Acan- Lord Rainbow Asst.
Acan Coral, also known as Acanthastrea Coral or simply "Acan," is a popular choice among reef aquarium enthusiasts due to its vibrant colors and relatively easy care. Here are the key care requirements for Acan Corals:
Tank Setup
Tank Size: While Acan Corals can thrive in smaller tanks (such as nano reefs), a larger tank provides more stable water conditions. A minimum of 20 gallons is recommended.
Placement: Place Acan Corals on the substrate or lower to middle areas of the tank. They do well in moderate light and flow areas. Ensure they have space to expand and grow without being shaded by other corals.
Water Parameters
Temperature: Maintain a stable temperature between 75-80°F (24-27°C).
Salinity: Keep the salinity at 1.024-1.026 specific gravity.
pH: Maintain a pH level between 8.1 and 8.4.
Alkalinity: Keep alkalinity between 8-12 dKH.
Calcium: Maintain calcium levels between 400-450 ppm.
Magnesium: Keep magnesium levels between 1250-1350 ppm.
Nitrates and Phosphates: Aim for low nitrate levels (below 5 ppm) and phosphate levels (below 0.03 ppm) to prevent algae growth and maintain coral health.
Lighting
Moderate Lighting: Acan Corals thrive under moderate lighting conditions. LED lights with adjustable intensity are ideal. Avoid placing them directly under intense lighting, as it can cause bleaching.
Light Duration: Provide a 10-12 hour light cycle to mimic natural daylight patterns.
Water Flow
Moderate Flow: Acans prefer moderate water flow. Too much flow can cause them to retract their polyps, while too little flow can lead to detritus buildup. Adjust powerheads and wavemakers to create a gentle, indirect flow.
Feeding
Photosynthesis and Feeding: While Acan Corals derive some of their energy from photosynthesis through their symbiotic zooxanthellae, they also benefit from direct feeding.
Types of Food: Feed them small meaty foods like mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, copepods, and coral-specific pellets or powders. Target feeding with a turkey baster or pipette is effective.
Feeding Frequency: Feed Acans 2-3 times a week to promote growth and vibrant coloration.
Maintenance
Water Quality: Regular water changes (10-20% biweekly) help maintain water quality and replenish essential trace elements.
Testing: Regularly test water parameters to ensure they remain within the optimal range. Adjust as necessary to maintain stability.
Pest Control: Inspect Acans for pests such as flatworms or nudibranchs. Use a coral dip treatment if needed to remove pests before introducing new corals to the tank.
Compatibility
Peaceful Tank Mates: Acans are generally peaceful and can coexist with other corals and reef-safe fish. However, they have sweeper tentacles that can sting nearby corals, so provide adequate space to prevent aggression.
Avoid Aggressive Corals: Keep Acans away from aggressive or fast-growing corals that might overshadow or sting them.
Additional Considerations
Fragging: Acan Corals can be propagated through fragging. Use a sharp coral saw to cut the coral into smaller pieces, ensuring each piece has at least one polyp. Allow the frags to heal in a separate area before reintroducing them to the main tank.
Acclimation: When introducing Acan Corals to your tank, acclimate them slowly to prevent shock. Use the drip acclimation method to gradually adjust them to the tank's water parameters.
By providing the right conditions, regular feeding, and careful maintenance, Acan Corals can thrive and add stunning colors to your reef aquarium.
Acan Coral, also known as Acanthastrea Coral or simply "Acan," is a popular choice among reef aquarium enthusiasts due to its vibrant colors and relatively easy care. Here are the key care requirements for Acan Corals:
Tank Setup
Tank Size: While Acan Corals can thrive in smaller tanks (such as nano reefs), a larger tank provides more stable water conditions. A minimum of 20 gallons is recommended.
Placement: Place Acan Corals on the substrate or lower to middle areas of the tank. They do well in moderate light and flow areas. Ensure they have space to expand and grow without being shaded by other corals.
Water Parameters
Temperature: Maintain a stable temperature between 75-80°F (24-27°C).
Salinity: Keep the salinity at 1.024-1.026 specific gravity.
pH: Maintain a pH level between 8.1 and 8.4.
Alkalinity: Keep alkalinity between 8-12 dKH.
Calcium: Maintain calcium levels between 400-450 ppm.
Magnesium: Keep magnesium levels between 1250-1350 ppm.
Nitrates and Phosphates: Aim for low nitrate levels (below 5 ppm) and phosphate levels (below 0.03 ppm) to prevent algae growth and maintain coral health.
Lighting
Moderate Lighting: Acan Corals thrive under moderate lighting conditions. LED lights with adjustable intensity are ideal. Avoid placing them directly under intense lighting, as it can cause bleaching.
Light Duration: Provide a 10-12 hour light cycle to mimic natural daylight patterns.
Water Flow
Moderate Flow: Acans prefer moderate water flow. Too much flow can cause them to retract their polyps, while too little flow can lead to detritus buildup. Adjust powerheads and wavemakers to create a gentle, indirect flow.
