Why does TGC Acrolandia Tenuis lose its neon hues and turn green or brown?

This strain is sensitive to light spectrum and nutrient balance. Too little blue/violet intensity or excess nutrients (NO3 >15 ppm, PO4 >0.15 ppm) push chlorophyll, causing green/brown. Conversely, ultra-low nutrients with high PAR can pale it. Aim for 250–400 PAR heavy in 420–470 nm, NO3 2–10 ppm, PO4 0.03–0.10 ppm, and stable alk 7.6–8.4 dKH. Trace balance (potassium, iodine) helps maintain fluorescence.

How should I place and orient it to promote the signature tenuis branching without self-shadowing?

Mount on a small plug or narrow rock ledge and let it encrust first; that’s the go-signal for vertical branching. Angle the frag 10–20 degrees so axial tips face flow and light, reducing shaded bases. Provide strong, randomized flow that flips polyps from multiple directions. Avoid placing under overhangs of faster growers; leave 3–4 inches clearance to prevent shading and allelopathic stress.

What causes burnt tips or slow base recession on this coral?

Burnt tips often result from high PAR combined with a sudden alk rise or low nutrients. Keep daily alk change under 0.2 dKH and match PAR gradually over 2–3 weeks. Base recession points to stagnant flow at the encrusting edge or trace imbalance. Increase cross-flow near the base, check for low potassium (<380 ppm) or iodine depletion, and rule out metal contamination with an ICP test.

Are there pest signs unique to tenuis and safer dip practices for this variety?

Tenuis shows AEFW as pale bite rings and sand-like eggs on shaded undersides; red bugs cause poor polyp extension with pinprick yellow dots. This strain can be tender to harsh dips—use reduced-strength povidone or commercial coral dips for 5–7 minutes with strong baster agitation, then rinse well. For AEFW, repeat dips weekly for 3–4 weeks and remove any egg clutches manually.

TGC Acrolandia Tenuis Acropora Coral

Q: Are there pest signs unique to tenuis and safer dip practices for this variety?

Tenuis shows AEFW as pale bite rings and sand-like eggs on shaded undersides; red bugs cause poor polyp extension with pinprick yellow dots. This strain can be tender to harsh dips—use reduced-strength povidone or commercial coral dips for 5–7 minutes with strong baster agitation, then rinse well. For AEFW, repeat dips weekly for 3–4 weeks and remove any egg clutches manually.

Acropora SPS

Overview

TGC Acrolandia Tenuis Acropora Coral shows branching, tightly spaced axial tips with contrasting polyp coloration. Acropora tenuis is a small-polyp stony coral forming dense branching colonies; it prefers strong lighting and high, turbulent water flow. Primarily photosynthetic with symbiotic algae, it benefits from occasional fine particulate foods, which can support polyp extension, growth, and coloration. Place high on stable rockwork with ample space from aggressive neighbors, and maintain stable alkalinity and low nutrients to prevent tissue loss.

Quick Facts

Care Difficult

Lighting Moderate–High

Flow High, turbulent

Placement High

Temperament Peaceful (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 8–9 dKH

Magnesium 1280–1350 ppm

Feeding photosynthetic, microzooplankton, rotifers, copepod nauplii, powdered SPS coral foods (e.g., Reef-Roids, Benepets), amino acid supplements

Care & Placement

TGC Acrolandia Tenuis Acropora Coral (Acropora tenuis) thrives with bright light, strong random flow, and very stable water. Target 250–400 PAR under LED/T5/metal halide and acclimate to light over 2–3 weeks to avoid bleaching. Provide high, turbulent flow to keep polyps clean and prevent detritus buildup; alternate or gyre patterns work well. Maintain 75–78°F (24–26°C), salinity 1.025–1.026 (35 ppt), pH 8.1–8.4, alkalinity 8.0–9.5 dKH, calcium 420–460 ppm, magnesium 1300–1400 ppm. Keep nutrients low but present: nitrate 2–10 ppm, phosphate 0.02–0.08 ppm; starving the coral can pale colors and slow growth. Feed small-particle coral foods or amino acids 1–3x weekly in low flow; don’t overfeed.Place frags high on stable rock with room to grow; allow 3–4 inches from neighbors. Avoid contact with aggressive LPS (long sweepers) and manage chemical warfare from soft corals with carbon and good skimming. Compatible with other Acropora, though different species may still sting on contact. Dip and quarantine new pieces to prevent pests (AEFW, red bugs). Use drip acclimation, then mount securely. Monitor with reliable test kits, refractometer, and a PAR meter if possible; auto top-off and dosing help keep stability. Common issues: bleaching (too much light or low nutrients), tissue recession (parameter swings, pests). Address by correcting stability, adjusting light/flow, and treating pests; consider ICP testing if problems persist.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

About the TGC Acrolandia Tenuis Acropora Coral

Why does TGC Acrolandia Tenuis lose its neon hues and turn green or brown?

This strain is sensitive to light spectrum and nutrient balance. Too little blue/violet intensity or excess nutrients (NO3 >15 ppm, PO4 >0.15 ppm) push chlorophyll, causing green/brown. Conversely, ultra-low nutrients with high PAR can pale it. Aim for 250–400 PAR heavy in 420–470 nm, NO3 2–10 ppm, PO4 0.03–0.10 ppm, and stable alk 7.6–8.4 dKH. Trace balance (potassium, iodine) helps maintain fluorescence.
How should I place and orient it to promote the signature tenuis branching without self-shadowing?

Mount on a small plug or narrow rock ledge and let it encrust first; that’s the go-signal for vertical branching. Angle the frag 10–20 degrees so axial tips face flow and light, reducing shaded bases. Provide strong, randomized flow that flips polyps from multiple directions. Avoid placing under overhangs of faster growers; leave 3–4 inches clearance to prevent shading and allelopathic stress.
What causes burnt tips or slow base recession on this coral?

Burnt tips often result from high PAR combined with a sudden alk rise or low nutrients. Keep daily alk change under 0.2 dKH and match PAR gradually over 2–3 weeks. Base recession points to stagnant flow at the encrusting edge or trace imbalance. Increase cross-flow near the base, check for low potassium (<380 ppm) or iodine depletion, and rule out metal contamination with an ICP test.
Are there pest signs unique to tenuis and safer dip practices for this variety?

Tenuis shows AEFW as pale bite rings and sand-like eggs on shaded undersides; red bugs cause poor polyp extension with pinprick yellow dots. This strain can be tender to harsh dips—use reduced-strength povidone or commercial coral dips for 5–7 minutes with strong baster agitation, then rinse well. For AEFW, repeat dips weekly for 3–4 weeks and remove any egg clutches manually.