Why is my Disco Fever Acropora losing its neon glow while still growing?

Color in A. tenuis is highly spectrum- and nutrient-sensitive. Aim for 250–350 PAR with strong 420–460 nm blue, moderate white. Keep nitrate 5–15 ppm and phosphate 0.03–0.08 ppm; too low washes colors, too high browns tissue. Maintain alk 7.8–8.8 dKH with minimal swing. Potassium 380–420 ppm and adequate iodine/iron help pigments. Avoid high alk in ultra-low nutrients to prevent burnt tips.

How can I shape growth for that bushy, multi-branch look instead of a sparse stick?

Mount the frag horizontally or slightly tilted so more axial sites receive light and flow, encouraging multiple leaders. Let it encrust a wide base before vertical growth by placing on a flat tile or plug rim. Provide strong, random flow (not a direct jet) to reduce shadowing and promote thicker branches. Trim dominant leaders periodically to redistribute energy to secondary branches.

What pests target A. tenuis and how do I confirm and treat them?

Acropora-eating flatworms leave oval bite marks and pale patches; red bugs cause poor polyp extension and dulling. Inspect under white light and with a turkey baster blast; AEFW often dislodge as tan ovals. Quarantine and use targeted dips (e.g., iodine, Bayer/appropriate alternatives) in cycles to catch hatchlings. For red bugs, whole-tank treatments may be required. Add wrasses (e.g., melanurus) as biological support, not a cure.

My tenuis started STN from the base after a small parameter swing—best rescue plan?

Stabilize first: match temp, salinity, alk, and pH; stop major changes. Increase turbulent flow around the base to prevent detritus buildup. Frag 5–10 mm into healthy tissue above the necrotic zone and remount on clean plugs. Consider an iodine bath for affected pieces. Ensure nutrients aren’t near-zero, and check for pests. Avoid heavy light increases during recovery; hold PAR steady.

TSA Disco Fever Acropora Coral

Acropora SPS

Overview

Disco Fever Acropora Coral displays tight, branching growth with contrasting polyp tips. Acropora tenuis is a small-polyp stony coral with a branching structure that prefers strong lighting and high, turbulent water flow. It relies on symbiotic algae for energy but will accept fine particulate foods; occasional feeding can support growth and color stability. Place high on stable rock with strong flow and leave space from aggressive neighbors to prevent tissue damage.

Quick Facts

Care Difficult

Lighting Moderate–High

Flow High

Placement High

Temperament Semi-aggressive (3–6 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, amino acid supplements, marine snow, phytoplankton (sparingly)

Care & Placement

Disco Fever Acropora Coral (Acropora tenuis) thrives in bright, stable systems. Aim for strong, blue-leaning light at 250–350 PAR; acclimate by starting lower and increasing over 2–3 weeks to avoid bleaching. Provide high, random flow from alternating or gyre pumps to keep tissue clean, prevent detritus buildup, and support gas exchange. Target stable parameters: temperature 24–26°C (75–79°F), salinity 1.025–1.026 (35 ppt), pH 8.0–8.4, alkalinity 8.0–9.5 dKH, calcium 420–460 ppm, magnesium 1300–1400 ppm, nitrate 2–10 ppm, phosphate 0.03–0.08 ppm. Stability matters more than chasing exact numbers; avoid abrupt swings, especially in alkalinity and salinity. Primarily photosynthetic, it benefits from occasional small-particle foods (rotifers, reef powders) or amino acids 1–3 times weekly with pumps briefly slowed; do not overfeed.Place high in the rockwork under strong light with vigorous, indirect flow. Allow 3–4 inches of space from neighbors; avoid contact with aggressive LPS sweepers and allelopathic soft corals (run carbon and maintain good export if mixed). Mount securely on stable rock with epoxy; expect upward branching that can shade corals below. Acclimate new pieces with drip acclimation and a prophylactic dip; quarantine to prevent pests such as Acropora-eating flatworms. Common issues: pale tissue (too much light or too little nutrients), browning (excess nutrients or low light), and recession from alk shock, pests, or low flow. Test weekly, use an auto top-off, and dose calcium/alk/mag as needed; consider periodic ICP for trace checks. If recession starts, increase flow, correct parameters, move slightly lower, perform a dip, and frag healthy tips to save the lineage.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

About the TSA Disco Fever Acropora Coral

Why is my Disco Fever Acropora losing its neon glow while still growing?

Color in A. tenuis is highly spectrum- and nutrient-sensitive. Aim for 250–350 PAR with strong 420–460 nm blue, moderate white. Keep nitrate 5–15 ppm and phosphate 0.03–0.08 ppm; too low washes colors, too high browns tissue. Maintain alk 7.8–8.8 dKH with minimal swing. Potassium 380–420 ppm and adequate iodine/iron help pigments. Avoid high alk in ultra-low nutrients to prevent burnt tips.
How can I shape growth for that bushy, multi-branch look instead of a sparse stick?

Mount the frag horizontally or slightly tilted so more axial sites receive light and flow, encouraging multiple leaders. Let it encrust a wide base before vertical growth by placing on a flat tile or plug rim. Provide strong, random flow (not a direct jet) to reduce shadowing and promote thicker branches. Trim dominant leaders periodically to redistribute energy to secondary branches.
What pests target A. tenuis and how do I confirm and treat them?

Acropora-eating flatworms leave oval bite marks and pale patches; red bugs cause poor polyp extension and dulling. Inspect under white light and with a turkey baster blast; AEFW often dislodge as tan ovals. Quarantine and use targeted dips (e.g., iodine, Bayer/appropriate alternatives) in cycles to catch hatchlings. For red bugs, whole-tank treatments may be required. Add wrasses (e.g., melanurus) as biological support, not a cure.
My tenuis started STN from the base after a small parameter swing—best rescue plan?

Stabilize first: match temp, salinity, alk, and pH; stop major changes. Increase turbulent flow around the base to prevent detritus buildup. Frag 5–10 mm into healthy tissue above the necrotic zone and remount on clean plugs. Consider an iodine bath for affected pieces. Ensure nutrients aren’t near-zero, and check for pests. Avoid heavy light increases during recovery; hold PAR steady.

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TSA Disco Fever Acropora Coral

Overview

Quick Facts

Recommended Parameters

Care & Placement

Acropora