Why does my CB Maleficent Acropora (A. tenuis) look dull under white lights but glow under blues?

This morph expresses strong fluorescence under 420–460 nm. Run a blue-heavy spectrum (peaks near 430–450 nm) for color pop, but maintain enough broad spectrum to prevent browning. Sudden spectrum shifts can wash out pigments; acclimate over 2–3 weeks. Stable nutrients (NO3 5–15 ppm, PO4 0.02–0.06) and consistent alkalinity (7.5–8.5 dKH) help sustain its dark base and neon tips.

My colony encrusts fast but won’t branch—normal for this coral?

Yes. A. tenuis often encrusts to anchor before vertical growth. Improve cross-flow to clear mucus and detritus, and avoid shadowing by nearby colonies. Keep PAR 250–350 at the tips, slightly lower on the base. If PAR is too low or alk swings occur, branching stalls. Once a stable platform forms, axial tips usually push rapidly.

How can I preserve the signature tip color while boosting growth?

Push growth with moderate nutrients and stable alk, but avoid high alk (>9 dKH) under intense light, which can cause tip burn and faded pigments. Dose trace elements tied to tenuis coloration—potassium, iron, and manganese—in small, tested increments. Feed fine particulates or aminos sparingly at night for polyp uptake. Overfeeding shifts to brown; aim for steady, not ultra-lean, conditions.

Best strategy to spot and manage pests specific to Acropora like this?

Inspect nightly with a blue flashlight and orange filter for bite marks or faded patches. For AEFW, look for oval bite scars and egg clusters on undersides; turkey baste to dislodge. Quarantine new frags, perform weekly dips (iodine or coral-specific) for 3–4 weeks, and increase flow to discourage settlement. Red bugs respond to targeted treatments; maintain pod populations after treatment.

CB Maleficent Acropora Coral

Acropora

Overview

CB Maleficent Acropora Coral forms compact, branching colonies with short, tapered branches and distinct corallite ridges, often showing contrasting branch tips. Acropora tenuis is a small-polyp, branching stony coral that prefers high light and strong, variable water flow. It is primarily photosynthetic through symbiotic algae, with occasional feeding of fine planktonic foods helping growth and color stability. Place high on stable rockwork with room for outward growth, and keep distance from aggressive corals to prevent tissue damage.

Quick Facts

Care Difficult

Lighting High

Flow High

Placement High

Temperament Peaceful (short sweepers; 2–3 inches spacing)

Recommended Parameters

Temp 76–80°F

pH 8.1–8.4

Salinity 1.025–1.026

Calcium 420–450 ppm

AlkAlkalinity 7.5–9 dKH

Magnesium 1280–1350 ppm

Feeding photosynthetic (primary), microplankton, rotifers, copepod nauplii, oyster eggs, Reef-Roids, amino acid supplements

Care & Placement

CB Maleficent Acropora Coral (Acropora tenuis) thrives in stable, clean, nutrient-light water with strong light and brisk, random flow. Target 250–400 PAR under full-spectrum LEDs or T5/halide; acclimate to light over 1–2 weeks using reduced intensity or windowed schedules to avoid bleaching. Provide high, turbulent flow to keep polyps active and prevent detritus buildup; avoid direct, constant jets that can damage tissue. Maintain temperature 24–26°C (75–78°F), pH 8.1–8.4, salinity 1.025–1.026, calcium 420–460 ppm, alkalinity 7.5–9 dKH (stable), magnesium 1300–1400 ppm, nitrate 2–10 ppm, phosphate 0.02–0.08 ppm. Test alkalinity and nutrients 2–3 times weekly until stable; dose two-part, kalkwasser, or a reactor as demand rises. Feed sparingly 1–3x weekly with fine zooplankton, rotifers, and amino acids to support color and growth without spiking nutrients.Place frags mid-to-high in the rockwork with room to encrust and branch; allow 3–4 inches from neighbors. Avoid contact with aggressive LPS or soft corals; Acropora can be overgrown or stung. Quarantine and dip new pieces to avoid pests (AEFW, red bugs), and secure with gel superglue. Common issues: bleaching from sudden light increase or near-zero nutrients; tissue recession from alk swings or pests. Troubleshoot by restoring stability, raising nutrients slightly, and improving flow. Keep a steady 8–10 hour photoperiod, calibrate probes monthly, and perform regular small water changes to maintain trace balance.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

About the CB Maleficent Acropora Coral

Why does my CB Maleficent Acropora (A. tenuis) look dull under white lights but glow under blues?

This morph expresses strong fluorescence under 420–460 nm. Run a blue-heavy spectrum (peaks near 430–450 nm) for color pop, but maintain enough broad spectrum to prevent browning. Sudden spectrum shifts can wash out pigments; acclimate over 2–3 weeks. Stable nutrients (NO3 5–15 ppm, PO4 0.02–0.06) and consistent alkalinity (7.5–8.5 dKH) help sustain its dark base and neon tips.
My colony encrusts fast but won’t branch—normal for this coral?

Yes. A. tenuis often encrusts to anchor before vertical growth. Improve cross-flow to clear mucus and detritus, and avoid shadowing by nearby colonies. Keep PAR 250–350 at the tips, slightly lower on the base. If PAR is too low or alk swings occur, branching stalls. Once a stable platform forms, axial tips usually push rapidly.
How can I preserve the signature tip color while boosting growth?

Push growth with moderate nutrients and stable alk, but avoid high alk (>9 dKH) under intense light, which can cause tip burn and faded pigments. Dose trace elements tied to tenuis coloration—potassium, iron, and manganese—in small, tested increments. Feed fine particulates or aminos sparingly at night for polyp uptake. Overfeeding shifts to brown; aim for steady, not ultra-lean, conditions.
Best strategy to spot and manage pests specific to Acropora like this?

Inspect nightly with a blue flashlight and orange filter for bite marks or faded patches. For AEFW, look for oval bite scars and egg clusters on undersides; turkey baste to dislodge. Quarantine new frags, perform weekly dips (iodine or coral-specific) for 3–4 weeks, and increase flow to discourage settlement. Red bugs respond to targeted treatments; maintain pod populations after treatment.

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