PC Rainbow Acropora is a favorite among SPS lovers for its intense reds, yellows, and blues, but it can be touchy if your system isn’t stable. With the right approach, though, it grows into a vibrant centerpiece colony.

Tank Conditions PC Rainbow Acro Really Wants

PC Rainbow is not a beginner coral, but any hobbyist with a reasonably mature reef and stable parameters can succeed.

• Lighting: Moderate–high PAR (250–350). Too low and it browns; too high, too fast and it bleaches.
• Flow: Strong, random flow. Aim for polyps to sway, not fold over.
• Parameters: Keep things stable:
  • Alkalinity: 8–9 dKH (avoid swings >0.3 dKH per day)
  • Calcium: 420–450 ppm
  • Magnesium: 1300–1400 ppm
  • Nitrate: 5–15 ppm
  • Phosphate: 0.03–0.08 ppm

Tip: PC Rainbow colors up best in slightly “dirty” but controlled water, not ULNS conditions.

Placement, Feeding, and Color Tuning

Start PC Rainbow lower than you think, then move it up slowly over a few weeks.

• Placement: Upper-middle rockwork with clear space around it so branches can grow without shading.
• Acclimation: Use your light’s acclimation mode or raise PAR by 10–15% per week.
• Feeding: While it gets most energy from light, it responds well to:
• Fine powdered coral foods 1–2x per week
• Occasional amino acid dosing (go slow to avoid algae)
• Color tuning:
  • If it looks pale: check for too much light or ultra-low nutrients.
  • If it looks brown: increase PAR slightly and maintain stable nutrients.

Above all, avoid rapid changes. PC Rainbow rewards patience with dense growth, deep reds, and glowing rainbow tips.