How is Deep Water Acan Coral different from the common Acan Lord?

Micromussa amakusensis has tighter, smaller corallites and thinner tissue, giving it a more “micro-lobe” look. It prefers dimmer light (PAR ~50–90) and gentle, indirect flow, grows more slowly, and reacts poorly to rapid lighting changes compared with M. lordhowensis. Expect shorter sweepers but surprisingly strong sting. It often colors best under heavy blue spectrum at low PAR with stable, moderate nutrients.

My polyps stay deflated even in low light—what’s the likely cause?

Persistent deflation usually points to stress from flow that’s too direct, recent alkalinity or temperature swings, vermetid snail webs, or light that’s still stronger than it seems. Shade the colony, redirect flow to be diffuse, and target-feed after lights dim to stimulate expansion. Aim for NO3 5–15 ppm and PO4 0.03–0.1 ppm. Inspect at night for pests and consider an iodine dip if tissue looks irritated.

How can I maintain rich coloration without bleaching or browning?

Keep PAR modest (50–90) with a blue-heavy spectrum and acclimate changes over weeks. Target moderate nutrients rather than “ultra-clean” water. Stabilize salinity and alkalinity; swings fade colors. If paling, reduce light and increase feeding frequency slightly. If browning, improve gas exchange, check PO4 isn’t creeping high, and verify flow is gentle but prevents detritus from settling on the tissue.

Does it need extra space from neighbors despite short sweepers?

Yes. Give 5–8 cm clearance; at night it can still sting nearby flesh. It’s also easily irritated by long-sweeper corals (e.g., Euphyllia) and vermetid webs. Place it on stable rock with diffuse flow so mucous and food aren’t blasted off. On sandbeds, ensure clean, fine substrate; grains trapped under the rim can start recession. Feed small meaty foods at dusk to keep neighbors less attractive.

Deep Water Acan Coral

LPS Acans

Overview

Deep Water Acan Coral shows thick, fleshy polyps with raised ridges and contrasting ringed mouths. Scientifically Micromussa amakusensis, it is a small-polyp stony coral forming low, encrusting colonies; it prefers low to moderate light and gentle to moderate water flow. It is photosynthetic via symbiotic algae but accepts small meaty foods, which can speed growth and deepen color. Place on stable rock with space from neighbors, as short sweeper tentacles can sting nearby corals.

Quick Facts

Care Moderate

Lighting Low–Moderate

Flow Low–Moderate

Placement Low–Mid

Temperament Semi-aggressive (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 7.5–8.5 dKH

Magnesium 1250–1350 ppm

Feeding photosynthetic, mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, copepods, zooplankton, microplankton, finely minced seafood (shrimp, clam, fish), powdered coral foods (e.g., Reef-Roids)

Care & Placement

Deep Water Acan Coral (Micromussa amakusensis) thrives with stable, low-to-moderate light and gentle, indirect flow. Target 40–100 PAR under blue-leaning spectrum; acclimate to light by starting in shade or using screen layers to prevent bleaching. Provide a steady, cross-current to keep detritus off the flesh without causing tissue to lift. Feed 2–3 times weekly after lights dim with small meaty foods (mysis, chopped clam, small pellets); spot-feeding triggers strong feeding response and supports growth and color. Maintain temperature 75–78°F (24–26°C), salinity 1.025–1.026, pH 8.0–8.4, alkalinity 8.0–9.5 dKH, calcium 400–450 ppm, magnesium 1300–1400 ppm, nitrate 2–10 ppm, phosphate 0.02–0.08 ppm. Test weekly, keep alkalinity changes under 0.5 dKH per day, and use an auto top-off for salinity stability.Place on the sandbed or lower rockwork with partial shade; avoid direct, intense light. Allow 3–4 inches of space—Micromussa is mostly calm by day but extends short sweeper tentacles at night and can sting neighbors. Keep away from aggressive LPS and fast encrusters. Drip acclimate, then dip to remove pests; inspect for tissue recession or brown jelly and increase flow slightly if slime forms. Pale tissue suggests too much light or too little nutrients; receding edges can signal excessive flow, pests, or alkalinity swings. Keep detritus from collecting in the coral’s cups, and mount securely to prevent damage from falls or sand shifts.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

About the Deep Water Acan Coral

How is Deep Water Acan Coral different from the common Acan Lord?

Micromussa amakusensis has tighter, smaller corallites and thinner tissue, giving it a more “micro-lobe” look. It prefers dimmer light (PAR ~50–90) and gentle, indirect flow, grows more slowly, and reacts poorly to rapid lighting changes compared with M. lordhowensis. Expect shorter sweepers but surprisingly strong sting. It often colors best under heavy blue spectrum at low PAR with stable, moderate nutrients.
My polyps stay deflated even in low light—what’s the likely cause?

Persistent deflation usually points to stress from flow that’s too direct, recent alkalinity or temperature swings, vermetid snail webs, or light that’s still stronger than it seems. Shade the colony, redirect flow to be diffuse, and target-feed after lights dim to stimulate expansion. Aim for NO3 5–15 ppm and PO4 0.03–0.1 ppm. Inspect at night for pests and consider an iodine dip if tissue looks irritated.
How can I maintain rich coloration without bleaching or browning?

Keep PAR modest (50–90) with a blue-heavy spectrum and acclimate changes over weeks. Target moderate nutrients rather than “ultra-clean” water. Stabilize salinity and alkalinity; swings fade colors. If paling, reduce light and increase feeding frequency slightly. If browning, improve gas exchange, check PO4 isn’t creeping high, and verify flow is gentle but prevents detritus from settling on the tissue.
Does it need extra space from neighbors despite short sweepers?

Yes. Give 5–8 cm clearance; at night it can still sting nearby flesh. It’s also easily irritated by long-sweeper corals (e.g., Euphyllia) and vermetid webs. Place it on stable rock with diffuse flow so mucous and food aren’t blasted off. On sandbeds, ensure clean, fine substrate; grains trapped under the rim can start recession. Feed small meaty foods at dusk to keep neighbors less attractive.