Pink Tip Acropora: A Stunning SPS Showpiece
Elevate your reef aquarium with the breathtaking beauty of the Pink Tip Acropora. This highly sought-after Small Polyp Stony (SPS) coral is a favorite among advanced reefers for its vibrant coloration and elegant, branching growth form. Each branch features a pale green to cream-colored base that transitions into striking, vivid pink tips, creating a stunning gradient effect that intensifies under actinic lighting. The contrasting colors and delicate, intricate structure of this Acropora make it a true centerpiece that adds dimension, movement, and a burst of color to any reef aquascape.
Aquacultured for Superior Hardiness
This frag is 100% aquacultured, meaning it has been propagated and raised in a controlled captive environment. This process yields corals that are significantly hardier, more disease-resistant, and better adapted to the conditions of home reef aquariums than wild-collected specimens. You will receive a healthy, established frag with multiple branches, securely attached to a frag plug. Each frag typically measures 1 to 2 inches in height and is ready for introduction to your system.
For Experienced Reefers
Pink Tip Acropora is best suited for intermediate to advanced aquarists who have experience maintaining stable SPS-dedicated systems. Unlike hardier soft corals like zoanthids, Acropora requires more precise water parameters, intense lighting, and strong, intermittent flow to thrive. However, for those willing to meet its needs, this coral offers unmatched beauty and a rewarding challenge.
Lighting & Flow
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Lighting: Requires moderate to high lighting intensity (T5, LED, or metal halide). For optimal growth and color development, an ideal PAR range of 250–400 is recommended. Higher light levels will enhance the intensity of the pink tips and promote compact, dense growth. Gradual acclimation to your lighting is essential to prevent bleaching or stress.
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Water Flow: Prefers strong, intermittent, and turbulent water flow. Acropora relies on high flow to deliver nutrients and oxygen to their polyps while sweeping away waste products and preventing detritus from settling on the delicate branches. A random or surge-style flow pattern will promote healthy polyp extension and encourage natural, robust growth.
Placement & Growth
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Placement: Best placed in the upper zones of your aquascape, close to the light source and in an area of strong water flow. Provide ample space between this coral and other SPS colonies, as Acropora can extend sweeper tentacles and engage in chemical warfare with neighboring corals. Aggressive or fast-growing corals may also overshadow or outcompete it.
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Growth Rate: Pink Tip Acropora is a moderate-to-fast grower under optimal conditions. With stable parameters, intense lighting, and strong flow, you can expect steady branch extension and new growth tips regularly. A small frag will develop into an impressive, branching colony over time, creating a dramatic focal point in your reef.
Feeding & Nutrition
While Acropora derive a significant portion of their energy from photosynthesis through their symbiotic zooxanthellae, they are also active filter feeders that will benefit from supplemental feeding. Target feeding with fine particulate foods such as reef roids, amino acids, phytoplankton, or zooplankton once or twice per week will promote faster growth, healthier tissue, and more vibrant coloration. Maintaining stable nutrient levels (nitrate and phosphate) is also essential, as Acropora require some nutrients to thrive, but excessive levels can lead to browning or tissue damage.
Recommended Water Parameters
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Temperature: 74–78°F (stability is critical)
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Salinity: 1.024–1.026 (stable)
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pH: 8.1–8.4
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Alkalinity: 7–9 dKH (stability is essential)
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Calcium: 420–450 ppm
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Magnesium: 1280–1350 ppm
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Nitrate: 1–5 ppm
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Phosphate: 0.02–0.08 ppm
A Rewarding Addition for the Dedicated Reefer
The Pink Tip Acropora is a stunning coral that rewards dedicated aquarists with breathtaking coloration and elegant growth. While it requires stable conditions, intense lighting, and strong flow, the visual payoff is well worth the effort. Its vibrant pink tips and graceful branching structure make it a standout piece that will impress every viewer. Add this stunning SPS to your reef today and watch it grow into a magnificent centerpiece.
Important Handling Note: Handle Acropora with care, as their delicate branches can be brittle and prone to breakage. Always wear gloves when handling corals to protect both yourself and the specimen. Ensure your system is fully mature and stable before introducing SPS corals.