Acan Coral Care
Acan Corals have become extremely popular among reef hobbyists during the last several years, and are a must have coral. This is in part due to the incredible variety of colors available as well as their ease of care. This Genus is sold under a variety of names including the following: Acanthastrea Coral, Acan Coral, Acan Brain Coral or simply Acans. The Corals of Eden team offers our customers high end and exclusive corals. Specializing in rainbow color morphs, you will only find the very best coral in our inventory. A truly unique collection of living Corals now available for your reef aquarium. Whether you are just starting off, or an experienced hobbyist looking for a gorgeous rainbow acan, you have most assuredly come to the right place.
Found in tropical oceans, acan corals are located in shallow lagoons and sheltered areas. Ranging from a few meters down to approximately 60 feet beneath the surface.
This species of Lps coral is exceptionally hardy and tolerates a wide variety of water conditions, lighting, and water flow. Although Acans can survive in less than optimal environments, there are some guidelines to follow in order for them to thrive. Please see below.
- Calcium: 380ppm - 450PPM
- Alkalinity: 7-12 DKH
- Magnesium: 1320ppm-1450ppm
- PH: 8.1-8.4
- Specific Gravity: 1.023 – 1.025
- Temperature: 74 -78 degrees
- Phosphate: .03ppm
- Nitrate: 5-10ppm
- Strontium: 8-12ppm
Additional supplements include iodide and trace elements.
Water flow
Generally, the best success is achieved with intermittent low to moderate water flow. You want enough movement so that debris doesn't collect on the coral but not so much that it inhibits the polyps from opening.
Feeding
Acan corals receive the vast portion of their nutrition via photosynthesis from their symbiotic relationship with the zooxanthellae algae. In fact this algae is what gives most coral their dramatic and diverse coloration! In order to facilitate an optimal environment that promotes growth, you will need to feed acans small meaty foods every 2 or 3 days. Sometimes acans are known to grow so fast that they sprout a new head every 7-14 days! This can be achieved by target feeding your acan frag as mentioned and having the water parameters in their appropriate ranges as shown above. Dosing live phytoplankton and zooplankton to your reef aquarium in small amounts is beneficial as well. In nature, live corals feed on these tiny creatures which are suspended in the water column. In the aquarium hobby this element is often neglected and could be a leading reason why growth rates in oceans far exceed that of what has been achieved so far in the reef hobby. Why not learn from the behavior we see in the oceans and replicate it as often as is possible to reap the most success.
Lighting
Once again acan corals are exceptionally versatile and easy to keep. This also applies to lighting requirements. These corals typically do best under low to moderate light heavily influenced by the blue spectrum in the 20,000k range. Actinic lighting really makes their colors pop! This Genus is typically a bottom to mid level inhabitant although every once in a while you might find one which loves more illumination. We’ve had some in the past that enjoyed being 8’’ under the surface of the aquarium! Each acan is unique. Following acclimation we would recommend placing them at a low level in your aquarium for several days. If the polyps extend fully, they are happy where they are. If they do not, simply move them up a few inches every couple days until the polyps open.
Placement to Direct Growth Patterns
Placement of your acan corals greatly affects it's growth potential. Whether on the tank bottom, sand bed, or secured to your live rock aquascape, this can either enhance or inhibit how the colony will grow out. Many reefers have discovered that if an acan is allowed to grow on the tank bottom it will eventually grow into a ball shape. This can be a unique show piece for both you and your friends to enjoy, however the growth rate is limited. Placing your frag on the sand bed can also be hazardous. Although this is most often okay, high levels of water flow in the aquarium can lead to sand getting between the coral skeleton and tissue. If not addressed this can lead to the demise of the coral. If the frag is adhered to live rock the coral will generally grow in accordance with the rocks shape and has the potential for getting much larger.
We hope this information regarding acan corals has been helpful to you. Feel free to browse our extraordinary inventory containing highly sought after LPS Corals, SPS, Softies and more! The Corals of Eden team would be pleased to supply your entire aquarium with aquacultured live coral! We look forward to doing business with you both now and in the future.
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