Why does my ACI Sunrise Cyphastrea fade or brown under strong lighting when other SPS thrive?

Cyphastrea prefers lower PAR (about 60–120). High intensity or too much red/white can wash the blue/purple base and mute the yellow/orange polyps. Light-acclimate from shaded spots, extend blue spectrum, and keep nutrients non-zero (NO3 5–15 ppm, PO4 0.03–0.1). If edges pale first, reduce PAR and increase indirect flow to prevent film buildup.

The encrusting edge is receding while polyps look fine—what’s the likely cause?

Receding margins often stem from alkalinity swings, sand abrasion, or detritus/cyano smothering the growth rim. Keep alk stable (8–9 dKH), redirect gentle, indirect flow across the base, and lift the colony off sanded areas. Check for vermetid snails or spirorbid worms irritating tissue; removing them typically restores spread.

How can I keep the vivid “sunrise” contrast long-term?

Maintain moderate PAR heavy in blue, stable parameters, and slightly “fed” water. Ultra-low nutrients can desaturate the warm polyps; modest nitrate/phosphate preserves color. Avoid elevated temperatures and rapid changes. Target-feed fine particulate foods after lights dim when polyps extend, 1–2x weekly, to support tissue without driving algae.

Best placement to manage its encrusting growth without it overrunning neighbors?

Mount on isolated islands, vertical walls, or magnetic tiles to direct growth. Cyphastrea’s sting is mild and can be outcompeted or stung by aggressive LPS, so give a buffer from favias, euphyllia, and palythoa. Epoxy micro-barriers help contain the rim. Regularly trim with bone cutters where it approaches other corals.

ACI Sunrise Cyphastrea Coral

Beginner Corals Cyphastrea Encrusters LPS

Overview

ACI Sunrise Cyphastrea Coral features an encrusting surface with small star-like polyps over a warm orange to yellow base. Cyphastrea sp. is an encrusting small-polyp stony coral suited to low to moderate light and gentle to moderate water flow. It is photosynthetic with symbiotic algae but accepts occasional small particulate foods to support growth and maintain color. Mount on stable rock with space to expand, and keep distance from aggressive stony corals to prevent tissue damage.

Quick Facts

Care Easy

Lighting Low–Moderate

Flow Low-Moderate

Placement Low–Mid

Temperament Peaceful (2–3 inches spacing)

Recommended Parameters

Temp 76–80°F

pH 8.1–8.4

Salinity 1.025–1.026

Calcium 400–450 ppm

AlkAlkalinity 8–9 dKH

Magnesium 1280–1350 ppm

Feeding photosynthetic (primary), microplankton, rotifers, cyclops/Calanus, oyster eggs, reef roids/powdered coral foods, baby brine shrimp nauplii

Care & Placement

ACI Sunrise Cyphastrea Coral (Cyphastrea sp.) is an encrusting, hardy coral that prefers low to moderate light and moderate, indirect flow. Aim for 40–100 PAR and avoid direct, high-intensity LEDs to prevent bleaching; start shaded and move it out slowly over 2–3 weeks. Provide random, non-laminar flow to keep detritus from settling on its surface; too much blast can cause tissue recession. Target feed 1–3 times weekly at night with fine foods (rotifers, reef chili/roids, powdered zooplankton). Keep stable water: temperature 75–78°F (24–26°C), salinity 1.025–1.026, pH 8.1–8.4, alkalinity 8.0–9.5 dKH, calcium 400–450 ppm, magnesium 1250–1350 ppm, nitrate 5–15 ppm, phosphate 0.03–0.10 ppm. Test weekly and track trends; this coral dislikes rapid swings, especially in alkalinity and light.Place low to mid in the tank on rock with room to spread; it grows as a crust, so consider an isolated “island” to manage overgrowth. It’s generally peaceful and lacks long sweepers, but give 2–3 inches from neighbors to avoid slow encroachment and allelopathy. Acclimate with a dip for pests and a 45–60 minute drip. Use light acclimation (reduced intensity or shorter photoperiod) after introduction. Troubleshooting: paling/bleaching suggests too much light or too little nutrients; retracting polyps can indicate pests, low flow, or unstable parameters; edge recession often points to trapped detritus or alkalinity swings. A PAR meter (or phone-based proxy) and consistent maintenance will keep color and growth steady.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

About the ACI Sunrise Cyphastrea Coral

Why does my ACI Sunrise Cyphastrea fade or brown under strong lighting when other SPS thrive?

Cyphastrea prefers lower PAR (about 60–120). High intensity or too much red/white can wash the blue/purple base and mute the yellow/orange polyps. Light-acclimate from shaded spots, extend blue spectrum, and keep nutrients non-zero (NO3 5–15 ppm, PO4 0.03–0.1). If edges pale first, reduce PAR and increase indirect flow to prevent film buildup.
The encrusting edge is receding while polyps look fine—what’s the likely cause?

Receding margins often stem from alkalinity swings, sand abrasion, or detritus/cyano smothering the growth rim. Keep alk stable (8–9 dKH), redirect gentle, indirect flow across the base, and lift the colony off sanded areas. Check for vermetid snails or spirorbid worms irritating tissue; removing them typically restores spread.
How can I keep the vivid “sunrise” contrast long-term?

Maintain moderate PAR heavy in blue, stable parameters, and slightly “fed” water. Ultra-low nutrients can desaturate the warm polyps; modest nitrate/phosphate preserves color. Avoid elevated temperatures and rapid changes. Target-feed fine particulate foods after lights dim when polyps extend, 1–2x weekly, to support tissue without driving algae.
Best placement to manage its encrusting growth without it overrunning neighbors?

Mount on isolated islands, vertical walls, or magnetic tiles to direct growth. Cyphastrea’s sting is mild and can be outcompeted or stung by aggressive LPS, so give a buffer from favias, euphyllia, and palythoa. Epoxy micro-barriers help contain the rim. Regularly trim with bone cutters where it approaches other corals.