Why does my Golden Temple Acropora lose its gold and shift to green or brown?

Gold pigments are sensitive to spectrum, nutrients, and stability. Aim for PAR ~250–350 with strong blue/violet (400–460 nm), NO3 2–10 ppm, PO4 0.02–0.07 ppm, and steady alkalinity 7.5–8.5 dKH. Elevated nutrients with low PAR push it toward green/brown; sudden alkalinity swings or low iodine can wash out gold. Confirm trace balance with periodic ICP tests.

What growth form should I expect, and how do I prevent the base from dying off?

This acro often forms corymbose to tabling colonies under high light. As the canopy expands, it can shade its base. Provide strong, cross‑current flow to the lower branches, prune or frag overhanging plates, and mount to allow light from the sides. Occasional repositioning or trimming maintains airflow and prevents slow tissue necrosis at shaded bases.

I see burnt tips despite good color—what’s the likely cause?

Tip burn typically follows rapid alkalinity rises in high light/low nutrient systems. Verify dosing accuracy, avoid large buffer corrections, and target 0.2 dKH or less daily swing. If tips are burnt, lower light 10–20% temporarily, increase feeding slightly (or amino acids), and stabilize alk/cal/mag before ramping light back up over 1–2 weeks.

What pests target this coral, and how do I detect them early?

Watch for Acropora‑eating flatworms (AEFW) and red bugs. Signs include crescent bite marks, pale patches, or reduced polyp extension. Inspect undersides with a flashlight, use turkey baster blasts to dislodge flatworms, and consider a white dip container to spot them. Quarantine new frags, perform sequential dips 5–7 days apart, and verify with nighttime inspections.

TSA Golden Temple Acropora Coral

Acropora SPS

Overview

Golden Temple Acropora Coral shows branching, tabling clusters with golden to tan tips. Classified as Acropora sp., it is a small-polyp stony coral that prefers strong lighting and high, turbulent water flow. It relies mainly on symbiotic algae for energy but can take fine particulate foods; periodic feeding may support growth and coloration. Place high on stable rockwork with room for upward and outward growth, and keep distance from aggressive, stinging corals.

Quick Facts

Care Difficult

Lighting High

Flow High

Placement High

Temperament Semi-aggressive (3–6 inches spacing)

Recommended Parameters

Temp 76–80°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, zooplankton, rotifers, copepod nauplii, baby brine shrimp (nauplii), oyster eggs, coral-specific powdered foods, amino acid supplements

Care & Placement

Golden Temple Acropora Coral (Acropora sp.) thrives under bright light and strong, random water movement. Provide PAR around 250–400 and acclimate to light over 1–2 weeks to avoid bleaching. Use vigorous, turbulent flow to keep polyps clean and prevent detritus settling at the base. Maintain stable, clean water: temperature 75–79°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, phosphate 0.02–0.08 ppm. Avoid rapid swings; use auto top-off and consistent dosing. Monitor with weekly testing and adjust gradually. Primarily photosynthetic, it benefits from occasional small-particle foods (rotifers, reef roids) or amino acids 1–2 times weekly; broadcast feed with pumps reduced for 10–15 minutes, then resume strong flow.Place high in the aquascape on stable rock with epoxy or gel glue, giving 3–6 inches of space from neighbors. Acropora is generally non-aggressive but can outgrow and shade other corals; keep away from stinging LPS and soft corals. Run random flow modes (e.g., alternating gyres) to reach all sides, especially the base. Dip and quarantine new frags to avoid pests like AEFW and red bugs; drip acclimate 30–45 minutes to match temperature and salinity. Watch for pale tissue (too much light or low nutrients), burnt tips (excess light with low nutrients), or tissue recession (alk swings, pests, stagnant flow). Keep nutrients modest rather than zero for better color, and prune branches to maintain spacing and water movement.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

About the TSA Golden Temple Acropora Coral

Why does my Golden Temple Acropora lose its gold and shift to green or brown?

Gold pigments are sensitive to spectrum, nutrients, and stability. Aim for PAR ~250–350 with strong blue/violet (400–460 nm), NO3 2–10 ppm, PO4 0.02–0.07 ppm, and steady alkalinity 7.5–8.5 dKH. Elevated nutrients with low PAR push it toward green/brown; sudden alkalinity swings or low iodine can wash out gold. Confirm trace balance with periodic ICP tests.
What growth form should I expect, and how do I prevent the base from dying off?

This acro often forms corymbose to tabling colonies under high light. As the canopy expands, it can shade its base. Provide strong, cross‑current flow to the lower branches, prune or frag overhanging plates, and mount to allow light from the sides. Occasional repositioning or trimming maintains airflow and prevents slow tissue necrosis at shaded bases.
I see burnt tips despite good color—what’s the likely cause?

Tip burn typically follows rapid alkalinity rises in high light/low nutrient systems. Verify dosing accuracy, avoid large buffer corrections, and target 0.2 dKH or less daily swing. If tips are burnt, lower light 10–20% temporarily, increase feeding slightly (or amino acids), and stabilize alk/cal/mag before ramping light back up over 1–2 weeks.
What pests target this coral, and how do I detect them early?

Watch for Acropora‑eating flatworms (AEFW) and red bugs. Signs include crescent bite marks, pale patches, or reduced polyp extension. Inspect undersides with a flashlight, use turkey baster blasts to dislodge flatworms, and consider a white dip container to spot them. Quarantine new frags, perform sequential dips 5–7 days apart, and verify with nighttime inspections.

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TSA Golden Temple Acropora Coral

Overview

Quick Facts

Recommended Parameters

Care & Placement

Acropora