Why does my Diamond Dust Tenuis look dull under whites but sparkle under blues?

A. tenuis shows strong fluorescence, especially from corallite lips and new axial growth under 420–470 nm. If it's dull in whites, check nutrients (NO3 5–15 ppm, PO4 0.02–0.08) and stable alkalinity (8–9 dKH). Over-skimmed, ultra-low nutrients mute pigments. Add moderate blue/UV channels gradually; avoid sudden increases that cause tip burn and washed colors.

How can I prevent base shadowing and tissue loss as this coral branches out?

Mount the frag at a slight angle and higher on open rock to keep turbulent flow around the base. Encourage a strong encrust before vertical growth by placing the cut edge close to rock. Trim or reposition nearby colonies that cast shade. Maintain random, high flow; stagnant pockets at the base often precede slow-tissue necrosis.

What pests specifically target this species, and how do I spot early signs?

Acropora-eating flatworms and “red bugs” favor tenuis. Look for pale bite tracks, sand-grain eggs on shaded undersides, reduced polyp extension, and patchy color on lower branches. Use a magnifier and flashlight at night. Quarantine with sequential dips (oxidative or insecticidal per label), inspect with turkey baster blasts, and repeat weekly for 3–4 weeks to break life cycles.

My tenuis stalled after shipping—polyp retraction and filament strings. What now?

That’s common stress. Start with low PAR (150–200) and strong, random flow; increase light 10–15% weekly. Keep temp 24–26°C and avoid large alkalinity swings. Run fresh carbon to remove allelopathic compounds if housed near soft corals. Target-feed tiny amounts after lights out. If tissue recession begins, frag 2–3 mm into healthy tissue and stabilize parameters.

TSA Diamond Dust Tenuis Acropora Coral

Acropora SPS

Overview

Diamond Dust Tenuis Acropora Coral shows tightly spaced, spiky branchlets with fine axial tips and a dense polyp fringe. Acropora tenuis is a small-polyp stony branching coral that prefers strong, stable lighting and moderate to high, turbulent water flow. It is primarily photosynthetic through symbiotic algae, but occasional small-particle foods can support growth and help maintain color. Place high on rockwork with room for upward and outward growth, and keep distance from aggressive or stinging neighbors.

Quick Facts

Care Difficult

Lighting High

Flow High, random

Placement High

Temperament Peaceful (2–3 inches spacing)

Recommended Parameters

Temp 77–80°F

pH 8.1–8.4

Salinity 1.025–1.026

Calcium 420–450 ppm

AlkAlkalinity 7.5–9 dKH

Magnesium 1280–1350 ppm

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

Care & Placement

Diamond Dust Tenuis Acropora Coral (Acropora tenuis) thrives in stable, clean, high-energy reef systems. Target 250–400 PAR under strong, well-distributed LED, T5, or metal halide; acclimate to light by starting lower or at reduced intensity and ramping up over 2–3 weeks to avoid bleaching. Provide strong, random flow (gyres or alternating pumps) to keep detritus off the base and promote polyp extension; avoid direct laminar blasts that strip tissue. Keep temperature 75–78°F (24–26°C), salinity 1.025–1.026, pH 8.1–8.4, alkalinity 8.0–9.5 dKH, calcium 420–460 ppm, magnesium 1300–1400 ppm, nitrate 2–10 ppm, and phosphate 0.02–0.07 ppm. Use reliable test kits, auto top-off, and consistent dosing; avoid rapid swings or sudden nutrient drops.Place frags high to upper-mid on stable rock with epoxy or superglue gel, allowing 3–4 inches of space from neighbors. It is generally peaceful but can shade or overgrow slower corals; keep away from LPS with long sweepers. Primary nutrition comes from light; optional nighttime feeding of fine particulate foods or amino acids 1–2x weekly can support color and growth—do not overfeed. Dip and quarantine to prevent pests (Acoel flatworms, red bugs). Common issues: pale color (light shock or low nutrients), browning (excess nutrients or low light), burnt tips (alk swings), base recession (low flow, pests, or instability). Maintain export, clean pumps, and trim branches to prevent self-shading.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

About the TSA Diamond Dust Tenuis Acropora Coral

Why does my Diamond Dust Tenuis look dull under whites but sparkle under blues?

A. tenuis shows strong fluorescence, especially from corallite lips and new axial growth under 420–470 nm. If it's dull in whites, check nutrients (NO3 5–15 ppm, PO4 0.02–0.08) and stable alkalinity (8–9 dKH). Over-skimmed, ultra-low nutrients mute pigments. Add moderate blue/UV channels gradually; avoid sudden increases that cause tip burn and washed colors.
How can I prevent base shadowing and tissue loss as this coral branches out?

Mount the frag at a slight angle and higher on open rock to keep turbulent flow around the base. Encourage a strong encrust before vertical growth by placing the cut edge close to rock. Trim or reposition nearby colonies that cast shade. Maintain random, high flow; stagnant pockets at the base often precede slow-tissue necrosis.
What pests specifically target this species, and how do I spot early signs?

Acropora-eating flatworms and “red bugs” favor tenuis. Look for pale bite tracks, sand-grain eggs on shaded undersides, reduced polyp extension, and patchy color on lower branches. Use a magnifier and flashlight at night. Quarantine with sequential dips (oxidative or insecticidal per label), inspect with turkey baster blasts, and repeat weekly for 3–4 weeks to break life cycles.
My tenuis stalled after shipping—polyp retraction and filament strings. What now?

That’s common stress. Start with low PAR (150–200) and strong, random flow; increase light 10–15% weekly. Keep temp 24–26°C and avoid large alkalinity swings. Run fresh carbon to remove allelopathic compounds if housed near soft corals. Target-feed tiny amounts after lights out. If tissue recession begins, frag 2–3 mm into healthy tissue and stabilize parameters.