My Bollywood Acropora lost its neon hues after a move—how can I restore color?

Stabilize alk 8–9 dKH, Ca 420–450, Mg 1300–1400 with minimal daily swing. Target PAR 300–400 under strong blue spectrum (400–470 nm). Keep measurable but low nutrients (NO3 5–15 ppm, PO4 0.03–0.08 ppm). Boost flow and reduce organics with fresh carbon. Replenish key traces (K, Fe, I) via modest dosing or regular water changes. Color recovery often lags 2–6 weeks after stability returns.

What growth pattern should I expect, and how should I place it?

It typically encrusts for weeks before pushing vertical branches. Strong, turbulent flow thickens branches; laminar flow can produce uneven, shadowed growth. Place high with clear space in all directions; avoid shade from faster growers. Mount on a solid base slightly angled into flow to keep tissue clean. Keep stinging LPS at least 6–8 inches away to prevent chemical and sweeper damage to new tips.

How do I detect and handle Acropora pests on this coral?

Inspect weekly with a flashlight: look for bite marks, sand-like eggs on the underside (AEFW), or tiny orange specks (red bugs). Blast the colony with a baster; flatworms dislodge as tan ovals. Quarantine new frags; use sequential dips (e.g., iodine, then a broad-spectrum coral dip) and brush the base. Add a wrasse helper (melanurus or yellow “coris”) for predation. For infestations, run a structured dip schedule and remove egg-laden bases.

Any advanced tips to push polyp extension and steady growth?

Provide oscillating, high-energy flow that cycles debris off the tissue. Feed small-particle foods or amino acids sparingly at lights-down when polyps extend. Keep pH 8.1–8.4 via aeration or kalkwasser; higher pH often improves calcification. Replace old bulbs or recalibrate LED channels to maintain strong blues. Use carbon in small, frequent changes to limit allelopathy. An ICP test every few months helps catch low potassium or elevated metals that mute extension.

TSA Bollywood Acropora Coral

Acropora SPS

Overview

Bollywood Acropora Coral forms dense branching colonies with pointed tips and small axial corallites. Classified as Acropora sp., it is a small-polyp stony branching coral that prefers strong light and high, turbulent water flow. It is primarily photosynthetic through symbiotic algae but can take occasional micro-plankton or amino-rich foods to support growth and color. Place high on stable rockwork with space around the colony, and avoid contact with aggressive or sweeper-tentacled neighbors.

Quick Facts

Care Difficult

Lighting High

Flow High, turbulent

Placement High

Temperament Peaceful (3–4 inches spacing)

Recommended Parameters

Temp 76–80°F

pH 8.1–8.4

Salinity 1.025–1.026

Calcium 420–450 ppm

AlkAlkalinity 8–9 dKH

Magnesium 1280–1350 ppm

Feeding photosynthetic (primary), microplankton, rotifers, copepod nauplii, powdered coral foods (e.g., Reef Roids), marine snow, amino acid supplements

Care & Placement

Bollywood Acropora Coral (Acropora sp.) thrives under bright light and strong, chaotic flow. Target a PAR of 250–400 in the upper third of the tank, acclimating slowly by using screen layers or reducing intensity 20–30% and ramping up over 2–3 weeks to avoid bleaching. Provide brisk, randomized flow to keep polyps clean and prevent detritus buildup around branches; secure frags firmly with epoxy so they don’t topple. Maintain stable water: temperature 75–79°F (24–26°C), salinity 1.025–1.026, pH 8.1–8.4, alkalinity 8.0–9.5 dKH (hold steady), calcium 420–460 ppm, magnesium 1300–1400 ppm, nitrate 2–10 ppm, phosphate 0.02–0.07 ppm. Test alkalinity and nutrients at least twice weekly until stable; use an auto top-off and consistent dosing. Zero nutrients or big swings often trigger tissue loss.Placement: high to mid-high rockwork with strong flow and no shading. Allow several inches of space from neighbors; avoid contact with stinging LPS and fast growers. Run carbon and good skimming to limit chemical warfare. Feeding is supplemental: broadcast very fine foods (rotifers, reef powders) 1–2 times weekly and consider light amino dosing; keep export balanced to prevent spikes. Dip and inspect new pieces for pests (AEFW, red bugs), and quarantine when possible. Troubleshooting: pale tips = too much light or low nutrients; burnt tips = high alkalinity with low nutrients; recession (STN/RTN) = instability—stabilize parameters, increase flow, and reduce light a bit. Regular pruning prevents self-shading and keeps water moving through the colony.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

About the TSA Bollywood Acropora Coral

My Bollywood Acropora lost its neon hues after a move—how can I restore color?

Stabilize alk 8–9 dKH, Ca 420–450, Mg 1300–1400 with minimal daily swing. Target PAR 300–400 under strong blue spectrum (400–470 nm). Keep measurable but low nutrients (NO3 5–15 ppm, PO4 0.03–0.08 ppm). Boost flow and reduce organics with fresh carbon. Replenish key traces (K, Fe, I) via modest dosing or regular water changes. Color recovery often lags 2–6 weeks after stability returns.
What growth pattern should I expect, and how should I place it?

It typically encrusts for weeks before pushing vertical branches. Strong, turbulent flow thickens branches; laminar flow can produce uneven, shadowed growth. Place high with clear space in all directions; avoid shade from faster growers. Mount on a solid base slightly angled into flow to keep tissue clean. Keep stinging LPS at least 6–8 inches away to prevent chemical and sweeper damage to new tips.
How do I detect and handle Acropora pests on this coral?

Inspect weekly with a flashlight: look for bite marks, sand-like eggs on the underside (AEFW), or tiny orange specks (red bugs). Blast the colony with a baster; flatworms dislodge as tan ovals. Quarantine new frags; use sequential dips (e.g., iodine, then a broad-spectrum coral dip) and brush the base. Add a wrasse helper (melanurus or yellow “coris”) for predation. For infestations, run a structured dip schedule and remove egg-laden bases.
Any advanced tips to push polyp extension and steady growth?

Provide oscillating, high-energy flow that cycles debris off the tissue. Feed small-particle foods or amino acids sparingly at lights-down when polyps extend. Keep pH 8.1–8.4 via aeration or kalkwasser; higher pH often improves calcification. Replace old bulbs or recalibrate LED channels to maintain strong blues. Use carbon in small, frequent changes to limit allelopathy. An ICP test every few months helps catch low potassium or elevated metals that mute extension.

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