TSA Hellraiser Acropora Coral

TSA Hellraiser Acropora Coral

Acropora SPS

Overview

Dante's Inferno Acropora Coral shows branching, tightly spaced axial tips with contrasting polyp coloration. Acropora tenuis Coral is a small-polyp stony branching species that thrives under strong light and high, turbulent water flow. It is primarily photosynthetic via symbiotic algae but accepts fine particulate foods; regular, moderate feeding can support growth and deepen color. Place high on stable rockwork with space from aggressive neighbors, and keep alkalinity and calcium stable to prevent tip burn.

Quick Facts

Care Difficult
Lighting High
Flow High
Placement High
Temperament Peaceful (3–4 inches spacing)

Recommended Parameters

Temp 77–80°F
pH 8.1–8.4
Salinity 1.025–1.026
Calcium 420–450 ppm
AlkAlkalinity 7.5–9.0 dKH
Magnesium 1280–1350 ppm
Feeding photosynthetic (primary), microplankton, zooplankton, rotifers, copepod nauplii, phytoplankton, powdered coral foods (e.g., Reef Roids), marine snow, bacterioplankton

Care & Placement

Dante's Inferno Acropora Coral (Acropora tenuis Coral) thrives under high, stable light and strong, turbulent flow. Target 250–350 PAR with a blue-heavy spectrum; acclimate to light by starting mid-level or using screening for 1–2 weeks to prevent bleaching. Provide strong, random flow from alternating pumps to keep polyps clean and prevent detritus buildup. Maintain steady water chemistry: temperature 75–78°F (24–26°C), salinity 1.025–1.026 (35 ppt), pH 8.1–8.4, alkalinity 8.0–9.5 dKH (keep swings under 0.2 dKH/day), calcium 420–460 ppm, magnesium 1300–1400 ppm, nitrate 2–10 ppm, phosphate 0.02–0.07 ppm. Feed small-particle coral foods or broadcast phyto/zooplankton 1–2 times weekly after lights out; occasional amino acids can support coloration if nutrients trend low. Test weekly (alkalinity more often), use reliable kits, and consider periodic ICP testing. Stability beats chasing numbers.Place in the upper third on a secure, clean rock with room to branch; give 2–3 inches of space from neighbors. Compatible with most SPS, but avoid contact with aggressive LPS sweepers and soft corals that release chemicals; run carbon and ensure good export. Quarantine and dip frags to avoid pests (AEFW, red bugs). Drip acclimate to match temp and salinity. Watch for paling/bleaching (too much light or low nutrients) and tissue recession (often from instability); correct by stabilizing parameters, adjusting light/flow, and fragging healthy tips if needed. Keep a consistent maintenance routine, clean pumps for strong flow, and avoid rapid changes.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

About the TSA Hellraiser Acropora Coral

  • Why does my Dante’s Inferno Acropora Coral lose its red/orange glow and shift toward green or brown?
    Acropora tenuis color swings with light spectrum, PAR, and nutrients. Aim for 250–350 PAR with strong blue (around 420–460 nm) and low, stable nitrate/phosphate (not zero). Elevated nutrients or too little light push brown/green pigments. Keep alk 7.5–8.5 dKH steady; swings mute reds. Increase random flow and allow full encrustment before pushing PAR higher.
  • What growth quirks should I expect, and how can I avoid base recession on Acropora tenuis?
    Tenuis forms corymbose clusters; upper branches can shade the base, causing slow tissue loss. Increase crossflow so polyps at the base sway, adjust rockwork to reduce shadowing, and trim dense tips to open light paths. Mount the frag slightly tilted so branches don’t stack vertically. Promote strong encrustment first; rushing vertical growth raises shading risk.
  • My polyps extend at night but stay tight by day—normal for this coral?
    Yes. Tenuis often shows stronger nocturnal extension. Daytime retraction can worsen with excessive light, laminar flow, or pest irritation. Switch to more turbulent flow, verify PAR isn’t spiking, and inspect for AEFW bite marks or red bugs. A wrasse species known for pest patrol helps, but always quarantine and dip new Acropora.
  • What advanced feeding or trace strategies help color and growth without algae blooms?
    Feed very fine zooplankton or aminos sparingly 1–3x weekly with strong export (skimming, refugium). Keep measurable but low nutrients. Trace elements like potassium, iron, and manganese support blues/reds in tenuis, but dose only with test-backed schedules to avoid toxicity. Prioritize stable alk, calcium, and magnesium; chasing traces without stability often backfires.