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SPS corals

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Acropora

Acropora spp.

Quick reference

Min tank size

30 US gal

30 gal absolute minimum (single frag in stable nano). Most serious acro keeping happens in 75+ gal where parameter buffer is real.

PAR

200–400 µmol/m²/s

Flow

high

Placement

Upper third of tank with strong indirect flow. Top of rockwork once acclimated.

Temperature

77–79 °F (very narrow — 25–26 °C)

Salinity

1.025–1.026 SG (34–35 ppt)

pH

8.1–8.4

Alkalinity

7.5–9 dKH (low-stable preferred)

Calcium

420–450 ppm

Magnesium

1,300–1,400 ppm

Feeding

Photosynthetic + amino acid dosing for color. Reef Roids, Acro Power, Pohl's Coral Vitalizer typical.

Compatibility

AEFW (Acropora-eating flatworms) and Red Bugs are species-specific pests. Always dip new acros. Most reef fish are safe; angels and large butterflies will pick.

What kills it

Alkalinity swings (#1 acro killer). AEFW. Red Bug infestation. Sudden nutrient crashes (NO3 → 0). Lighting acclimation failures.

Common mistakes

  • •Adding acro to a tank less than 6 months old.
  • •Running alkalinity at 11+ dKH (Coral Pro salt levels) — acro grows faster but stress fractures appear.
  • •Skipping coral dip on new frags.
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Equipment & food for this species

Dip new SPS frags before adding (CoralRx or Bayer kills AEFW, red bugs, flatworms). Amino acids and Reef Roids drive color and growth.

CoralRx Pro coral dip

Iodine-based dip. Kills AEFW, red bugs, flatworms.

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Bayer Advanced Complete Insect Killer (coral-safe)

Hobby off-label use as the gold-standard SPS dip.

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Polyplab Reef Roids coral food

Powder coral food. LPS / chalice / Goniopora staple.

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Two Little Fishies Acro Power

Amino acid + supplement targeted at Acropora growth.

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Salifert KH/Alkalinity test kit

The hobbyist standard for alkalinity testing.

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