Feeding
Photosynthesis and Feeding: While Acan Corals derive some of their energy from photosynthesis through their symbiotic zooxanthellae, they also benefit from direct feeding.
Types of Food: Feed them small meaty foods like mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, copepods, and coral-specific pellets or powders. Target feeding with a turkey baster or pipette is effective.
Feeding Frequency: Feed Acans 2-3 times a week to promote growth and vibrant coloration.
Maintenance
Water Quality: Regular water changes (10-20% biweekly) help maintain water quality and replenish essential trace elements.
Testing: Regularly test water parameters to ensure they remain within the optimal range. Adjust as necessary to maintain stability.
Pest Control: Inspect Acans for pests such as flatworms or nudibranchs. Use a coral dip treatment if needed to remove pests before introducing new corals to the tank.
Compatibility
Peaceful Tank Mates: Acans are generally peaceful and can coexist with other corals and reef-safe fish. However, they have sweeper tentacles that can sting nearby corals, so provide adequate space to prevent aggression.
Avoid Aggressive Corals: Keep Acans away from aggressive or fast-growing corals that might overshadow or sting them.
Additional Considerations
Fragging: Acan Corals can be propagated through fragging. Use a sharp coral saw to cut the coral into smaller pieces, ensuring each piece has at least one polyp. Allow the frags to heal in a separate area before reintroducing them to the main tank.
Acclimation: When introducing Acan Corals to your tank, acclimate them slowly to prevent shock. Use the drip acclimation method to gradually adjust them to the tank's water parameters.
By providing the right conditions, regular feeding, and careful maintenance, Acan Corals can thrive and add stunning colors to your reef aquarium.
Acan Coral, also known as Acanthastrea Coral or simply "Acan," is a popular choice among reef aquarium enthusiasts due to its vibrant colors and relatively easy care. Here are the key care requirements for Acan Corals:
Tank Setup
Tank Size: While Acan Corals can thrive in smaller tanks (such as nano reefs), a larger tank provides more stable water conditions. A minimum of 20 gallons is recommended.
Placement: Place Acan Corals on the substrate or lower to middle areas of the tank. They do well in moderate light and flow areas. Ensure they have space to expand and grow without being shaded by other corals.
Water Parameters
Temperature: Maintain a stable temperature between 75-80°F (24-27°C).
Salinity: Keep the salinity at 1.024-1.026 specific gravity.
pH: Maintain a pH level between 8.1 and 8.4.
Alkalinity: Keep alkalinity between 8-12 dKH.
Calcium: Maintain calcium levels between 400-450 ppm.
Magnesium: Keep magnesium levels between 1250-1350 ppm.
Nitrates and Phosphates: Aim for low nitrate levels (below 5 ppm) and phosphate levels (below 0.03 ppm) to prevent algae growth and maintain coral health.
Lighting
Moderate Lighting: Acan Corals thrive under moderate lighting conditions. LED lights with adjustable intensity are ideal. Avoid placing them directly under intense lighting, as it can cause bleaching.
Light Duration: Provide a 10-12 hour light cycle to mimic natural daylight patterns.
Water Flow
Moderate Flow: Acans prefer moderate water flow. Too much flow can cause them to retract their polyps, while too little flow can lead to detritus buildup. Adjust powerheads and wavemakers to create a gentle, indirect flow.
Feeding
Photosynthesis and Feeding: While Acan Corals derive some of their energy from photosynthesis through their symbiotic zooxanthellae, they also benefit from direct feeding.
Types of Food: Feed them small meaty foods like mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, copepods, and coral-specific pellets or powders. Target feeding with a turkey baster or pipette is effective.
Feeding Frequency: Feed Acans 2-3 times a week to promote growth and vibrant coloration.
Maintenance
Water Quality: Regular water changes (10-20% biweekly) help maintain water quality and replenish essential trace elements.
Testing: Regularly test water parameters to ensure they remain within the optimal range. Adjust as necessary to maintain stability.
Pest Control: Inspect Acans for pests such as flatworms or nudibranchs. Use a coral dip treatment if needed to remove pests before introducing new corals to the tank.
Compatibility
Peaceful Tank Mates: Acans are generally peaceful and can coexist with other corals and reef-safe fish. However, they have sweeper tentacles that can sting nearby corals, so provide adequate space to prevent aggression.
Avoid Aggressive Corals: Keep Acans away from aggressive or fast-growing corals that might overshadow or sting them.
Additional Considerations
Fragging: Acan Corals can be propagated through fragging. Use a sharp coral saw to cut the coral into smaller pieces, ensuring each piece has at least one polyp. Allow the frags to heal in a separate area before reintroducing them to the main tank.
Acclimation: When introducing Acan Corals to your tank, acclimate them slowly to prevent shock. Use the drip acclimation method to gradually adjust them to the tank's water parameters.
By providing the right conditions, regular feeding, and careful maintenance, Acan Corals can thrive and add stunning colors to your reef aquarium.
