CB The Thing Anacropora Coral

CB The Thing Anacropora Coral

SPS

Overview

CB The Thing Anacropora Coral features thin, branching stalks with knobby tips that form a bushy cluster. Anacropora forbesi is a small-polyp stony coral with delicate arborescent growth; it prefers moderate to strong light and moderate to strong, random water flow. It relies on symbiotic algae for energy but benefits from occasional fine particulate foods, which can support growth and maintain coloration. Place higher on stable rockwork with space around it, as its brittle branches can break and it may be irritated by aggressive neighbors.

Quick Facts

Care Moderate
Lighting Moderate–High
Flow Moderate–High
Placement Mid–High
Temperament Semi-aggressive (3–4 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, microplankton, rotifers, phytoplankton, marine snow, coral-specific powdered foods, amino acid supplements

Care & Placement

CB The Thing Anacropora Coral (Anacropora forbesi) thrives under stable, nutrient-balanced reef conditions with moderate to high light and strong, random water movement. Aim for 150–250 PAR and introduce light gradually over 1–2 weeks to prevent bleaching; keep flow high and turbulent to keep the thin branches free of detritus and to support gas exchange, which helps prevent tissue recession. Target stable parameters: temperature 75–78°F (24–26°C), salinity 1.025–1.026, pH 8.1–8.4, alkalinity 8.0–9.5 dKH, calcium 420–460 ppm, magnesium 1300–1400 ppm, nitrate 2–10 ppm, phosphate 0.02–0.07 ppm. Test weekly (more often when dialing in dosing), and avoid fast swings—this species is sensitive to rapid alkalinity or nutrient changes. Place frags mid to high in the rockwork with strong crossflow, giving 3–4 inches of space from neighbors; it is generally peaceful but can grow quickly and shade slower corals. Provide mainly photosynthetic nutrition, with occasional small-particle foods (rotifers, reef roids) or amino acids 1–2 times weekly to support color and growth if nutrients are low. Acclimate by dipping, securing the frag firmly (branches are brittle), and ramping both light and flow. Watch for pale tissue (too much light or too little nutrients), browning (excess nutrients), and rapid or slow tissue loss from parameter instability. Good polyp extension at night, clean branches, and steady encrusting are signs you’re on track.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

About the CB The Thing Anacropora Coral

  • Why does my CB The Thing Anacropora grow spindly branches instead of a dense bush?
    Anacropora forbesi often prioritizes vertical, fine branching when PAR is higher on top and flow is unidirectional. Increase cross‑current, chaotic flow and mount the colony horizontally or at an angle to encourage multi-directional sprouting. Avoid heavy shading from nearby SPS; prune upper branches to open light to the interior, which promotes thicker, more lateral growth.
  • The base is receding while the tips look fine—what’s causing this “hollow” look?
    This species shades its base easily and traps detritus between thin branches. Low light and settled waste can trigger slow tissue loss. Boost random flow to keep the skeleton clean, siphon debris weekly, and thin crowded tips. Ensure alk stability; even minor swings can convert slow recession into rapid tissue loss.
  • Is it normal for color to wash out under high PAR?
    Yes. Anacropora forbesi often desaturates above ~250–300 PAR, showing pale tips and reduced polyp extension. Aim for moderate PAR (150–250) with strong turbulence, and maintain moderate nutrients (NO3 5–15 ppm, PO4 0.03–0.1). Stable alkalinity in the 7.5–8.5 dKH range helps pigment retention. Small weekly amino or fine‑particulate feedings can deepen hues.
  • Do pests target Anacropora differently than other SPS?
    It’s less commonly hit by Acropora‑specific flatworms, but thin branching makes it vulnerable to vermetid snail webs and algae snags. Inspect for filament webs and base irritations; remove vermetids and keep phosphate in check to limit nuisance algae. Dip new pieces, but use gentler dips and shorter durations—this coral stresses quickly under harsh treatments.