How do I keep the “candle light” yellow tone from fading to green or brown?

Maintain high, stable PAR (300–400) with strong blue/UV plus some white to prevent excessive chlorophyll. Keep nutrients low but not zero (NO3 ~2–10 ppm, PO4 0.03–0.08 ppm). Stable alkalinity (8–9 dKH) is key; swings push it brown or pastel. Trace balance matters—potassium, iron, and iodine support yellow hues. Avoid shading from neighboring branches.

Why is the base encrustment stalling or showing slow tissue loss?

Stags often stall at the base if flow is laminar or too weak there. Increase random, cross-current flow to the lower skeleton. Check for shading and detritus accumulation. Verify alk stability and phosphate not bottoming out. Inspect for pests; early Acropora-eating flatworm activity often starts low. Improve stability first, then consider targeted dips if pests are confirmed.

How should I place it to avoid “shadow die-off” as branches thicken?

Mount vertically with space for outward growth and angle the colony so light and flow reach interior branches. Use alternating pumps to sweep between branches. Trim or reposition neighboring corals that cast shade. Periodically rotate the frag plug/rock a few degrees during growth to even exposure, then stop once it’s encrusted and stable.

Why are tips burning while the rest looks fine?

Tip burn often follows an alkalinity spike combined with high PAR. Verify test accuracy and reduce swings (dose smaller, more frequent increments). Ensure phosphate isn’t near zero; ultra-low PO4 with strong light makes tips vulnerable. Increase flow across tips to dissipate oxygen radicals. If needed, slightly reduce peak intensity or shorten the photoperiod for a week.

TSA Candle Light Stag Acropora Coral

Acropora SPS

Overview

Candle Light Stag Acropora Coral shows branching, stag-horn growth with slim, upward-pointing tips. Acropora sp. is a small polyp stony branching coral that does best with strong lighting and high, turbulent water flow. It is photosynthetic with symbiotic algae, and occasional fine particulate foods can support growth and color. Place high on stable rock with room for upward growth, and keep distance from aggressive corals to avoid stings.

Quick Facts

Care Difficult

Lighting High

Flow High

Placement High

Temperament Peaceful (2–4 inches spacing)

Recommended Parameters

Temp 76–80°F

pH 8.1–8.4

Salinity 1.025–1.026

Calcium 400–450 ppm

AlkAlkalinity 7–9 dKH

Magnesium 1280–1350 ppm

Feeding photosynthetic (primary), microplankton, very fine zooplankton, rotifers, copepod nauplii, coral-specific powdered foods (e.g., Reef-Roids), amino acid supplements

Care & Placement

Candle Light Stag Acropora Coral (Acropora sp.) prefers bright light and strong, random flow for dense, healthy branching. Target 250–400 PAR; start lower and ramp up over 1–2 weeks to avoid bleaching. Provide turbulent flow from alternating pumps so polyps sway and no detritus settles on the base. Primarily photosynthetic, but occasional microfoods (rotifers, reef snow, fine coral foods) 1–2x weekly can support growth if nutrients are controlled. Keep temperature 75–79°F (24–26°C), pH 8.0–8.4, salinity 1.025–1.026 (35 ppt), calcium 420–460 ppm, alkalinity 8.0–9.5 dKH (stable is key), magnesium 1300–1400 ppm, nitrate 2–10 ppm, phosphate 0.03–0.08 ppm. Test weekly with reliable kits, use a refractometer, and maintain stability with an ATO and consistent dosing.Place high in the tank on a secure, clean rock with strong upward flow; allow 3–4 inches of space to prevent shading and overgrowth. Avoid proximity to aggressive LPS with long sweepers; mix best with other SPS. Acclimate new pieces with drip acclimation, dip to remove pests, and quarantine if possible (watch for AEFW and red bugs). Signs of stress: paling/bleaching (reduce light or raise nutrients), browning (increase light or export), burnt tips (alk too high with low nutrients), base recession (flow/cleanliness issues or parameter swings). Maintain stable parameters, keep the base clean, and correct issues gradually.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

About the TSA Candle Light Stag Acropora Coral

How do I keep the “candle light” yellow tone from fading to green or brown?

Maintain high, stable PAR (300–400) with strong blue/UV plus some white to prevent excessive chlorophyll. Keep nutrients low but not zero (NO3 ~2–10 ppm, PO4 0.03–0.08 ppm). Stable alkalinity (8–9 dKH) is key; swings push it brown or pastel. Trace balance matters—potassium, iron, and iodine support yellow hues. Avoid shading from neighboring branches.
Why is the base encrustment stalling or showing slow tissue loss?

Stags often stall at the base if flow is laminar or too weak there. Increase random, cross-current flow to the lower skeleton. Check for shading and detritus accumulation. Verify alk stability and phosphate not bottoming out. Inspect for pests; early Acropora-eating flatworm activity often starts low. Improve stability first, then consider targeted dips if pests are confirmed.
How should I place it to avoid “shadow die-off” as branches thicken?

Mount vertically with space for outward growth and angle the colony so light and flow reach interior branches. Use alternating pumps to sweep between branches. Trim or reposition neighboring corals that cast shade. Periodically rotate the frag plug/rock a few degrees during growth to even exposure, then stop once it’s encrusted and stable.
Why are tips burning while the rest looks fine?

Tip burn often follows an alkalinity spike combined with high PAR. Verify test accuracy and reduce swings (dose smaller, more frequent increments). Ensure phosphate isn’t near zero; ultra-low PO4 with strong light makes tips vulnerable. Increase flow across tips to dissipate oxygen radicals. If needed, slightly reduce peak intensity or shorten the photoperiod for a week.

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