What Makes the Oregon Blue Tort Acropora Special?

The Oregon Blue Tort Acropora is a legendary SPS coral prized for its deep royal-blue branches and bright, contrasting polyps. It’s slower growing than many Acropora, but that’s part of its appeal—dense, chunky branches and intense color when conditions are right.

To keep that signature blue, stability matters more than chasing extreme numbers. Aim for:

• PAR: 250–350 in the upper half of the tank
• Flow: Strong, random, and turbulent (gyre or alternating powerheads)
• 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

Tip: If the coral looks pale or washed out, your light may be too strong or nutrients too low. Deepen the color by slightly reducing PAR and allowing nitrates to rise into the 10 ppm range.

Placement, Acclimation, and Day-to-Day Care

Place your Oregon Blue Tort high on the rockwork where it can receive strong flow and light, but always acclimate slowly.

• Light acclimation: Start at 150–200 PAR and increase 10–20% weekly.
• Flow: Avoid direct, laminar blasts; aim for crossing currents that keep polyps moving gently.
• Space: Give at least 2–3 inches from other SPS to prevent warfare and shading.

For long-term success:

• Test alkalinity 2–3 times per week until consumption is predictable.
• Use an auto-doser or kalkwasser to keep parameters steady.
• Feed the tank lightly with quality coral foods or amino acids 1–2 times per week.
• Inspect regularly for pests like Acropora-eating flatworms and red bugs; dip new frags without exception.

Dialed-in stability and patient light acclimation will reward you with thick, vibrant blue branches that quickly become a centerpiece in your reef.