PC Rainbow Acropora Coral

PC Rainbow Acropora Coral

Sale price  $54.99 Regular price $79.99
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PC Rainbow Acropora Coral

PC Rainbow Acropora Coral

SKU: CTOxProcoralsrainbow

Sale price  $54.99 Regular price $79.99
SAVE $25
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Grow your PC Rainbow Acropora with:

Quick Specs

Care Level
Shop live corals by care level: Moderate–Difficult
Flow
Shop live corals by flow: High
Lighting
Shop live corals by lighting: High
Placement
Shop live corals by placement: High
Growth Rate
Shop live corals by growth rate: Fast
Temperament
Peaceful(allow 1–2 inches for growth)
Feeding
Photosynthetic(primary), microplankton, rotifers, copepod nauplii, oyster eggs, coral-specific powdered foods, amino acid supplements, marine snow/bacterioplankton
Description
Photo is of mother colony. Frags are typically ¾" – 1" in size.

Aquacultured Acropora Coral

Acropora corals are the centerpiece of many advanced reef aquariums, and few SPS corals match their range of color, texture, and growth form. Our Acropora for sale spans popular species such as millepora Acropora (Acropora millepora, or "millies"), Acropora tenuis, staghorn Acropora (Acropora formosa), Acropora tortuosa (torts), Acropora valida, and Acropora lokani. We farm and propagate Acropora from mother colonies in our Florida aquaculture facility, where frags grow out under captive reef conditions before they ship.

Acro corals reward stable, well-maintained systems with fast branching growth and some of the most vivid coloration in the hobby. They are best suited to reefers who test regularly and can keep parameters consistent.

Acropora Care at a Glance

Parameter Recommended Range
Care level Advanced
Lighting High, 200+ PAR
Water flow Strong and variable
Temperature 75–80°F
Salinity 1.025–1.026
pH 8.1–8.4
Calcium 420–440 ppm
Alkalinity 8–9.5 dKH
Magnesium 1300–1450 ppm
Nitrate <10 ppm
Phosphate <0.10 ppm
Origin Indo-Pacific; aquacultured by Top Shelf Aquatics

Water Chemistry for Acropora

Acropora are highly sensitive to parameter swings, so stability matters as much as the numbers themselves. Calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium drive skeletal growth, and a healthy pH helps the coral absorb the calcium it needs to build new branches. Test often and dose to hold levels steady rather than chasing large corrections.

Lighting Your Acropora

In the wild, Acropora grow near reef crests and upper slopes across Fiji, Tonga, the Solomon Islands, and the Great Barrier Reef, where light is intense. In the aquarium, aim for 200+ PAR from high-output LEDs, T5 fluorescents, or metal halides. We grow our colonies under a combination of EcoTech Marine Radions and metal halides.

Spectrum shapes the result:

  • More white light (10K–14K): faster growth, but less vivid coloration
  • Deeper blue light (18K–20K): stronger coloration, but slower growth

Increase intensity gradually so a new frag can adjust without bleaching.

Water Flow

Strong, randomized flow mimics the high-energy reef crest, delivering nutrients and carrying waste away from the coral's tissue. We use EcoTech Marine MP pumps, Reef Octopus OCTO Pulse, and Sicce XStream wavemakers to keep flow varied across every colony. As a branching colony grows, it changes how water moves through your tank, so audit and adjust flow patterns over time.

What We Feed Our Acropora

Acropora get most of their energy from photosynthesis through their symbiotic zooxanthellae, but supplemental feeding improves growth and color. We feed our exclusive Royal Flush phytoplankton blend (Tisochrysis, Rhodomonas, and Tetraselmis), along with Benepets, Reef Roids, and amino acids. For best results, target-feed with a turkey baster and turn off circulation and return pumps for about 10–15 minutes so the coral can absorb nutrients. Maintaining trace elements such as iron and iodine also supports vibrant pigmentation.

Coloration and Settling In

Acropora color depends on lighting spectrum, nutrition, and water stability. It is normal for a new frag to show little visible growth for the first 3–6 months while it settles into your system, so patience and consistency pay off.

Common Acropora Challenges

  • Rapid tissue necrosis (RTN): usually triggered by stress or unstable parameters; pristine, stable water is the best prevention
  • Bleaching: caused by sudden changes in light or temperature; acclimate gradually and keep temperature consistent
  • Parameter fluctuations: regular testing and dosing keep calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium in balance
  • Growth interference: prune and reposition colonies to limit competition for space and flow

How We Farm Our Acropora Frags

Our team of marine biologists monitors water parameters across more than 30,000 gallons of farmable water volume. We select robust mother colonies, frag them carefully, and mount each frag on a plug with reef-safe glue or epoxy. Frags then grow out in dedicated systems with high-intensity lighting and advanced flow before they ship.

How to Acclimate an Acropora Frag

  1. Temperature: float the bag in your aquarium for 15–20 minutes to equalize temperature.
  2. Drip acclimation: gradually introduce your tank water to the coral.
  3. Lighting: increase light intensity gradually over 2–3 weeks to avoid bleaching.
  4. Placement: mount the frag securely in an area with strong water flow.
FAQs Common questions about PC Rainbow Acropora Coral

Why does my PC Rainbow Acropora lose its rainbow tones and look brown or pastel?

Color shifts usually trace to light and nutrient balance. Aim for 250–400 PAR with strong blue/UV (350–450 nm) and avoid excessive white/red. Keep NO3 around 5–15 ppm and PO4 0.03–0.10 ppm; too low yields washed pastels, too high causes browning. Stable alkalinity (7.5–8.5 dKH) is key. Potassium supports pinks/reds; iron/iodine help greens/yellows—dose only after testing.

How should I mount and shape this millepora for best growth?

Let it encrust before vertical growth. Mount at a slight angle or horizontally to promote fuller branching and reduce basal shadowing. Provide strong, turbulent flow around the base to keep tissue healthy. Periodic pruning of inner branches improves light penetration and maintains color at the core. Avoid cradles that trap detritus under the frag.

What flow pattern suits A. millepora, and how do I know it’s too much or too little?

Mimic shallow reef surge: high, chaotic, alternating flow. Too little: detritus collects, polyps remain withdrawn, and base darkens. Too much laminar flow: tissue recession or burn on the windward side and constantly retracted polyps. Use crossfire from multiple pumps, not a single jet, and cycle intensities to keep polyps extended without battering tissue.

What pests and subtle symptoms should I watch for with PC Rainbow Acropora?

Watch for Acropora-eating flatworms (AEFW): faint bite marks, pale patches, and tan egg clusters on undersides; confirm with a turkey baster blast. Red bugs cause reduced polyp extension and muted colors without obvious tissue loss. Dip new pieces (iodine or low-dose insecticide dips), rinse well, and inspect after lights out. Maintain a quarantine schedule for all Acropora additions.
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SKU: CTOxProcoralsrainbow

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