reef, though some extremely high-tech setups may allow for lower portions to be utilized.
Temperament In The Aquarium
Though Acropora might seem harmless as they don’t have any apparent sweeper tentacles, they are actually very aggressive. These stony corals are determined to preserve their spot on the reef and will eagerly damage other nearby species.
Acropora Coral Care And Maintenance
Acropora corals are difficult to keep. But just how difficult are they?
Feeding
For the most part, Acropora corals get the food they need through their symbiotic relationship with photosynthetic dinoflagellates called zooxanthellae.
What Are Good Tankmates For Acropora?
Acropora corals can be kept with all reef-safe species. In fact, Acropora do best when they receive natural nutrients from fish waste.
