The CB Flaming Phoenix Acropora is a showpiece SPS coral. Its intense red and orange branches can dominate any reef. This coral rewards careful, consistent care with blazing color and fast growth.
Lighting, Flow, and Placement for CB Flaming Phoenix Acropora
This Acropora loves strong light. Aim for 250–350 PAR at the colony. Use quality LEDs or a T5/LED hybrid for best color. Place frags high on the rockwork once acclimated.
Light acclimation is critical. Start new frags at 150–200 PAR. Raise them over 2–3 weeks. Increase light 10–15% each week. Watch for pale tips or bleaching. If you see this, reduce intensity and shorten the photoperiod.
Flow should be strong and random. Aim for 30–50 times display volume per hour. Use at least two wavemakers on alternating programs. Avoid direct, laminar flow on the coral. You want the polyps to sway, not whip.
Placement tips:
- Mount frags on stable, epoxy-secured plugs or tiles.
- Give 3–4 inches of space from aggressive neighbors.
- Keep away from direct sandbed contact to prevent tissue damage.
Water Parameters, Feeding, and Troubleshooting
CB Flaming Phoenix Acropora needs very stable water. Target these parameters:
- Alkalinity: 8.0–8.6 dKH, with daily swing under 0.3 dKH.
- Calcium: 420–460 ppm, Magnesium: 1350–1450 ppm.
- Nitrate: 5–15 ppm, Phosphate: 0.03–0.08 ppm.
Use an auto top-off to hold salinity at 1.025–1.026. Test alkalinity at least three times per week. Adjust dosing slowly. Large, sudden corrections often burn tips or cause RTN.
This Acropora gains much from feeding. Dose amino acids 2–3 times per week. Broadcast feed fine particulate foods after lights out. Turn off return pumps for 15–20 minutes. Resume flow to prevent dead spots.
Common problems and fixes:
- Brown, dull color: increase PAR slightly and lower nutrients into target range.
- Pale tissue: reduce light intensity and check for low nitrate or phosphate.
- Base recession: improve flow, inspect for pests, and stabilize alkalinity.
Always quarantine new Acropora frags. Dip for red bugs and Acropora-eating flatworms. Inspect with a magnifying glass. A careful start helps your CB Flaming Phoenix Acropora grow into a bright, branching centerpiece.
