Why does my Candlelight Acropora (Acropora tenuis) lose its yellow body or blue tips over time?

Color shifts often trace to light spectrum, nutrients, and trace balance. Aim for 250–400 PAR with strong blue spectrum, stable alk 8–9 dKH, nitrate 5–15 ppm, phosphate 0.03–0.08 ppm. If it browns, nutrients or organics are usually high; if it pales, nutrients or iron/potassium may be too low. Regular small water changes and activated carbon help clarity and color.

My tenuis has great polyp extension at night but recedes by day—normal or a warning sign?

Night-peaking extension is typical, but full daytime retraction can flag high PAR hotspots, laminar (not random) flow, or fish/nipper irritation. Add cross-flow for turbulent movement, reduce point-source intensity or raise the coral slightly, and watch for angels/wrasses picking. Check for AEFW bite marks; retracted polyps plus crescent bites suggests pests.

I’m getting slow tissue loss from the base (STN). What should I check first for this species?

Start with stability: verify alk drift over 24–72 hours, then inspect shaded bases—tenuis hates prolonged shadowing. Increase random flow under the colony, trim self-shading branches, and confirm nutrients aren’t near-zero. Rule out AEFW with a flashlight and turkey baster blast; consider a gentle, two-step dip and swap any older carbon to reduce chemical warfare from nearby soft corals.

Do wild and aquacultured Candlelight tenuis adapt differently in a tank?

Yes. Aquacultured pieces generally tolerate brighter light and variable nutrients sooner. Wild colonies acclimate better under reduced PAR (150–200) for 2–3 weeks, then ramp 10–15% weekly. Maintain higher dissolved oxygen and brisk flow, keep temperature steady (24–26°C/75–79°F), and delay aggressive nutrient reduction until polyp extension and base encrustment look strong.

TSA Candlelight Acropora Coral

Acropora SPS

Overview

Candlelight Acropora Coral shows branching, candle-like tips with contrasting polyp color. Acropora tenuis is a small-polyp stony branching coral that prefers strong light and high, turbulent flow. It relies mainly on symbiotic algae for energy but can take fine particulate foods, which may support growth and color. Place high on stable rock with space from aggressive neighbors, and keep alkalinity steady with low nutrients.

Quick Facts

Care Difficult

Lighting High

Flow High, turbulent

Placement High

Temperament Peaceful (3–6 inches spacing)

Recommended Parameters

Temp 76–80°F

pH 8.1–8.4

Salinity 1.025–1.026

Calcium 420–460 ppm

AlkAlkalinity 8–9 dKH

Magnesium 1280–1350 ppm

Feeding photosynthetic (primary), microplankton, rotifers, copepod nauplii, oyster eggs, coral-specific powdered foods (e.g., Reef-Roids), marine snow

Care & Placement

Candlelight Acropora Coral (Acropora tenuis) is a fast-growing SPS that needs strong light, strong random flow, and very stable water. Target 250–400 PAR under quality LED/T5/halide and ramp intensity over 1–2 weeks to avoid bleaching; use a light acclimation mode or window screen layers. Provide brisk, turbulent flow from alternating pumps to keep polyps moving without blasting tissue; this limits detritus buildup and promotes clean tips. Place high in the tank on stable rock, with room to branch upward; leave 3–4 inches from other corals. Keep away from aggressive LPS with long sweepers. Parameters: temperature 24–26°C (75–79°F), salinity 1.025–1.026 (35 ppt) with auto top-off, pH 8.1–8.4, alkalinity 8.0–9.5 dKH, calcium 420–460 ppm, magnesium 1300–1400 ppm, nitrate 2–10 ppm, phosphate 0.02–0.08 ppm. Test weekly (alk daily if adjusting) and avoid rapid swings—alk and temperature shifts often trigger tissue loss. Feeding is optional but helpful: broadcast very fine zooplankton or reef roids 1–2x/week at night and consider a low-dose amino acid regimen; do not overfeed. Acclimate with a temperature match, pest dip, and, ideally, quarantine; inspect regularly for AEFW and red bugs. Troubleshooting: pale/bleached—reduce light, raise nutrients slowly; brown—improve export and increase light incrementally; tip burn—lower alk or light slightly; recession—stabilize parameters, increase flow, check for pests, frag healthy sections if necrosis progresses.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

About the TSA Candlelight Acropora Coral

Why does my Candlelight Acropora (Acropora tenuis) lose its yellow body or blue tips over time?

Color shifts often trace to light spectrum, nutrients, and trace balance. Aim for 250–400 PAR with strong blue spectrum, stable alk 8–9 dKH, nitrate 5–15 ppm, phosphate 0.03–0.08 ppm. If it browns, nutrients or organics are usually high; if it pales, nutrients or iron/potassium may be too low. Regular small water changes and activated carbon help clarity and color.
My tenuis has great polyp extension at night but recedes by day—normal or a warning sign?

Night-peaking extension is typical, but full daytime retraction can flag high PAR hotspots, laminar (not random) flow, or fish/nipper irritation. Add cross-flow for turbulent movement, reduce point-source intensity or raise the coral slightly, and watch for angels/wrasses picking. Check for AEFW bite marks; retracted polyps plus crescent bites suggests pests.
I’m getting slow tissue loss from the base (STN). What should I check first for this species?

Start with stability: verify alk drift over 24–72 hours, then inspect shaded bases—tenuis hates prolonged shadowing. Increase random flow under the colony, trim self-shading branches, and confirm nutrients aren’t near-zero. Rule out AEFW with a flashlight and turkey baster blast; consider a gentle, two-step dip and swap any older carbon to reduce chemical warfare from nearby soft corals.
Do wild and aquacultured Candlelight tenuis adapt differently in a tank?

Yes. Aquacultured pieces generally tolerate brighter light and variable nutrients sooner. Wild colonies acclimate better under reduced PAR (150–200) for 2–3 weeks, then ramp 10–15% weekly. Maintain higher dissolved oxygen and brisk flow, keep temperature steady (24–26°C/75–79°F), and delay aggressive nutrient reduction until polyp extension and base encrustment look strong.

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