Why does my TGC Cherry Bomb Acropora shift from cherry-red to washed-out pink or green, and how can I regain the deep coloration?

Color shifts stem from spectrum, PAR, and nutrients. Aim for 250–350 PAR with strong 420–460 nm blues; avoid excessive white. Keep NO3 around 5–15 ppm and PO4 0.03–0.08. Stabilize alkalinity at 7.5–8.5 dKH. Consider potassium (380–420 ppm), iron, and manganese at trace levels; test before dosing. Sudden swings or ultra-low nutrients wash out reds.

Growth seems stalled—only encrusting with minimal branches. Is this normal for Acropora tenuis like Cherry Bomb?

Yes. Tenuis often encrusts aggressively before axial corallites push upward. Provide high, randomized flow (30–50x turnover) to prevent detritus at the base, which can trigger basal recession. Maintain stable alk and pH 8.2–8.4. Slightly increase PAR within target range and ensure enough space above the colony to avoid self-shading as branches initiate.

What are early warning signs of STN/RTN in this strain, and how should I respond?

Watch for dulling tissue at the base, reduced daytime polyp extension, and a pale ring creeping upward. Immediately verify temp, alk, and salinity; correct gently if off. Perform an iodine dip, frag 3–5 mm into healthy tissue above the recession line, and remount in moderate light/strong flow. Check for pests (AEFW, red bugs) and run fresh carbon to mitigate chemical warfare.

My Cherry Bomb looks fine but shows poor nighttime polyp extension—could something be suppressing feeding behavior?

Continuous, narrow laminar flow or nearby aggressive corals can inhibit extension. Shift to crossflow patterns and relocate away from sweeper-tentacled LPS or allelopathic soft corals; run activated carbon and ensure adequate export. Check for micro-predators at night with a flashlight. Briefly target-feed fine particulate foods after lights down to encourage routine nocturnal extension.

TGC Cherry Bomb Tenuis Acropora Coral

Acropora SPS

Overview

TGC Cherry Bomb Acropora Coral shows bright red to pink branch tips with contrasting green polyps. Acropora tenuis is a branching stony coral that prefers strong light and high, turbulent water flow. It is photosynthetic via symbiotic algae, but occasional small particulate foods can support growth and deepen coloration. Place high on stable rockwork with ample space from aggressive corals, and maintain very stable alkalinity and nutrients.

Quick Facts

Care Difficult

Lighting High

Flow High

Placement High

Temperament Peaceful (2–3 inches spacing)

Recommended Parameters

Temp 76–82°F

pH 8.1–8.4

Salinity 1.025–1.026

Calcium 420–450 ppm

AlkAlkalinity 8–9 dKH

Magnesium 1250–1350 ppm

Feeding photosynthetic (primary), microplankton, powdered zooplankton, rotifers, copepod nauplii, phytoplankton, oyster eggs, amino acid supplements, coral-specific powdered foods

Care & Placement

TGC Cherry Bomb Acropora Coral (Acropora tenuis) thrives under bright light, strong random flow, and very stable water. Target 250–350 PAR with gradual light acclimation over 1–2 weeks to prevent bleaching; use a PAR meter if possible. Provide high, turbulent flow to keep polyps clean and avoid detritus settling, which can cause tissue loss at the base. Keep temperature 75–78°F (24–26°C), salinity 1.025–1.026, pH 8.1–8.4, alkalinity 8.0–9.5 dKH (stable), calcium 420–460 ppm, and magnesium 1300–1400 ppm. Maintain low but present nutrients: nitrate 5–15 ppm and phosphate 0.03–0.10 ppm to support color and prevent pale tissue. Feed small-particle foods 1–3 times weekly (reef roids, powdered plankton) and consider low-dose amino acids; turn off skimmer briefly to improve uptake.Place frags high to mid-high in the rockwork with space for growth and at least 3–4 inches from neighboring corals; avoid contact with aggressive LPS and soft corals that release chemicals. Temperament is peaceful but sensitive to parameter swings; prioritize consistency over chasing numbers. Acclimate by dipping and inspecting for pests (AEFW, red bugs), then mount in strong flow. Troubleshoot by checking for light shock (bleaching), alk swings (rapid tissue loss), low flow or pests (recession at base). Perform weekly testing, keep dosing steady, and make small, deliberate adjustments. Regularly clean pumps and ensure good export to prevent film algae that can irritate polyps.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

About the TGC Cherry Bomb Tenuis Acropora Coral

Why does my TGC Cherry Bomb Acropora shift from cherry-red to washed-out pink or green, and how can I regain the deep coloration?

Color shifts stem from spectrum, PAR, and nutrients. Aim for 250–350 PAR with strong 420–460 nm blues; avoid excessive white. Keep NO3 around 5–15 ppm and PO4 0.03–0.08. Stabilize alkalinity at 7.5–8.5 dKH. Consider potassium (380–420 ppm), iron, and manganese at trace levels; test before dosing. Sudden swings or ultra-low nutrients wash out reds.
Growth seems stalled—only encrusting with minimal branches. Is this normal for Acropora tenuis like Cherry Bomb?

Yes. Tenuis often encrusts aggressively before axial corallites push upward. Provide high, randomized flow (30–50x turnover) to prevent detritus at the base, which can trigger basal recession. Maintain stable alk and pH 8.2–8.4. Slightly increase PAR within target range and ensure enough space above the colony to avoid self-shading as branches initiate.
What are early warning signs of STN/RTN in this strain, and how should I respond?

Watch for dulling tissue at the base, reduced daytime polyp extension, and a pale ring creeping upward. Immediately verify temp, alk, and salinity; correct gently if off. Perform an iodine dip, frag 3–5 mm into healthy tissue above the recession line, and remount in moderate light/strong flow. Check for pests (AEFW, red bugs) and run fresh carbon to mitigate chemical warfare.
My Cherry Bomb looks fine but shows poor nighttime polyp extension—could something be suppressing feeding behavior?

Continuous, narrow laminar flow or nearby aggressive corals can inhibit extension. Shift to crossflow patterns and relocate away from sweeper-tentacled LPS or allelopathic soft corals; run activated carbon and ensure adequate export. Check for micro-predators at night with a flashlight. Briefly target-feed fine particulate foods after lights down to encourage routine nocturnal extension.

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