Acanthastrea Lordowensis Care, Needs and Growth

June 22nd, 2010 02:33:36 pm

Acanthastrea Lordowensis are an amazing large polyped coral. Their lighting requirements differ from colony to colony and ultimately affect their survivability under those conditions but also it growth and also its colors. Many of these these do well under intense light, yet not direct. Though there are a few that only excel under direct intense light. This usually comes about with some trial and error. Most of the acanthastrea corals for us prefer the indirect intensity of metal halides. Here at Great Ocean Wonders we have the majority of our Acan's under 400 watt XM 20K light. Some of you may be thinking that this is a lot, but our pendants are 18 inches above the water, over a 4 foot wide tank. Some of the best colors come on those that are furthest from the light. They still receive a good amount of light on the outskirts. We have found that by looking at the lower edges of the corals we can gauge whether the coral will enjoy more or less intensity. Certain acan's will show more colors as well as more multi-colorations with more intensity under the lower lighting area's. So don't be afraid to look at your acan's edges and baby colonies to see if they might enjoy a little less light.

One of the nice things with the Acanthastrea Lordowensis is that they can literally sit on top of each other and not fight. We have yet to see any other coral species do this and not have one get burned. This doesn't mean that they will not burn or be burned by other corals, that will happen! But within their own category they seem to view each other as one, so we can have several sitting right up against each other.

If you really want them to grow Feed Them! Feeding them every other day has produced very good growth rates CORAL Magazine even stated feeding twice per day, we are a little to busy right now to do that. We don't if that is a good idea or not, the fear would be of over feeding.

Outside of the above, good water parameters, mild to medium current/ water flow (NOT Direct). You will grow some amazing colored acan's and have a large colony in a short period of time.