Why does Bubbleyum Tenuis lose its hot pink/blue tones under strong white lighting?

Acropora tenuis fluoresces best under heavy blue/violet spectrum (420–470 nm). High white intensity can wash pigments and shift it toward brown/green if nutrients are elevated. Aim for 250–350 PAR with a blue-biased schedule, maintain NO3 ~5–15 ppm and PO4 0.03–0.08 ppm, and avoid sudden drops in nutrients or alkalinity. Select side lighting or cross-lighting to limit self-shadowing inside bushy branches.

My Tenuis shows great polyp extension at night but retracts by day—normal or a stress sign?

It’s often normal. Tenuis extends more after lights out to capture plankton. Daytime retraction increases with excessive laminar flow, fish nipping, or micro-irritants. Switch to randomized, high but non-blasting flow (alternating gyres), check for red bugs/AEFW, and verify alk stability. A brief evening amino/particulate feed can condition consistent extension without triggering nuisance algae.

How do I prevent basal die-off when the colony thickens and shades its base?

Plan for light penetration from multiple angles. Use two fixtures or an LED/T5 hybrid to fill shadows, and maintain vigorous, cross-tank flow to keep corallites clean. Periodically trim inner branches to open the colony, and elevate the coral so lower tiers receive light. Keep alk steady (7.5–8.5 dKH) and avoid detritus buildup at the base to reduce tissue recession.

Tenuis started STN after a mild alk spike—any recovery tips specific to this species?

Tenuis can be alk-sensitive. Immediately stabilize parameters (small daily water changes, consistent dosing), raise flow across the affected margin, and frag 5–10 mm into healthy tissue if recession localizes. Run fresh carbon to remove irritants and check for pest damage that can mimic STN. Temporarily reduce PAR by ~15–20% and restore gradually over a week while monitoring polyp behavior.

TSA Bubbleyum Tenuis Acropora Coral

Acropora SPS

Overview

Bubbleyum Tenuis Acropora Coral has a compact branching form with thick branchlets and rounded, nubby tips. Acropora tenuis is a hard, branching stony coral that prefers strong light and high, random water flow. It is photosynthetic through symbiotic algae but may also take very fine planktonic foods; occasional feeding can support growth and coloration. Place it high on stable rockwork with ample space from aggressive corals to prevent tissue damage.

Quick Facts

Care Difficult

Lighting High

Flow High

Placement High

Temperament Semi-aggressive (3–6 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, oyster eggs, cyclops, reef-specific powdered coral foods, amino acids

Care & Placement

Bubbleyum Tenuis Acropora Coral (Acropora tenuis) thrives under strong, stable conditions. Target lighting of 250–350 PAR with a gradual 1–2 week acclimation using screen or reduced intensity to avoid bleaching; aim for crisp white/blue spectrum. Provide strong, randomized flow (30–50x turnover) to keep polyps clean and prevent detritus buildup; avoid direct, laminar blasts that can strip tissue. Maintain temperature 76–78°F (24–26°C), salinity 1.025–1.026 (35 ppt), pH 8.1–8.4, alkalinity 7.5–9 dKH (stable), calcium 420–460 ppm, magnesium 1300–1400 ppm, nitrate 2–10 ppm, and phosphate 0.03–0.08 ppm. Feed fine particulate foods (rotifers, reef powders) and amino acids 1–3x weekly; do not run nutrients at zero. Monitor alkalinity daily when dialing in, use a PAR meter if possible, and consider periodic ICP tests. Inspect and dip new pieces to avoid pests such as AEFW and red bugs.Place frags in the upper third of the tank on stable rock with room to branch and no shading from neighbors. Keep at least 2–3 inches from other SPS and well away from aggressive LPS with long sweepers. Generally peaceful but can outcompete nearby corals by overgrowing. Signs of trouble: paling/bleaching (too much light or low nutrients), base recession (low flow or pests), and burnt tips (high alkalinity with low nutrients). Quarantine, keep parameters steady, and correct issues slowly; stability is more important than chasing exact numbers.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

About the TSA Bubbleyum Tenuis Acropora Coral

Why does Bubbleyum Tenuis lose its hot pink/blue tones under strong white lighting?

Acropora tenuis fluoresces best under heavy blue/violet spectrum (420–470 nm). High white intensity can wash pigments and shift it toward brown/green if nutrients are elevated. Aim for 250–350 PAR with a blue-biased schedule, maintain NO3 ~5–15 ppm and PO4 0.03–0.08 ppm, and avoid sudden drops in nutrients or alkalinity. Select side lighting or cross-lighting to limit self-shadowing inside bushy branches.
My Tenuis shows great polyp extension at night but retracts by day—normal or a stress sign?

It’s often normal. Tenuis extends more after lights out to capture plankton. Daytime retraction increases with excessive laminar flow, fish nipping, or micro-irritants. Switch to randomized, high but non-blasting flow (alternating gyres), check for red bugs/AEFW, and verify alk stability. A brief evening amino/particulate feed can condition consistent extension without triggering nuisance algae.
How do I prevent basal die-off when the colony thickens and shades its base?

Plan for light penetration from multiple angles. Use two fixtures or an LED/T5 hybrid to fill shadows, and maintain vigorous, cross-tank flow to keep corallites clean. Periodically trim inner branches to open the colony, and elevate the coral so lower tiers receive light. Keep alk steady (7.5–8.5 dKH) and avoid detritus buildup at the base to reduce tissue recession.
Tenuis started STN after a mild alk spike—any recovery tips specific to this species?

Tenuis can be alk-sensitive. Immediately stabilize parameters (small daily water changes, consistent dosing), raise flow across the affected margin, and frag 5–10 mm into healthy tissue if recession localizes. Run fresh carbon to remove irritants and check for pest damage that can mimic STN. Temporarily reduce PAR by ~15–20% and restore gradually over a week while monitoring polyp behavior.

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