Blue Acropora Staghorn Basics

The Blue Acropora Staghorn is a stunning centerpiece coral, but it demands stability and attention. Think of it as a “high-performance” coral—rewarding if you meet its needs, unforgiving if you don’t.

Place your frag or colony high in the rockwork where it can receive:

• Strong, turbulent flow – Aim for random, alternating currents, not a constant blast on one side.
• High PAR lighting – Typically 250–400 PAR with stable spectrum; avoid sudden intensity jumps.

Acclimate to light by starting lower or using reduced intensity, then increase over 1–2 weeks. Sudden light changes are a common cause of bleaching.

Water Quality & Everyday Care

Blue Acropora Staghorn thrives when parameters barely move. Test often and correct slowly.

• Alkalinity: 8–9 dKH, with less than 0.2 dKH swing per day.
• Calcium: 420–450 ppm; Magnesium: 1300–1400 ppm.
• Nutrients: Nitrate 2–10 ppm, Phosphate 0.03–0.08 ppm—avoid “zeroed out” nutrients.

Tip: If tips burn or bases recede, check alkalinity and nutrient levels first before changing lights or flow.

For day-to-day care:

• Use auto-dosing for alkalinity and calcium once consumption becomes steady.
• Feed lightly with quality coral foods 1–2 times per week, and maintain a healthy fish load.
• Inspect weekly for pests like Acropora-eating flatworms; use a turkey baster to blast the branches and look for movement.
• Frag early if branches grow too close to neighbors; this prevents warfare and improves flow.

With stable parameters, strong random flow, and patient adjustments, your Blue Acropora Staghorn can develop thick, branching growth and deep, vibrant blue coloration that stands out in any reef tank.