Digitate Acropora
From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer
Excellent water quality is necessary for survival. Scott W. Michael
Overview
Very difficult to maintain, they are rather like cluster Acropora, with thicker, more closely set branches that impede water circulation through the colony. Growth slows and colonies tend to turn brown in tanks with even moderate nutrient levels.
Family: Acroporidae
Other common name(s):
Native range:
Habitat: They are shallow-water animals used to pounding surf and the resultant surge, coupled with good water quality.
Maximum length: 300 cm (118 in)
Minimum aquarium size: 380 L (100 gal)
Lighting: Bright lighting is essential.
Placement: In full bright light.
Water: Marine 24 °C (75 °F) - 28 °C (82 °F)
Feeding
Zooxanthellate; need microplankton or small particulate organic matter for best growth.
Aquarium Compatibility
No Acropora should be placed in a tank less than a year old. Need a stable, “mature” tank with excellent water quality; must be spaced properly to allow for growth.
Special Care
Maintain calcium concentrations at or near 450 ppm. Maintain alkalinity at 3.2 to 4.5 meq/L (9 to 12 dKH). Maintain phosphate at undetectable levels.
Notes
May be available as “aquacultured” corals. Such clones have undergone physiological adaptation to captivity and survive far better than wild-caught individuals. Many of these corals will show different growth forms in different aquariums.