Why does Greg Hiller’s Aqua Delight sometimes table instead of forming tall branches?

Acropora loisetteae tends to form corymbose, plate-like colonies in high, turbulent flow and strong light. Mount frags horizontally on a low-profile plug to encourage a tabling form; vertical mounting often promotes more upright branching. Ensure perimeter flow is chaotic to prevent shaded, stagnant bases, which can trigger tissue loss as the colony spreads outward.

My Aqua Delight faded from aqua-blue to washed-out cream. What nutrient or light tweak helps restore color?

This coral washes out in ultra-clean systems under high PAR. Aim for moderate nutrients: nitrate 5–15 ppm and phosphate 0.03–0.08 ppm, with PAR 250–350. Reduce light slightly if tips pale while bases remain dull. Stabilize alkalinity at 8–9 dKH; rapid increases can cause burnt tips and further bleaching in bright conditions.

The base is experiencing slow tissue necrosis while tips look fine. How can I stop the recession?

Base STN in this species often stems from stagnant zones and shadowing under plates. Increase cross-flow and randomize turbulence to sweep detritus from the underside. Trim or reposition overhanging branches to admit light. Check for alkalinity swings and sub-7.8 pH at night. Consider a prophylactic dip to rule out pests hiding at the base.

Are there pest signs unique to this coral compared to other Acropora?

AEFW often leave crescent bite marks along the smoother branch faces of loisetteae, and polyps retract more than usual. Red bugs cause persistent, patchy low polyp extension and dulling of the pink/red polyp color. Inspect at night with a flashlight, blast branches with a turkey baster, and use white/blue light mix to spot moving specks or flatworms.

Greg Hiller's Aqua Delight Acropora Coral

Acropora

Overview

Greg Hiller's Aqua Delight Acropora Coral features tightly spaced, upward-branching sticks with contrasting pale tips. Acropora loisetteae is a branching small-polyp stony coral that prefers high light and strong, turbulent water flow. It relies on symbiotic algae for most nutrition but can benefit from occasional small plankton foods, supporting growth and stable color. Place high on rockwork with space from aggressive neighbors, and prevent shading as colonies thicken.

Quick Facts

Care Difficult

Lighting High

Flow High

Placement High

Temperament Peaceful (3–6 inches spacing)

Recommended Parameters

Temp 77–80°F

pH 8.1–8.4

Salinity 1.025–1.026

Calcium 400–450 ppm

AlkAlkalinity 7–9 dKH

Magnesium 1280–1350 ppm

Feeding photosynthetic, microzooplankton, rotifers, copepod nauplii, oyster eggs, reef roids, amino acid supplements

Care & Placement

Greg Hiller's Aqua Delight Acropora Coral (Acropora loisetteae) thrives under strong, stable reef conditions. Target bright light at 250–400 PAR with a gradual light acclimation using reduced intensity, screen, or lower placement for 2–3 weeks to avoid bleaching. Provide strong, random flow that keeps polyps moving without a constant blast; this limits detritus buildup and tissue recession. Maintain temperature 75–78°F (24–26°C), pH 8.1–8.4, salinity 1.025–1.026, alkalinity 7.5–8.5 dKH (stable), calcium 420–460 ppm, magnesium 1300–1400 ppm, nitrate 1–10 ppm, phosphate 0.02–0.08 ppm. Test weekly (daily if dialing in dosing), use auto top-off for salinity, and support calcification with two-part, kalkwasser, or a calcium reactor. Feed lightly 1–3x weekly with fine zooplankton, rotifers, or amino acids after lights out; don’t overfeed.Place high in the aquascape on a solid mount with room for upward branching; aim for 2–3 inches from other SPS and farther from LPS with long sweepers. It’s generally non-aggressive but can outgrow neighbors; trim as needed. Quarantine and dip new frags to prevent Acropora pests (AEFW, red bugs), and inspect for bite marks or eggs. Common issues: paling (too much light or too little nutrients), browning (low light or high nutrients), base recession (shadowing, low flow, or pests), and RTN/STN from parameter swings. Avoid nipping fish (many angels, butterflies); keep clean-up crew and stable export. Use a PAR meter if possible and keep changes slow and measured.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

About the Greg Hiller's Aqua Delight Acropora Coral

Why does Greg Hiller’s Aqua Delight sometimes table instead of forming tall branches?

Acropora loisetteae tends to form corymbose, plate-like colonies in high, turbulent flow and strong light. Mount frags horizontally on a low-profile plug to encourage a tabling form; vertical mounting often promotes more upright branching. Ensure perimeter flow is chaotic to prevent shaded, stagnant bases, which can trigger tissue loss as the colony spreads outward.
My Aqua Delight faded from aqua-blue to washed-out cream. What nutrient or light tweak helps restore color?

This coral washes out in ultra-clean systems under high PAR. Aim for moderate nutrients: nitrate 5–15 ppm and phosphate 0.03–0.08 ppm, with PAR 250–350. Reduce light slightly if tips pale while bases remain dull. Stabilize alkalinity at 8–9 dKH; rapid increases can cause burnt tips and further bleaching in bright conditions.
The base is experiencing slow tissue necrosis while tips look fine. How can I stop the recession?

Base STN in this species often stems from stagnant zones and shadowing under plates. Increase cross-flow and randomize turbulence to sweep detritus from the underside. Trim or reposition overhanging branches to admit light. Check for alkalinity swings and sub-7.8 pH at night. Consider a prophylactic dip to rule out pests hiding at the base.
Are there pest signs unique to this coral compared to other Acropora?

AEFW often leave crescent bite marks along the smoother branch faces of loisetteae, and polyps retract more than usual. Red bugs cause persistent, patchy low polyp extension and dulling of the pink/red polyp color. Inspect at night with a flashlight, blast branches with a turkey baster, and use white/blue light mix to spot moving specks or flatworms.