Acropora

Branched, delicate and with spectacular colours: Acropora is the symbol of tropical coral and is the queen of SPS corals (small polyp stony corals) for good reason. Acropora corals are much sought-after in the reef hobby - because of their impressive variety of shapes, bright colours and their appearance in the tank. Whether as an eye-catcher in modern aquascaping or as part of a mature reef structure, those who keep Acropora make a statement.

Buy Acropora - only healthy, aquarium-grown frags from Coralaxy

In our shop you will only find tank grown Acropora frags - 100 % parasite-free, mature and optimally adapted to artificial light conditions. This means that our Acropora corals are significantly more robust in colour and easier to care for than wild-caught corals. There is also no risk of introducing unwanted pests such as Acropora nudibranchs or other parasites.

From legendary rarities such as Acropora hyacinthus ‘Red Planet’ to more robust beginner species such as the popular Acropora enzmann (also known as ‘Green Slimer’) - you will find the whole range of this fascinating genus here. Both collectors and advanced hobbyists will get their money's worth, as will curious SPS beginners.

How to successfully care for Acropora - practical tips

Acropora are considered to be challenging - and this is certainly true for many species. However, with the right technique, a stable tank and some experience, you can successfully keep and grow Acropora even as a fairly intermediate aquarist.

1. light:
Acropora need a lot of light. A lot. Many species only really feel at home in 250-600 PAR. Particularly bright varieties only show their full colour spectrum under intensive LED or halogen lighting. Blue components promote fluorescence and make them a real eye-catcher in the reef.

2. flow:
A strong and, above all, directed flow is crucial - it ensures nutrient supply, removal of mucus and prevents tissue damage. You need to adjust the flow regularly, especially with growing colonies - the larger the Acropora, the greater the need for circulation.

3. water parameters:
Acropora need stable conditions at all times. Even slight fluctuations can lead to growth stagnation or tissue loss:

•     Temperature: 25-26 °C
•     Alkalinity: 7.5-8.5 dKH
•     Calcium: 420-450 mg/l
•     Magnesium: 1300-1400 mg/l
•     Nitrate: 1-5 mg/l
•     Phosphate: 0.03-0.08 mg/l

4. feeding:
Acropora live largely from photosynthesis via their zooxanthellae, but benefit significantly from an additional supply of amino acids, zooplankton or fine SPS coral food - 2-3x per week is ideal for growth and colour expression.

5. placement in the tank:
Place Acropora high up in the reef structure - where light and flow interact optimally. Ensure sufficient distance from other corals: Some species grow quickly and can shade or overgrow their neighbours.

6. control & care:
Observe your Acropora regularly - colour changes or polyp retraction can indicate imbalances in the system. Our frags are more robust and colour-stable than wild-caught specimens, but they still need a stable system to develop their potential.

Conclusion: Acropora - majestic SPS corals for experienced reef aquarists

With their elaborate branching, enormous species diversity and iconic silhouette, Acropora corals are among the most impressive inhabitants of a reef tank. We only supply parasite-free Acropora frags - aquarium-grown, resistant and perfect for high quality reef systems.

Buy aquacultured Acropora now - for the best growth and brilliant colours!