How do I keep the signature orange base and blue tips on a MattV Orange Passion Acropora?

Target PAR around 300–400 with strong blue spectrum (actinic-heavy). Keep nutrients low but present (NO3 5–15 ppm, PO4 0.03–0.08 ppm). Maintain alk 7.5–8.5 dKH with tight stability; spikes wash out tips. Adequate potassium (380–420 ppm) supports blue tones; iron in balance helps polyp color. Excess white light can push the base toward green; gradual light acclimation prevents bleaching.

What growth pattern should I plan for, and where should I place it?

This A. tenuis encrusts first, then throws dense, short branches with thick radial corallites. Give it space from overhead shade—place mid-to-high on rock with open, turbulent flow so branches develop evenly. Avoid laminar blasts that strip tissue on one side. Mount on a small pedestal or plug stem to keep the base clean and encourage even encrustment.

Why are the tips burning or the base slowly receding even though parameters look fine?

Tip burn often follows alk spikes combined with high PAR; dial back light 10–20% and stabilize dosing. Base STN can stem from stagnant zones or bacterial stress: increase random flow around the base, siphon detritus, and consider an iodine-based dip on affected margins. Check for micro-shading from nearby colonies and verify temp stability; small daily swings can trigger tissue loss.

Are there pests that target this tenuis, and how can I detect them early?

AEFW favor smooth-skinned acros but will hit tenuis; look for oval bite marks, pale patches, and egg clusters on the underside. Night inspections with a flashlight reveal crawling flatworms and improved polyp extension elsewhere. Red bugs reduce polyp fluff and color saturation. Use dips (e.g., Bayer/iodine) for frags, quarantine new pieces, and consider Acropora guard crabs to improve polyp grooming.

Mattv Orange Passion Acropora Coral

Acropora

Overview

MattV Orange Passion Acropora Coral shows bright orange polyps on blue to teal branches. Acropora tenuis is a branching small-polyp stony coral that prefers strong lighting and high, turbulent water flow. It relies mainly on symbiotic algae for energy but accepts fine particulate foods, which can support growth and color stability. Place high on stable rockwork with ample space from other corals to avoid shading and aggressive contact.

Quick Facts

Care Difficult

Lighting High

Flow High

Placement High

Temperament Peaceful (2–4 inches spacing)

Recommended Parameters

Temp 77–80°F

pH 8.1–8.4

Salinity 1.025–1.026

Calcium 420–450 ppm

AlkAlkalinity 7.5–8.5 dKH

Magnesium 1280–1350 ppm

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

Care & Placement

MattV Orange Passion Acropora Coral (Acropora tenuis) thrives under strong, stable conditions. Provide intense, blue-heavy light at 250–350 PAR and strong, random flow to keep polyps extended and prevent detritus from settling; avoid straight jets that can burn tissue. Target consistent parameters: temperature 24–26°C (75–79°F), salinity 1.025–1.026, pH 8.1–8.4, alkalinity 8.0–9.0 dKH, calcium 420–460 ppm, magnesium 1300–1400 ppm, nitrate 2–10 ppm, phosphate 0.02–0.08 ppm. Stability is key; rapid swings, especially in alkalinity, can trigger tissue loss. Test weekly (or more often for new systems), use an auto top-off, and dose two-part, kalkwasser, or a calcium reactor to match consumption. Feed sparingly with fine particulate foods and amino acids 1–2 times weekly; too much food can raise nutrients and dull color.Place high on rockwork with strong flow, leaving 3–4 inches from neighbors; it grows fast and can shade or crowd other SPS. Keep it away from aggressive LPS with sweeper tentacles. Acclimate by dipping for pests (red bugs, AEFW), quarantine if possible, and ramp light over 1–2 weeks or use window screen to avoid bleaching. Mount on a stable base to prevent tipping. If tips burn, check for alkalinity spikes; if color fades, reduce light or raise nutrients slightly; if browning occurs, increase light or lower nutrients. Run activated carbon to reduce chemical warfare from soft corals. Regular inspection for pests and prompt fragging of damaged sections can save colonies.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

About the Mattv Orange Passion Acropora Coral

How do I keep the signature orange base and blue tips on a MattV Orange Passion Acropora?

Target PAR around 300–400 with strong blue spectrum (actinic-heavy). Keep nutrients low but present (NO3 5–15 ppm, PO4 0.03–0.08 ppm). Maintain alk 7.5–8.5 dKH with tight stability; spikes wash out tips. Adequate potassium (380–420 ppm) supports blue tones; iron in balance helps polyp color. Excess white light can push the base toward green; gradual light acclimation prevents bleaching.
What growth pattern should I plan for, and where should I place it?

This A. tenuis encrusts first, then throws dense, short branches with thick radial corallites. Give it space from overhead shade—place mid-to-high on rock with open, turbulent flow so branches develop evenly. Avoid laminar blasts that strip tissue on one side. Mount on a small pedestal or plug stem to keep the base clean and encourage even encrustment.
Why are the tips burning or the base slowly receding even though parameters look fine?

Tip burn often follows alk spikes combined with high PAR; dial back light 10–20% and stabilize dosing. Base STN can stem from stagnant zones or bacterial stress: increase random flow around the base, siphon detritus, and consider an iodine-based dip on affected margins. Check for micro-shading from nearby colonies and verify temp stability; small daily swings can trigger tissue loss.
Are there pests that target this tenuis, and how can I detect them early?

AEFW favor smooth-skinned acros but will hit tenuis; look for oval bite marks, pale patches, and egg clusters on the underside. Night inspections with a flashlight reveal crawling flatworms and improved polyp extension elsewhere. Red bugs reduce polyp fluff and color saturation. Use dips (e.g., Bayer/iodine) for frags, quarantine new pieces, and consider Acropora guard crabs to improve polyp grooming.

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