Category: Acropora Coral Colonies

A question that comes up frequently is in regards to buying acropora corals, is about the size of the colonies that we can supply. Something that we all need to take into consideration is that the larger the colony the more we need to match the environment that it came from. In other words, we need to match the water parameters more closely than with a smaller colony or a frag or frags. The larger the Acropora coral colony is the closer we need to be in getting the water flow correct, the nutrient levels, light intensity levels, phosphates, trace minerals, Calcium and Alkalinity levels. The really hard part about buying the  larger acropora coral colonies is that we are always putting them into a smaller environment. The difficulty lies in that inevitable we will have areas within the larger colonies that will have reduced flow, or even stagnant areas that will eventually lead to death of the coral tissue in that area. It is for this reason especially that we feel that as hobbyist we are better of acquiring / buying smaller colonies or fragments of acropora corals and allowing them to grow into our water flow and tank parameters. By following this advise we establish large healthy colonies that are stabile in OUR systems. It may mean that it will take a little longer to have that show piece, but we will all be much happier with a live show piece acropora a little later down the line than a dead show piece NOW.

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