Green Slimer Acropora Coral

Green Slimer Acropora Coral

Acropora

Overview

Green Slimer Acropora Coral shows bright green, slimy-looking branches with fast-growing, upright tips. Acropora yongei is a branching stony coral (SPS) that prefers strong lighting and high, turbulent water flow. It relies mainly on symbiotic algae for energy but can accept fine particulate foods, which may support growth and color. Place high in the tank with stable parameters and allow space from aggressive neighbors to avoid tissue damage.

Quick Facts

Care Difficult
Lighting High
Flow High
Placement High
Temperament Peaceful (3–4 inches spacing)

Recommended Parameters

Temp 76–80°F
pH 8.1–8.4
Salinity 1.025–1.026
Calcium 420–450 ppm
AlkAlkalinity 8–9 dKH
Magnesium 1280–1350 ppm
Feeding photosynthetic (primary), microzooplankton (rotifers, copepod nauplii), reef roids/powdered coral foods, oyster eggs, marine snow/bacterioplankton, amino acid supplements

Care & Placement

Green Slimer Acropora Coral (Acropora yongei) thrives under strong, stable reef conditions. Provide high light at 250–400 PAR and strong, random flow to keep polyps supplied with oxygen and to prevent detritus buildup; use alternating pumps or a gyre to avoid direct blasting. Place frags high on the rockwork with room to branch; allow 3–4 inches from other SPS and far from aggressive LPS with long sweepers. Target parameters: temperature 75–78°F (24–26°C), salinity 1.025–1.026, pH 8.1–8.4, alkalinity 8–9 dKH, calcium 420–460 ppm, magnesium 1300–1400 ppm, nitrate 2–10 ppm, phosphate 0.03–0.08 ppm. Test alkalinity and nutrients 2–3 times weekly until stable, then weekly; avoid rapid swings, as this species is sensitive to changes in alkalinity and temperature. Feed fine particulate foods (rotifers, reef roids) 1–2 times weekly and consider low-dose amino acids; do not overfeed. Acclimate by temperature equalization, drip for 30–45 minutes, dip for pests, and light acclimate over 1–2 weeks to prevent bleaching. Watch for issues: pale tissue (too much light or too-low nutrients), tip burn (alk spikes), slow tissue loss (low flow or pests like flatworms/red bugs). Maintain strong export and consistent dosing, keep nutrients detectable, and prune to prevent overgrowth shading neighbors. Compatibility is best with other SPS in a stable, mature system.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

About the Green Slimer Acropora Coral

  • Why does my Green Slimer Acropora produce so much slime when fragging or moving it?
    Acropora yongei secretes copious mucus as a stress response, especially when cut or exposed to air. Gently swish frags in clean saltwater to remove excess, then use a mild iodine or povidone dip to reduce bacterial load. Minimize handling time, keep tissues submerged, and provide strong turbulent flow post-frag to clear mucus and promote rapid healing at the cut sites.
  • My Green Slimer’s neon color is fading—should I increase light?
    Fading often signals nutrient starvation under already strong light. First verify nitrate 5–15 ppm and phosphate 0.03–0.1 ppm; raise nutrients slightly before changing PAR. If PAR exceeds 300–350, back it down 10–15%. Add amino acids sparingly and ensure stable alk (7.5–8.5 dKH). Subtle shading or increased flow can also help reduce photoinhibition and restore saturation of green pigments.
  • The base is receding while tips keep growing—what causes this “base STN”?
    Base recession with active tips typically points to low flow and detritus accumulation at the encrust line, or pests such as AEFW. Increase crossflow to keep the base clean, turkey-baste weekly, and inspect under white light for bite marks or eggs. Run carbon if near soft corals. If pests are confirmed, perform a structured dip schedule and consider a wrasse known to hunt flatworms.
  • How can I encourage thicker, more wind-swept branches instead of thin, spindly growth?
    Orientation to flow matters. Place the colony so predominant current hits it laterally, not just from below. Higher, chaotic flow yields thicker axial growth and tighter radial spacing. Maintain moderate nutrients and consistent alk/Ca to avoid tip burn that thins branches. Periodic tip pruning redirects energy to lateral branches, improving structure and reducing self-shading over time.