Why does my Homewrecker Acropora lose its rainbow pop and look pastel or dull?

Color shifts usually track the light–nutrient balance and trace availability. Target 250–350 PAR heavy blue/UV (400–470 nm), nitrate 5–15 ppm, phosphate 0.03–0.08 ppm. If it washes out, reduce PAR slightly or raise nutrients. If it browns, increase PAR or flow and check phosphate creep. Maintain alk 8–9 dKH, pH 8.2–8.5. Potassium (380–420 ppm), iron, and manganese support blues/greens; dose only after testing.

How do I tell “burnt tips” from slow tissue loss at the base, and what fixes each?

Burnt tips show white, fresh-looking ends with good base color—often high alk plus high PAR with low nutrients. Lower alk to ~8–8.5 dKH or raise nutrients slightly. Base STN starts at the plug and creeps upward—commonly from instability (temp/alk swings), low flow at the base, or shading. Stabilize parameters, add more random flow, lift the colony off the rockwork, and improve light to the base.

What placement and flow pattern suit Acropora tenuis to prevent base browning?

Mid–high placement with strong, randomized flow (gyre plus alternating pulses) keeps detritus off and light even. Tenuis branches quickly; it shades its foot if planted too low or in uniform laminar flow. Angle the frag so new branches don’t shadow the base, and let it fully encrust before vertical growth. Rotating or slightly raising the mount can restore light to the underside and revive base color.

Are there pests this coral is particularly sensitive to, and how can I screen for them?

Tenuis shows polyp retraction and dull tips early with Acropora-eating flatworms and red bugs. Inspect at night with a blue flashlight and white light burst for bite marks or “sand” on tissue. Dip all new pieces (iodine or commercial AEFW-targeted dips), turkey-baste during quarantine to expose flatworms, and use magnification to spot eggs on the base. Maintain a 4–6 week QT with repeat dips to break life cycles.

Homewrecker Acropora Coral

Acropora

Overview

Homewrecker Acropora Coral shows branching stalks with small, tightly spaced corallites and contrasting pastel tips. Acropora tenuis is a small-polyp stony branching coral that prefers strong lighting and high, turbulent water flow. It is primarily photosynthetic with symbiotic algae, but occasional fine particulate foods can support growth and color. Place high on stable rockwork with space from aggressive corals, as the branches can break easily.

Quick Facts

Care Difficult

Lighting High

Flow High

Placement High

Temperament Peaceful (2–3 inches spacing)

Recommended Parameters

Temp 77–80°F

pH 8.1–8.4

Salinity 1.025–1.026

Calcium 420–450 ppm

AlkAlkalinity 7.5–9 dKH

Magnesium 1280–1350 ppm

Feeding photosynthetic (primary), microplankton, zooplankton, rotifers, copepod nauplii, oyster eggs, reef-specific powdered coral foods (e.g., Reef-Roids), amino acid supplements

Care & Placement

Homewrecker Acropora (Acropora tenuis) thrives under high, stable light and strong, turbulent flow. Target 250–400 PAR with a blue-heavy spectrum; acclimate over 2–3 weeks using reduced intensity or window screen to avoid bleaching. Provide brisk, randomized flow to keep tissue clean and prevent detritus buildup; redirected gyres or alternating pumps work well. Maintain temperature 75–79°F (24–26°C), pH 8.1–8.4, salinity 1.025–1.026, calcium 420–460 ppm, alkalinity 8–9 dKH (very stable), magnesium 1300–1400 ppm, nitrate 2–10 ppm, and phosphate 0.02–0.07 ppm. Avoid rapid swings, especially in alkalinity and nutrients. Feed lightly 1–3 times weekly with fine zooplankton, reef roids, or amino acids; broadcast at night with skimmer paused, but do not overfeed.Place high in the rockwork with direct light and cross-current flow. Allow at least 3–4 inches from neighbors; it can outgrow and shade other SPS, and should be kept away from LPS with long sweepers. Temperament is peaceful but competitive by growth. Dip and inspect for pests (AEFW, red bugs) and quarantine if possible; mount securely on a clean, stable plug or rock. Use an auto top-off for salinity stability, test alk daily when new and then weekly, and dose two-part or kalkwasser to hold levels. Signs of trouble: sudden paling (reduce light, increase nutrients slightly), base recession (increase flow, check alk stability), browned tips (lower nutrients or improve export).

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

About the Homewrecker Acropora Coral

Why does my Homewrecker Acropora lose its rainbow pop and look pastel or dull?

Color shifts usually track the light–nutrient balance and trace availability. Target 250–350 PAR heavy blue/UV (400–470 nm), nitrate 5–15 ppm, phosphate 0.03–0.08 ppm. If it washes out, reduce PAR slightly or raise nutrients. If it browns, increase PAR or flow and check phosphate creep. Maintain alk 8–9 dKH, pH 8.2–8.5. Potassium (380–420 ppm), iron, and manganese support blues/greens; dose only after testing.
How do I tell “burnt tips” from slow tissue loss at the base, and what fixes each?

Burnt tips show white, fresh-looking ends with good base color—often high alk plus high PAR with low nutrients. Lower alk to ~8–8.5 dKH or raise nutrients slightly. Base STN starts at the plug and creeps upward—commonly from instability (temp/alk swings), low flow at the base, or shading. Stabilize parameters, add more random flow, lift the colony off the rockwork, and improve light to the base.
What placement and flow pattern suit Acropora tenuis to prevent base browning?

Mid–high placement with strong, randomized flow (gyre plus alternating pulses) keeps detritus off and light even. Tenuis branches quickly; it shades its foot if planted too low or in uniform laminar flow. Angle the frag so new branches don’t shadow the base, and let it fully encrust before vertical growth. Rotating or slightly raising the mount can restore light to the underside and revive base color.
Are there pests this coral is particularly sensitive to, and how can I screen for them?

Tenuis shows polyp retraction and dull tips early with Acropora-eating flatworms and red bugs. Inspect at night with a blue flashlight and white light burst for bite marks or “sand” on tissue. Dip all new pieces (iodine or commercial AEFW-targeted dips), turkey-baste during quarantine to expose flatworms, and use magnification to spot eggs on the base. Maintain a 4–6 week QT with repeat dips to break life cycles.

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