Why does my El Scorcho Acropora Coral encrust for weeks before sending up branches?

Acropora tenuis often builds a wide, stable base to anchor in strong flow before vertical growth. This is normal and a good sign of health. Once the base reaches stable light and flow exposure, axial corallites at the tips accelerate. If encrusting stalls, check for low PAR (<250), laminar flow, or unstable alk—these slow tissue expansion.

My tips look “burnt” while lower tissue stays fine. What’s causing this?

Tip necrosis in A. tenuis commonly stems from high alk with ultra-low nutrients under intense light. Aim for alk 7.5–8.5 dKH, nitrate 5–15 ppm, phosphate 0.03–0.1 ppm, and 250–350 PAR. Reduce sudden light increases and keep flow random. Stabilize parameters first; trimming only masks the issue.

How can I keep El Scorcho’s colors from dulling or browning with growth?

A. tenuis is sensitive to shading from its own bushy branches. Increase cross-flow to reduce detritus and improve gas exchange, and consider periodic pruning to open the colony. Maintain strong blue/violet spectrum (400–470 nm) with good nutrient balance. Ensure adequate potassium and trace elements via regular water changes or careful dosing.

I’m seeing slow tissue loss at the base after a move—what should I check first?

Base recession after shipping or tank changes often points to flow or stability stress. Increase random flow around the base, verify 0 TDS top-off, and hold alk swings to <0.3 dKH/day. Inspect for pests at night with a flashlight. If loss progresses, frag healthy tips above the recession line and stabilize parameters before re-introduction.

TSA El Scorcho Acropora Coral

Q: My tips look “burnt” while lower tissue stays fine. What’s causing this?

Tip necrosis in A. tenuis commonly stems from high alk with ultra-low nutrients under intense light. Aim for alk 7.5–8.5 dKH, nitrate 5–15 ppm, phosphate 0.03–0.1 ppm, and 250–350 PAR. Reduce sudden light increases and keep flow random. Stabilize parameters first; trimming only masks the issue.

Q: How can I keep El Scorcho’s colors from dulling or browning with growth?

A. tenuis is sensitive to shading from its own bushy branches. Increase cross-flow to reduce detritus and improve gas exchange, and consider periodic pruning to open the colony. Maintain strong blue/violet spectrum (400–470 nm) with good nutrient balance. Ensure adequate potassium and trace elements via regular water changes or careful dosing.

Q: I’m seeing slow tissue loss at the base after a move—what should I check first?

Base recession after shipping or tank changes often points to flow or stability stress. Increase random flow around the base, verify 0 TDS top-off, and hold alk swings to <0.3 dKH/day. Inspect for pests at night with a flashlight. If loss progresses, frag healthy tips above the recession line and stabilize parameters before re-introduction.

Acropora SPS

Overview

El Scorcho Acropora Coral shows tight, upward-branching clusters with small axial tips. Acropora tenuis is a branching small-polyp stony coral; keep it under strong light and strong, turbulent flow. It is primarily photosynthetic via symbiotic algae but benefits from occasional micro-plankton feeds, which can support faster growth and improved color. Place high with plenty of space from other corals, as fast-growing branches can shade neighbors and are sensitive to stings.

Quick Facts

Care Difficult

Lighting High

Flow High, turbulent

Placement High

Temperament Peaceful (2–3 inches spacing)

Recommended Parameters

Temp 76–80°F

pH 8.1–8.4

Salinity 1.025–1.026

Calcium 420–450 ppm

AlkAlkalinity 7–9 dKH

Magnesium 1280–1350 ppm

Feeding photosynthetic, microplankton, rotifers, copepod nauplii, oyster eggs, coral-specific microfoods (e.g., reef roids), amino acids, dissolved organics

Care & Placement

El Scorcho Acropora Coral (Acropora tenuis) thrives under high, stable light and vigorous, random water flow. Target 250–400 PAR with quality LEDs or halides; ramp intensity over 2–3 weeks or use screen/shading to prevent bleaching. Provide strong, turbulent flow to keep tissue clean and deter detritus buildup; avoid a constant jet on one spot. Keep temperature 24–26°C (75–79°F), salinity 1.025–1.026 (35 ppt), pH 8.1–8.4, alkalinity 8–9 dKH, calcium 420–460 ppm, magnesium 1300–1400 ppm, nitrate 2–10 ppm, phosphate 0.03–0.08 ppm. Stability is key—dose alk/Ca daily via two-part, kalk, or a reactor, and test at least twice weekly (alk daily in new systems). Feed lightly 1–2x weekly with fine particulate foods (rotifers, reef-specific powders) or amino acids; do not overfeed. Color washing out often points to excess light/low nutrients; browning suggests low light/high nutrients; burnt tips indicate high alk with very low nutrients.Place high to upper-mid in the rockwork, secure the base, and give 3–5 inches of space to avoid shadowing and contact with aggressive neighbors (euphyllia, galaxea). Generally peaceful but easily stung. Dip and quarantine frags to avoid pests (AEFW, red bugs); inspect for bite marks and eggs. Acclimate by temperature matching, slow drip for 30–45 minutes, then light acclimation as noted. Watch for tissue recession (RTN/STN) after parameter swings; correct by restoring prior values and improving flow. Maintain strong export (skimming, refugium) and use 0 TDS RO/DI water. Regularly inspect for polyp extension; closed polyps often signal irritation, pests, or instability.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

About the TSA El Scorcho Acropora Coral

Why does my El Scorcho Acropora Coral encrust for weeks before sending up branches?

Acropora tenuis often builds a wide, stable base to anchor in strong flow before vertical growth. This is normal and a good sign of health. Once the base reaches stable light and flow exposure, axial corallites at the tips accelerate. If encrusting stalls, check for low PAR (<250), laminar flow, or unstable alk—these slow tissue expansion.
My tips look “burnt” while lower tissue stays fine. What’s causing this?

Tip necrosis in A. tenuis commonly stems from high alk with ultra-low nutrients under intense light. Aim for alk 7.5–8.5 dKH, nitrate 5–15 ppm, phosphate 0.03–0.1 ppm, and 250–350 PAR. Reduce sudden light increases and keep flow random. Stabilize parameters first; trimming only masks the issue.
How can I keep El Scorcho’s colors from dulling or browning with growth?

A. tenuis is sensitive to shading from its own bushy branches. Increase cross-flow to reduce detritus and improve gas exchange, and consider periodic pruning to open the colony. Maintain strong blue/violet spectrum (400–470 nm) with good nutrient balance. Ensure adequate potassium and trace elements via regular water changes or careful dosing.
I’m seeing slow tissue loss at the base after a move—what should I check first?

Base recession after shipping or tank changes often points to flow or stability stress. Increase random flow around the base, verify 0 TDS top-off, and hold alk swings to <0.3 dKH/day. Inspect for pests at night with a flashlight. If loss progresses, frag healthy tips above the recession line and stabilize parameters before re-introduction.