Why does my Flower Bomb Acropora (Acropora tenuis) show bright tips but a shadowed, browning base?

Tenuis forms dense, bushy branches that can self-shade. Increase chaotic, cross-flow to push O2 and nutrients into the interior, and trim or reposition to open light paths. Aim PAR 250–350 on mid-branches and 100–150 at the base. Keep NO3 5–15 ppm and PO4 0.03–0.10 ppm; too low nutrients pale tips, while excess with low light browns the base.

How can I prevent “burnt tips” when raising light or alkalinity on A. tenuis?

Raise PAR and alkalinity gradually over 2–3 weeks. Keep alkalinity 8.0–8.6 dKH with minimal daily swing, and match increased light with slightly higher nutrients (not ULNS). Strong, turbulent flow dissipates oxygen spikes and heat at tips. If tips frost rapidly, pause changes, feed fine particles lightly at night, and resume slower adjustments.

What spectrum brings out the signature “flower bomb” colors in A. tenuis?

Emphasize blues/violets (420–460 nm) for saturated pinks, purples, and teals, with a moderate white channel to maintain structure and avoid flat greens. A 14–20K visual mix works well. Stabilize nutrients; low phosphate washes colors, while excessive nitrate mutes contrast. Keep photoperiod 9–10 hours with a 1–2 hour ramp to reduce shock.

How do I tell normal rapid growth from tissue loss (STN/RTN) on this species?

Normal growth shows smooth, even white rims along tips with immediate new polyp formation and no sloughing. STN starts as a matte, receding edge from the base or shaded areas; RTN is swift, peeling tissue with exposed skeleton. Improve flow, stabilize parameters, frag ahead of recession, and inspect for pests. Iodine dips help if caught early.

TSA Nebula Tenuis Acropora Coral

Acropora SPS

Overview

Flower Bomb Acropora Coral shows dense, branching tips with contrasting polyp coloration. Acropora tenuis is a small-polyp stony branching coral that prefers strong lighting and high, turbulent water flow. It is primarily photosynthetic through symbiotic algae, but occasional feeding of fine plankton can support growth and color. Place high on stable rockwork with space from aggressive neighbors, and keep alkalinity and nutrients steady.

Quick Facts

Care Difficult

Lighting High

Flow High

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 1250–1350 ppm

Feeding photosynthetic (primary), microplankton, zooplankton, phytoplankton, rotifers, reef plankton, coral-specific powdered foods, amino acid supplements

Care & Placement

Flower Bomb Acropora Coral (Acropora tenuis) thrives with bright light, strong random flow, and very stable water. Target 250–350 PAR using full-spectrum LEDs or T5/LED hybrids; acclimate to light with reduced intensity or window screen over 1–2 weeks to avoid bleaching. Provide vigorous, turbulent flow to keep polyps clean and prevent detritus buildup; avoid direct laminar jets that can damage tissue. While photosynthetic, it benefits from occasional small-particle foods (reef roids, rotifers, oyster eggs) 1–3 times weekly and balanced amino acids; keep nutrients measurable (nitrate 2–10 ppm, phosphate 0.03–0.08 ppm) for color and growth.Maintain temp 24–26°C (75–78°F), pH 8.1–8.4, salinity 1.025–1.026 (35 ppt), calcium 420–460 ppm, alkalinity 8.0–9.5 dKH, magnesium 1300–1400 ppm. Test at least weekly and dose to hold steady; sudden swings can trigger tissue loss (STN/RTN). Place frags in the upper third on stable rock with room to branch, avoiding shade. Give 3–5 inches of space from other corals, especially aggressive LPS; Acropora are generally peaceful but easily stung. Dip new pieces for pests (AEFW, red bugs) and quarantine when possible. If paling, reduce light slightly or raise nutrients; if browning, improve export or increase light slowly. “Burnt tips” often signal high alkalinity with low nutrients—rebalance. Watch for recession at the base from low flow or detritus and adjust placement.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

About the TSA Nebula Tenuis Acropora Coral

Why does my Flower Bomb Acropora (Acropora tenuis) show bright tips but a shadowed, browning base?

Tenuis forms dense, bushy branches that can self-shade. Increase chaotic, cross-flow to push O2 and nutrients into the interior, and trim or reposition to open light paths. Aim PAR 250–350 on mid-branches and 100–150 at the base. Keep NO3 5–15 ppm and PO4 0.03–0.10 ppm; too low nutrients pale tips, while excess with low light browns the base.
How can I prevent “burnt tips” when raising light or alkalinity on A. tenuis?

Raise PAR and alkalinity gradually over 2–3 weeks. Keep alkalinity 8.0–8.6 dKH with minimal daily swing, and match increased light with slightly higher nutrients (not ULNS). Strong, turbulent flow dissipates oxygen spikes and heat at tips. If tips frost rapidly, pause changes, feed fine particles lightly at night, and resume slower adjustments.
What spectrum brings out the signature “flower bomb” colors in A. tenuis?

Emphasize blues/violets (420–460 nm) for saturated pinks, purples, and teals, with a moderate white channel to maintain structure and avoid flat greens. A 14–20K visual mix works well. Stabilize nutrients; low phosphate washes colors, while excessive nitrate mutes contrast. Keep photoperiod 9–10 hours with a 1–2 hour ramp to reduce shock.
How do I tell normal rapid growth from tissue loss (STN/RTN) on this species?

Normal growth shows smooth, even white rims along tips with immediate new polyp formation and no sloughing. STN starts as a matte, receding edge from the base or shaded areas; RTN is swift, peeling tissue with exposed skeleton. Improve flow, stabilize parameters, frag ahead of recession, and inspect for pests. Iodine dips help if caught early.

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TSA Nebula Tenuis Acropora Coral

Overview

Quick Facts

Recommended Parameters

Care & Placement

Acropora