What lighting is best for Acropora?

High lighting (150-400 PAR). Acropora requires strong light to maintain vibrant colors and healthy growth.

Does Acropora need high flow?

Yes, high to very high random flow is critical. Strong water movement prevents algae growth and delivers oxygen and nutrients to the polyps.

Do I need to feed Acropora?

Acropora is mostly photosynthetic but benefits from occasional broadcast feeding with reef roids, amino acids, or plankton. Target feeding is not usually necessary.

Where should I place Acropora in the tank?

Best on upper to mid-level rockwork where it receives strong light and high flow. Avoid placing it too low where flow and light are insufficient.

Coral Care Info Acropora

Acropora Coral Care Guide

Care Requirements of Acropora in Home Reef Aquariums

Acropora coral care is considered advanced, making these iconic SPS corals best suited for experienced reef keepers. Known for their fast growth, branching structures, and vibrant coloration, Acropora corals are a staple in high-end reef aquariums. With strong lighting, stable water chemistry, and consistent flow, they can thrive and become the backbone of a thriving SPS-dominated reef alongside other SPS corals for sale.

Care Requirements

Lighting (PAR Range)

High lighting required
Ideal PAR: 200–400+
Insufficient light can lead to browning and slow growth

Flow

Strong, turbulent flow
Requires random, high-energy water movement
Avoid dead spots to prevent detritus buildup

Placement

Upper rockwork placement
Needs stable structure for growth
Allow room for vertical and outward branching

Aggression

Generally peaceful
Can compete for space as colonies grow

Growth Rate

Fast growth under ideal conditions
One of the fastest-growing SPS corals

Feeding

Acropora rely heavily on photosynthesis but benefit from nutrient-rich water and occasional feeding. In well-balanced reef systems, they are often kept with carefully selected corals from Scott’s handpicked corals and other stable SPS colonies.

Optional feeding of amino acids or coral foods
Absorbs nutrients from the water column
Stable nutrients are critical for coloration

Tank Compatibility

Acropora are best suited for mature reef aquariums with stable parameters and strong export systems. They work best in tanks built around SPS corals rather than mixed reefs dominated by aggressive LPS species.

Best suited for SPS-dominated reef tanks
Compatible with peaceful reef-safe fish
Avoid unstable or newly established systems
Keep away from aggressive corals with long sweepers

Common Problems

RTN/STN (rapid or slow tissue loss)
Browning from poor lighting or nutrients
Pest issues like Acropora eating flatworms
Parameter swings causing stress or death

Tips for Success

Maintain extremely stable parameters (ALK, CAL, MAG)
Keep alkalinity consistent and avoid swings
Use strong lighting and high flow
Monitor nutrients carefully (not too low or too high)
Dip new frags to help prevent pests

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Acropora beginner friendly?
No, Acropora are best suited for experienced reef keepers due to their sensitivity.

Why is my Acropora turning brown?
Usually caused by low light, excess nutrients, or unstable parameters.

How fast do Acropora grow?
Under ideal conditions, they are one of the fastest-growing corals.

Browse our new coral arrivals, explore premium handpicked corals, and view the latest newest corals added to the site. You can also learn more about our systems at The Extreme Facility or read more on our reef aquarium blog.

About the Author

Scott Shiles is the owner of ExtremeCorals.com, which he has operated for over 25 years and is recognized as one of the early dedicated live coral websites on the internet. A lifelong reef keeper since 1984, Scott has decades of hands-on experience maintaining marine aquariums and previously owned and operated a brick and mortar aquarium retail store for 10 years, including five years alongside Extreme Corals. He holds a degree in Marine Biology and has personally selected and sold hundreds of thousands of live corals. An avid scuba diver who has explored reef systems around the world, Scott shares practical coral care and husbandry knowledge based on real world reef experience.