Acanthastrea Coral Ultra Colony

The Acantastrea, commonly known as Acan Coral, is a stunning Large Polyp Stony Coral (LPS) prized for its vibrant colors and easy care. With shades of red, orange, green, and purple, it is an excellent choice to add a burst of color to your reef tank. This coral is perfect for beginner and intermediate aquarists due to its relatively simple requirements and robust nature.

Care Guide:

1. Tank Size and Setup:

• Minimum volume: 50 liters (13 gallons) for stable parameters.

• Lighting: Moderate (recommended PAR: 50–150 PAR). High-quality LED or T5 lighting brings out its colors beautifully.

• Placement:

• Middle or lower areas of the tank, away from excessive light.

• Leave at least 2 inches (5 cm) of space around the coral to prevent aggressive interactions.

2. Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 75–79°F (24–26°C).

• Salinity: 1.024–1.026 (specific gravity).

• pH: 7.8–8.4.

• Calcium: 400–450 ppm.

• Alkalinity (KH): 8–12 dKH.

• Magnesium: 1250–1450 ppm.

• Nitrates: Below 10 ppm (ideally 2–5 ppm).

• Phosphates: Below 0.05 ppm.

3. Flow:

• Low to moderate. Excessive flow can cause polyp retraction or tissue damage.

4. Feeding:

• While it derives much of its energy from photosynthesis, supplemental feeding boosts growth and coloration:

• Enriched brine shrimp, frozen mysis shrimp, or liquid/powdered LPS coral food.

• Frequency: 2–3 times weekly, preferably at night when the polyps are open.

5. Compatibility and Tank Mates:

• Reef-safe: Yes, but watch for its sweeper tentacles, which can harm nearby corals.

• Ideal tank mates: Peaceful fish like gobies, clownfish, and dwarf angelfish.

• Avoid: Aggressive fish or invertebrates that may nip at its tissues, such as butterflyfish or large crabs.

6. Maintenance and Growth:

• Regularly clean the polyps to prevent debris buildup.

• Perform biweekly water changes (10–15%).

• Moderate growth under stable conditions.

7. Signs of Health:

• Fully inflated polyps with vibrant colors.

• No white spots or signs of tissue necrosis.

8. Special Precautions:

• Keep sufficient space from other corals to prevent chemical or physical aggression.

• Avoid handling its soft tissues to prevent stress or infections.

• Maintain stable water parameters, as Acantastrea is sensitive to sudden changes.