Pink Stardust Acropora

Acropora is a branching coral that you can grow in an established reef tank. Acropora coral is prized for its rainbow colors and different branch shapes. Especially rare Acropora could have a handful of colors swirling around the branch tips or bright fluorescent polyps swaying in the current. It’s hard to pick favorites!

Acropora coral is one of the most rewarding corals to keep in a reef tank, but also one of the most challenging corals to grow. Acropora coral is not recommended for beginners with a saltwater aquarium who are just getting into reef keeping. For bright colors and fast-growing Acropora, we suggest introducing this coral to an established reef tank that has been running for at least six months or longer. 

Acropora corals normally require a high amount of light with a high volume of alternating flow to keep them happy and healthy. Acropora coral grows fast under the right conditions.

Care Requirements

Lighting and Water Flow

• Lighting: Prefers high light (PAR 200 and above) to ensure proper growth and coloration.  Strong white light (between 10,000 and 14,000 kelvin) results in rigorous growth, but impacts coloration.  Deep blue lighting (between 18,000 and 20,000 kelvin) provides better coloration but may slow growth).
• Water Flow: Strong and randomized flow is best.

Water Conditions

• Temperature: 75-80°F
• Salinity: 1.025 - 1.026
• pH: 8.1 - 8.4
• Alkalinity: 8-9.5 dKH
• Calcium: 420-440 ppm
• Magnesium: 1300-1450 ppm
• Nitrates: <10 ppm
• Phosphates: <0.10 ppm

Feeding

Acropora corals are photosynthetic but benefit from supplemental feedings. Recommended foods include:

• Amino Acids
• Powdered foods such as Benepets and Reef Roids
• Phytoplankton and Zooplankton

Regular target feeding a couple of times a week can enhance growth.  It is recommended that you turn off water flow for 10-15 minutes during feeding for best results.

Growth and Placement

Acropora corals grow quickly in the right environment in a branching structure. They should be placed in the middle to upper sections of the aquarium, out of direct water flow, to allow for proper growth.