ARC Fireworks Acropora

ARC Fireworks Acropora: Care Guide for Explosive Color

The ARC Fireworks Acropora is a standout SPS coral prized for its intense coloration and sparkling polyp extension. With the right lighting, water chemistry, and flow, this coral can become the visual centerpiece of your reef tank.

ARC Fireworks Acropora Care Requirements

This coral is best suited to intermediate and advanced reef keepers who can provide stable conditions. It rewards consistency with bright, firework-like colors and excellent growth.

Lighting & Placement

ARC Fireworks Acropora thrives under strong, stable lighting. LEDs, T5s, or hybrids all work well when tuned for SPS.

  • PAR range: Aim for 250–350 PAR in the final placement area.
  • Acclimation: Start in slightly lower light and move it up over 2–3 weeks.
  • Placement: Upper to mid-level rockwork with plenty of space for branching growth.

Flow & Water Parameters

Strong, random flow helps keep tissue clean, promotes gas exchange, and delivers nutrients.

  • Flow: Moderate to high, with alternating patterns rather than a constant blast.
  • Temperature: 24–26°C (75–78°F).
  • Salinity: 1.025–1.026 specific gravity.
  • Alkalinity: 8–9 dKH with minimal daily swing.
  • Calcium: 420–450 ppm; Magnesium: 1300–1400 ppm.
  • Nutrients: Nitrate 5–15 ppm, phosphate 0.03–0.08 ppm to avoid pale tissue.

ARC Fireworks Acropora shows its best color when alkalinity, nutrients, and PAR remain stable week after week.

Coloration, Feeding & Growth Tips

Maintaining Vibrant Color

Color in ARC Fireworks Acropora is heavily influenced by spectrum, nutrients, and trace elements.

  • Use a blue-heavy spectrum (14–20K appearance) to enhance fluorescent pigments.
  • Avoid ultra-low nutrients, which can cause washed-out or browned tips.
  • Perform regular water changes or dose trace elements to support pigment production.

Feeding & Supplementation

While primarily photosynthetic, this coral benefits from targeted nutrition.

  • Feed fine particulate foods (e.g., reef roids–style powders) 1–2 times per week with pumps briefly off.
  • Maintain a balanced fish load for natural dissolved organics.
  • Use a reliable dosing system for calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium to keep up with SPS demand.

Compatibility & Long-Term Success

ARC Fireworks Acropora mixes well with other SPS, but avoid direct contact with aggressive LPS or soft corals. Allow room for upward and outward growth, and monitor for shading as colonies mature.

For additional SPS care strategies and aquascape planning, explore our guides on SPS coral care, choosing the right reef tank lighting, and optimizing water chemistry for reef tanks. With patience and stable parameters, ARC Fireworks Acropora can deliver the explosive color and structure that define a high-end reef aquarium.