Why does my CC Voodoo Majick Acropora (Acropora tenuis) look dull under high PAR, even though other SPS thrive?

Tenuis color saturates with strong blue/UV (400–430 nm) and stable medium nutrients. Under very white-heavy light or ultra-low nutrients, pigments wash out. Aim for 250–350 PAR with a blue-leaning schedule, NO3 around 5–15 ppm, PO4 0.03–0.08 ppm. Increase intensity gradually and avoid abrupt alkalinity shifts; color often rebounds after 2–3 weeks of stability.

The base is receding while tips still grow—what’s the likely cause?

That pattern points to laminar flow blasting the base, low micro-flow under the colony, or shadowing as branches thicken. Redirect to randomized, turbulent flow and raise the colony slightly to improve underside circulation. Check for pests (AEFW/red bugs) and confirm alkalinity stability. Running a small amount of fresh carbon helps if nearby softies are releasing allelochemicals.

How can I frag this tenuis to encourage bushy regrowth rather than spindly sticks?

Cut 5–10 mm below an axial tip at branch junctions, leaving a small section of the axial intact on the mother to spark multiple new shoots. Mount frags horizontally or at a slight angle to promote side-branching. Place in strong, chaotic flow for healing, and keep alk/calcium steady. Avoid crushing polyps; use clean bone cutters and a quick iodine dip post-cut.

My tenuis polys seem withdrawn during the day but extend strongly at night—is that a problem?

That’s normal for many tenuis morphs. Daytime extension improves with stable parameters, higher dissolved food availability, and gentle ramping of light intensity. Nighttime broadcast of fine particulate foods or amino acids can support growth; don’t overfeed. Ensure no polyp-nipping fish or shrimp are harassing it, and verify that flow isn’t a constant jet directly on the colony.

CC Voodoo Majick Acropora Coral

Acropora

Overview

CC Voodoo Majick Acropora Coral shows branching, tightly clustered axial tips with contrasting polyp colors. Acropora tenuis is a small-polyp stony coral that forms arborescent colonies; keep it in strong light and high, turbulent water flow. Primarily photosynthetic via symbiotic algae, it can accept fine particulate foods or amino supplements to support growth and color. Place high on stable rockwork with space from aggressive neighbors, and keep alkalinity and nutrients stable to prevent stress.

Quick Facts

Care Difficult

Lighting High

Flow High

Placement High

Temperament Semi-aggressive (3–6 inches spacing)

Recommended Parameters

Temp 76–80°F

pH 8.1–8.4

Salinity 1.025–1.026

Calcium 400–450 ppm

AlkAlkalinity 7.5–9 dKH

Magnesium 1280–1350 ppm

Feeding photosynthetic (primary), microplankton, rotifers, copepod nauplii, oyster eggs, powdered coral foods, marine snow, dissolved amino acids

Care & Placement

CC Voodoo Majick Acropora Coral (Acropora tenuis) thrives with bright, stable conditions and strong, random water movement. Target 250–350 PAR under full-spectrum LEDs or halide/T5 hybrids; acclimate to light over 1–2 weeks using reduced intensity or screens to prevent bleaching. Provide high, turbulent flow (not a direct jet) to keep polyps clean and prevent detritus buildup; alternate patterns with wavemakers. Keep temperature 75–78°F (24–26°C), salinity 1.025–1.026, pH 8.1–8.4, alkalinity 8–9 dKH (avoid rapid swings), calcium 420–460 ppm, magnesium 1300–1400 ppm, nitrate 2–10 ppm, and phosphate 0.03–0.08 ppm. Test weekly with reliable kits and confirm periodically with ICP; dose two-part or kalkwasser to maintain consumption.Place frags high on stable rock with room for branching; allow 3–4 inches from other SPS and farther from aggressive LPS with long sweepers. Temperament is generally peaceful, but it can outgrow neighbors; prune as needed. Feed fine particulate foods (reef roids, rotifers) and amino acids 1–2× weekly for color and growth; turn off skimmer briefly to improve uptake. Acclimate new pieces with temperature match, coral dip (inspect for AEFW and red bugs), and quarantine if possible. Watch for pale tips (too much light or low nutrients), browning (excess nutrients/low light), and tissue recession; respond by adjusting light 20–30%, improving stability, and increasing flow. Blow off branches weekly with a baster, keep nutrients steady, and prioritize stability over chasing exact numbers.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

About the CC Voodoo Majick Acropora Coral

Why does my CC Voodoo Majick Acropora (Acropora tenuis) look dull under high PAR, even though other SPS thrive?

Tenuis color saturates with strong blue/UV (400–430 nm) and stable medium nutrients. Under very white-heavy light or ultra-low nutrients, pigments wash out. Aim for 250–350 PAR with a blue-leaning schedule, NO3 around 5–15 ppm, PO4 0.03–0.08 ppm. Increase intensity gradually and avoid abrupt alkalinity shifts; color often rebounds after 2–3 weeks of stability.
The base is receding while tips still grow—what’s the likely cause?

That pattern points to laminar flow blasting the base, low micro-flow under the colony, or shadowing as branches thicken. Redirect to randomized, turbulent flow and raise the colony slightly to improve underside circulation. Check for pests (AEFW/red bugs) and confirm alkalinity stability. Running a small amount of fresh carbon helps if nearby softies are releasing allelochemicals.
How can I frag this tenuis to encourage bushy regrowth rather than spindly sticks?

Cut 5–10 mm below an axial tip at branch junctions, leaving a small section of the axial intact on the mother to spark multiple new shoots. Mount frags horizontally or at a slight angle to promote side-branching. Place in strong, chaotic flow for healing, and keep alk/calcium steady. Avoid crushing polyps; use clean bone cutters and a quick iodine dip post-cut.
My tenuis polys seem withdrawn during the day but extend strongly at night—is that a problem?

That’s normal for many tenuis morphs. Daytime extension improves with stable parameters, higher dissolved food availability, and gentle ramping of light intensity. Nighttime broadcast of fine particulate foods or amino acids can support growth; don’t overfeed. Ensure no polyp-nipping fish or shrimp are harassing it, and verify that flow isn’t a constant jet directly on the colony.